Where Is Schönbrunn Palace Located?
Schönbrunn Palace is located at Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, in Vienna’s 13th district (Hietzing). Public access is convenient via:
- U4 metro (Schönbrunn station)
- Tram lines 10 & 60
- Bus 10A stopping at Schönbrunn
How Long Does the Tour Take & Best Time to Go?
- The Schönbrunn Palace Guided Tour lasts approximately 120 minutes.
- Morning slots are generally quieter, allowing for relaxed exploration of both the palace and its surrounding gardens.
Guided Tour History & Context
From Hunting Lodge to Royal Summer Seat
Originally developed from a hunting lodge by Emperor Maximilian II, Schönbrunn Palace was transformed over centuries—most notably by Empress Maria Theresa in the 18th century—into the grand Baroque summer residence beloved by the Habsburg dynasty. The palace and its gardens were inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1996.
The Maria Theresa Tour
This tour specifically highlights Empress Maria Theresa’s influence—starting in the Bergl Rooms with their landscape murals, and continuing through the decorative state rooms to her personal living quarters and the lavish Rococo quarters.
What Can You Expect to See Inside?
You'll journey through a cinematic walkthrough beginning in the Bergl Rooms with panoramic murals. Then, pass through glittering ceremonial halls and intimate royal chambers on the piano nobile—spaces where empire-building decisions once played out against rich architectural drama.
Special Highlights
- Bergl Rooms: Adorned with expansive landscape paintings that evoke tranquility and grace.
- State & Private Apartments: Featuring Rococo charm, East Asian inlays, and an insider’s lens into Maria Theresa’s personal taste.
Purpose Over Time
18th Century
Transformed into the Habsburgs’ summer seat under Maria Theresa, the palace became a center of imperial life and courtly ritual.
Modern Day
Now a renowned museum and cultural site, Schönbrunn Palace allows visitors to step into imperial history and the guided tour brings that history to life in its original rooms.
What Time Does the Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens Operate?
- April to June and September to early November: 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
- July–August: 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Mid-November to late March: 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.