A beautiful Baroque complex which used to be the imperial summer residence today is the most important cultural and architectural object in Vienna and Austria overall. The object of the world's UNESCO heritage is also among the most visited tourist attractions frequented yearly by nearly 4 million people. Built in 1548 and named Katterburg, the mansion served as the ground for the court's recreational hunting. Since 1569 it has been owned by the Habsburgs. Maria Theresa received it as a wedding gift and remodelled it into the present form in the 1740–50s. Franz Josef redecorated the palace exterior in neoclassical style.
The palace has 1441 rooms, but only 45 of those are open to the public. You can explore 22 rooms in a 40-minute Imperial Tour which focuses on the private lodgings of Franz Joseph and Elisabeth or "Sisi". You may also choose to discover 40 rooms in an hour-long Grand Tour Apart from the imperial couple, it also features the 18th-century interiors of Maria Theresa.
A Classic Pass provides an access to five attractions including Schönbrunn Palace, Orangery Garden, Privy Garden, Maze, and Gloriette. This tour takes 3 to 4 hours to complete and is available only from mid-March to the beginning of November. If you are interested in particular locations, you may also visit them separately. Another option is visiting the Schönbrunn within a Vienna city tour.
The palace operates year-round including public holidays. The site opens daily at 8 am, and closing time varies throughout the seasons. The park opens at 6:30 am and offers free admission, but if you want to enter its attractions, you'll need to buy admission tickets. To bypass lining, you'd better buy your tickets online, or go on a guided tour.
Even though the palace itself is open to visitors all year round, we recommend visiting between mid-March and early November. During that time of year, you'll be able to also explore other landmarks at Schönbrunn with seasonal availability, such as Orangery Garden, the Privy Garden, and the Maze.
Practical info
What are the different tours available at the Schönbrunn Palace?
The Schönbrunn Palace offers two tours, namely the Imperial Tour and the Grand Tour. The Imperial Tour provides a glimpse of private lodgings of Franz Joseph and Elisabeth, while the Grand Tour gives an insight into Maria Theresa's 18th-century interiors. Those who want to explore more attractions can opt for the Classic Pass ticket, which provides entry to five attractions, including the Schönbrunn Palace, Orangery Garden, Privy Garden, Maze, and Gloriette. The ticket is only available from mid-March to the beginning of November. Show more
How many rooms in the Schönbrunn Palace are open to the public?
Out of 1441 rooms in the Schönbrunn Palace, only 45 are open to the general public. Visitors can choose between the Imperial Tour or the Grand Tour to explore more rooms. The Imperial Tour provides access to 22 rooms, while the Grand Tour offers entry to 40. Both tours offer visitors a full experience of the palace's rich history, culture, and art. Show more
What other attractions does a Classic Pass grant access to?
Besides the Schönbrunn Palace, a Classic Pass ticket also provides entry to the Orangery Garden, Privy Garden, Maze, and Gloriette. It offers visitors a chance to spend up to 3-4 hours exploring all five attractions. Visitation is only possible from mid-March to the beginning of November. It is an excellent option for tourists who want to experience the palace's beauty and other lovely spots in one ticket. Show more
When is the best time to visit the Schönbrunn Palace?
Although the Schönbrunn Palace is open year-round, it is best to visit between mid-March and the beginning of November when attractions such as the Orangery Garden, Privy Garden, and Maze are open to the public. During this time, the weather also tends to be milder, providing visitors with a more comfortable experience overall. Planning a trip during this period enables visitors to get the full value of their admission tickets. Show more
Where can visitors purchase admission tickets and bypass lining?
To enter the palace without waiting in line, visitors can buy admission tickets online or directly at the counter. There are guided tour options for visitors who want a personalised experience. Combining guided tours with tickets may result in more savings and a more informative and engaging experience for visitors. Show more
