A magnificent structure that represents the imperial era of Austria, the Schönbrunn Palace is one of the most visited castles in the world. With over 1400 rooms, an array of aesthetically pleasing gardens, and well-maintained interiors, the Schönbrunn Palace is a perfect place to soak in the rich Viennese history.
The Baroque-styled palace is also one of the best-preserved cultural treasures of Austria. While the exteriors of the Schönbrunn Palace carry a surreal aura, the interiors radiate elegance and opulence. You can find magnificent furnishing, Rocco-style interiors, and an array of dazzling items in the museum located inside the Schönbrunn Palace.
Are you wondering what you can do inside the Schönbrunn Palace? From visiting the regal rooms of the palace to the jaw-dropping gardens, the Schönbrunn Palace provides a tranquil haven for visitors who wish to know more about Austria’s imperial past. Here are some of the most interesting things to see inside the Schönbrunn Palace.
During your visit to the Schönbrunn Palace, you will be greeted by the Bergl Rooms which are located on the ground floor of the palace. Decorated by Johann Wengel Bergl, the Bergl rooms boast opulent and charming murals that feature exotic landscapes and idyllic garden scenery. There are a plethora of interconnected chambers that include a dressing room, bedroom, and a bunch of other rooms which were also part of Maria Theresa's summer apartment.
The Grand Gallery inside the Schönbrunn Palace was once used to conduct important events, banquets, and imperial balls. Today, it is part of the museum inside the Schönbrunn Palace and is open for tourists who can admire the beauty of this ceremonial room of the Schönbrunn Palace. The Grand Gallery is 40 meters long and its walls feature the glorious history of the Habsburg dynasty.
Located in the East Wing of the palace, the Vieux-Laque Room was designed by French architect Jean-Baptiste Martinelli in the 1740s. The ceiling and the walls in the room feature elegant and soothing bird and floral motifs. Empress Maria Theresa used it as a private chamber to meet visitors informally instead of the large ceremonial rooms. The Vieux-Laque room was also an ideal location to host private dinners and small banquets.
The Privy Garden, also known as the Crown Prince Garden has a rich history. It was primarily built as a private garden for the imperial family. Today, tourists can visit the Privy Garden and revere the central fountain and the broad assortment of plants and flowers. Besides, you will also find a wide range of Baroque-styled sculptures and statues in this aesthetically-designed garden inside the Schonbrunn Palace.
According to popular historians, Stephan I of Lorraine initiated the construction of the Schonbrunn Imperial Zoo using his private funds. What was once the private menagerie of the imperial family is today home to an extensive variety of flora and fauna. You will find more than 700 wildlife species at the Schonbrunn Imperial Zoo including penguins, elephants, orangutans, and zebras, to name a few. Besides, you will also find several endangered species here such as the African elephant and Siberian tiger. If you have a soft corner or a special liking for birds and animals, you should visit the Schonbrunn Imperial Zoo.
Know MoreLocated on the grounds of the Schonbrunn Palace, the Imperial Carriage Museum is one of the most significant attractions of Vienna. Due to its convenient location, visitors can explore the Imperial Carriage Museum before or after they visit the Schonbrunn Palace. A cultural and historic landmark, the museum was primarily dedicated to displaying and preserving carriages and a host of vehicles which were once used by the Habsburg family of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Visit the museum to view the carriages and learn about their importance, history, and more.
Know MoreA. You can find the Bergl Rooms, the Imperial Zoo, the Gloriette, Imperial Carriage Museum, Privy Garden, the Imperial apartments, and multiple other sights and attractions that carry significant historic importance inside Schonbrunn Palace Vienna.
A. Yes, you can book a guided tour to visit the Schonbrunn Palace from the inside.
A. The Schonbrunn Palace has an area of around 188 hectares.
A. Photography is not permitted inside the Schonbrunn Palace Vienna.
A. It is not free to view the inside of the Schonbrunn Palace Vienna. You will have to buy tickets to enter the premises.
A. Yes, a visit to the Schonbrunn Palace is worth it if you are looking to know more about the Habsburg family and the Austro-Hungarian empire. Besides, you can also visit the imperial zoo if you are an animal lover.
A. The Schonbrunn Palace was designed by Johann Fischer von Erlach. The first design was meant to stand as a competition for the Place of Versailles in France.
A. The Schonnbrunn Palace is located in the western part of Vienna at Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria.
A. The Schonbrunn Palace Vienna which you see today was remodelled between 1740 and 1750.