Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn

Photo © R and K

Travel Guide Europe Austria Vienna Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn

Introduction

Schloss Schönbrunn

Schonbrunn Palace view in Vienna

Situated outside of the city of Vienna, Schloss Schönbrunn used to be the summer palace of the Austrian Imperial Family. Nowadays the palace lies inside the city, and its park make a nice refuge to escape the noise of that same city. The palace itself has 1,441 rooms and tours take you through only a to a few of them. Near the palace there is also a theater which is ofter used to give concerts.

Behind the palace lies a huge park in which you can spend a lot of time. From the Gloriette you have a great view over the gardens, towards the palace and the city. Halfway between the palace and the Gloriette you will find the Neptunesbrunnen, a huge fountain. There is also a huge butterfly house, which is located not for from the the Zoo, which is supposed to be the oldest zoo in the world.

edit

Opening Hours

Schönbrunn Palace is open daily, including public holidays:

1st April to 30th June: 8.30 am to 5.00 pm
1st July to 31st August: 8.30 am to 6.00 pm
1st September to 31st October: 8.30 am to 5.00 pm
1st November to 31st March: 8.30 am to 4.30 pm

For a complete list of the opening hours of the several gardens and the Gloriette, please check here. Please note that dogs are not allowed into the gardens.

edit

Cost

Palmhouse at Schonbrunn in Vienna

There are a couple of options if you want to see the inside of the palace:

the Imperial Tour takes you to 22 rooms, by audioguide. €9.50 for adults.
The Grand Tour, takes you to 40 rooms, by audioguide. €12.90 for aduls.
Or the Grand Tour to the same 40 rooms, can also be done with a guide. €14.40 for adults.

Audiotours are available in 12 languages, and can be downloaded on the website of Schönbrunn for free. You can also download the description of the tour in even more languages.

There is even a videoguide worked out in sign language in International Signs, and Austrian Signs Language. (due to the limited numbers of these videoguides, it is best to make a reservation at least three days before the visit.) The video guide is free of extra charges.

edit