Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss Schönbrunn)
Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss Schönbrunn) is Vienna's former Habsburg imperial summer residence — a 1,441-room Baroque and Rococo masterpiece set within 160 hectares of formal gardens. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, it is Austria's most-visited cultural attraction, offering palace tours, a hilltop Gloriette, a maze, and the world's oldest continuously operating zoo.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 08:30–17:00 Daily 06:30–21:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | U4 (green line) to station 'Schönbrunn' — 5–7 min walk to main entrance; or one stop further to 'Hietzing' for the gardens/zoo side. Trams 10 & 60 stop at the palace gates. Bus 10A also serves the site. |
| Time needed | Half a day (4–5 hours) to cover the palace interior and gardens; 3–4 hours for palace + Classic Pass attractions only. |
| Best time to go | Weekday mornings at opening (08:30) in spring (Apr–May) or autumn (Sep–Oct) for fewest crowds and pleasant garden conditions. Summer peak (Jun–Aug) is busiest; book timed-entry tickets 2–3 weeks ahead. |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Locals Score
- Value7.0
- Freshness5.9
- Crowd level3.0
- Authenticity7.5
- Accessibility9.0
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between the State Apartments and the Palace Ticket?
- The State Apartments ticket (€28) covers a selection of the finest ceremonial rooms in about 40 minutes. The Palace Ticket (€38) covers the entire piano nobile — including the apartments of Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) and Maria Theresa's private Rococo chambers — in about 75 minutes. Both include an audio guide in up to 16 languages.
- Is Schönbrunn Palace a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
- Yes. The Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in December 1996, recognised as one of the finest and best-preserved Baroque ensembles in Europe and a symbol of Habsburg imperial power spanning the late 17th to early 20th century.
- Is the Schönbrunn Palace park free to enter?
- Yes. The palace park and gardens are free to enter during opening hours, with gates opening daily at 06:30. Separate paid tickets are required for the Privy Garden, Orangery Garden, Maze, and Gloriette viewing terrace.
- How much does it cost to enter Schönbrunn Palace?
- The palace interior has two self-guided ticket tiers: the State Apartments (€28 adult, ~40 min, selected rooms) and the Palace Ticket (€38 adult, ~75 min, full piano nobile including Maria Theresa's Rococo chambers). The Classic Pass (€44) adds the Maze, Privy Garden, Orangery Garden, and Gloriette viewing terrace. Children under 6 enter free. Prices are subject to seasonal changes — always confirm at schoenbrunn.at.
- What is the best time of year to visit Schönbrunn Palace?
- Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer mild temperatures, beautiful garden displays, and smaller crowds — ideal for both the palace interior and outdoor grounds. Summer brings the longest hours and lush gardens but peak crowds. Winter is quieter and the Christmas market in the forecourt is one of Vienna's most atmospheric.
- Do I need to book Schönbrunn Palace tickets in advance?
- Advance booking is strongly recommended, especially June–August when the palace receives over 10,000 visitors a day and timed-entry slots sell out weeks ahead. Online tickets can be purchased at schoenbrunn.at or imperialtickets.com. Walk-up purchase is available at the ticket office but expect long queues in peak season.
- How do I get to Schönbrunn Palace by public transport?
- Take U4 (green line) to 'Schönbrunn' station — about 15–17 minutes from the city centre — then walk 5–7 minutes to the main entrance. Hietzing station (one stop further) is handier for the gardens, Palm House, and zoo. Trams 10 and 60 and Bus 10A also stop at the palace gates.
- How long should I plan to spend at Schönbrunn?
- Plan at least half a day — 4 to 5 hours — if you want to tour the palace interior and explore the vast gardens. The estate covers 160 hectares with over 40 rooms open to visitors, the Gloriette hill, Neptune Fountain, maze, and the world's oldest zoo. A quick visit often feels rushed.
Nearby in Ask Vienna
- Schönbrunn PalaceAttraction0.16 km · 2 min walk
- Schönbrunn Palace ParkPark0.5 km · 6 min walk
- Technisches Museum WienMuseum0.79 km · 10 min walk
- Zum WohlRestaurant2.58 km · 32 min walk
- Café WeidingerCafé2.86 km · 36 min walk
Where to stay near Schönbrunn Palace (Schloss Schönbrunn)
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