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Revel like Royalty in Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna
Published by Erin Pienaar, Writer
Country: Austria 
The Experience
Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Austria, and rightfully so, as it is said to be surpassed in beauty and grandeur only by Versailles in France. If the beautifully decorated palace rooms are not enough to encourage a visit, travellers will be easily lured in by the remarkable gardens and the striking hedge maze.
The site of Schonbrunn Palace originally served as a hunting ground for the Austrian Imperial family. A mansion was erected by the family in 1548, and this mansion was eventually transformed into a palace by Eleonore Gonzaga, the widow of Ferdinand II, and a prominent member of the House of Hapsburg. Schonbrunn Palace has been remodelled several times according to the whims of its varying owners. Many of the Austrian Imperial family used Schonbrunn as a summer home only, but Emperor Franz Josef I of Austria spent the majority of his life there, and died there in 1916. The downfall of the monarchy in 1918 led to the Austrian Republic’s possession of Schonbrunn Palace, and thankfully, they opted to preserve the Palace as a museum, which is now a UNESCO world heritage site.
One of the most notable features of Schonbrunn is its unique colour: a cheerful yellow, which has been dubbed “Schonbrunn Yellow.” Even the name of the Palace connotes vitality and pleasure, as Schonbrunn means “beautiful spring.” The interior of the Palace is just as noteworthy as the yellow exterior, and Schonbrunn houses over forty extravagant nineteenth century apartments within. These apartments feature crown moulding, huge chandeliers, antique furnishings, and grand portraits of Austrian royalty. After marvelling at the royal splendour of the apartments, visitors can admire the Baroque style gardens. The Palace grounds feature a Neptune fountain, the world’s oldest zoo, founded in 1752, and an orangerie (similar to a greenhouse).
Beyond the garden is a 60-metre hill, crowned by the impressive Schonbrunn gloriette— a building in a garden that is elevated above its surroundings—which is probably the best known example of this type of structure. The gloriette is interpreted as a monument to "just war," which is the ideal of waging war with the purpose of restoring balance of power and consolidating the established order.
Today, the gloriette houses a cafe and offers visitors a stunning view of the city.
Rich in history and stunning beauty, the Schonbrunn Palace is a must-see for any visitor to Vienna.
The site of Schonbrunn Palace originally served as a hunting ground for the Austrian Imperial family. A mansion was erected by the family in 1548, and this mansion was eventually transformed into a palace by Eleonore Gonzaga, the widow of Ferdinand II, and a prominent member of the House of Hapsburg. Schonbrunn Palace has been remodelled several times according to the whims of its varying owners. Many of the Austrian Imperial family used Schonbrunn as a summer home only, but Emperor Franz Josef I of Austria spent the majority of his life there, and died there in 1916. The downfall of the monarchy in 1918 led to the Austrian Republic’s possession of Schonbrunn Palace, and thankfully, they opted to preserve the Palace as a museum, which is now a UNESCO world heritage site.
One of the most notable features of Schonbrunn is its unique colour: a cheerful yellow, which has been dubbed “Schonbrunn Yellow.” Even the name of the Palace connotes vitality and pleasure, as Schonbrunn means “beautiful spring.” The interior of the Palace is just as noteworthy as the yellow exterior, and Schonbrunn houses over forty extravagant nineteenth century apartments within. These apartments feature crown moulding, huge chandeliers, antique furnishings, and grand portraits of Austrian royalty. After marvelling at the royal splendour of the apartments, visitors can admire the Baroque style gardens. The Palace grounds feature a Neptune fountain, the world’s oldest zoo, founded in 1752, and an orangerie (similar to a greenhouse).
Beyond the garden is a 60-metre hill, crowned by the impressive Schonbrunn gloriette— a building in a garden that is elevated above its surroundings—which is probably the best known example of this type of structure. The gloriette is interpreted as a monument to "just war," which is the ideal of waging war with the purpose of restoring balance of power and consolidating the established order.
Today, the gloriette houses a cafe and offers visitors a stunning view of the city.
Rich in history and stunning beauty, the Schonbrunn Palace is a must-see for any visitor to Vienna.
When to Go to Schonbrunn Palace
Odds n' Ends
Schonbrunn Palace tour prices vary according to what tour you select. The Imperial tour features 22 state rooms, and includes the gardens and an audioguide (adults €9.50; children €6.50). The Grand tour features 40 rooms and includes the gardens and audioguide (adults €12.50; children € 8.90); and the advanced Grand tour features the gardens and a guided tour through 40 rooms (Adults € 14.40; €, 9.90).
The hill leading up to the gloriette may seem like a gentle slope, but it is quite a tiring climb, especially in the summer heat. It is well worth the trek, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
The hill leading up to the gloriette may seem like a gentle slope, but it is quite a tiring climb, especially in the summer heat. It is well worth the trek, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
Discover all that Vienna has to offer with Hotel Kaiserpark Schonbrunn as a base. The Hotel Kaiserpark Schonbrunn boasts a convenient location with modern amenities ... 0 miles away
The Courtyard Vienna Schoenbrunn is located near the center of the city. Nearby attractions include the zoo, the State Opera and Schoenbrunn Palace. There is ... 0 miles away
$55 EUR+
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While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
Arrival shuttle transfer to your hotel Coffee and cake in the traditional Cafe Schwarzenberg A delicious lunch or dinner in the popular Restaurant Fuhrich ...3.29 miles away via Vienna.
$133+
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Carpe Diem! Book to do this experience now!
You'll also see the Museum of Applied Arts, the State Opera House, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural History. The Hofburg ...
Starting from $45.49 per person.
Starting from $45.49 per person.
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