Background
From the 18th century to 1918, Schönbrunn was the residence of the Habsburg emperors. UNESCO says it was designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and Nicolaus Pacassi and is full of outstanding decorative art, and that with its gardens, the site of the world's first zoo in 1752, it is a remarkable Baroque ensemble and a perfect example of Gesamtkunstwerk.
Maximilian II bought the land in 1569 as a hunting ground; the name appears in 1642. The palace in its present form was built in the 1740s and 1750s under Maria Theresa, and Franz Joseph was born and died here. It has been a major attraction since the 1950s.
- 1569Maximilian II buys the hunting ground
- 1642The name Schönbrunn is first recorded
- 1740s–1750sThe palace is built and remodelled for Maria Theresa
- 1752The world's first zoo opens in the gardens
- 1916Franz Joseph dies at Schönbrunn
- 1918The monarchy falls; the palace becomes state property
- 1996Inscribed as World Heritage
Find Your Way Around
The main parts of the site, in the order most visitors see them
- 1The State RoomsThe Imperial Tour shows 22 rooms and the Grand Tour 40, with Maria Theresa's apartments.
- 2The GardensUp through the parterres to the Gloriette for the view back over Vienna.
- 3TiergartenThe world's oldest zoo, still in the grounds.
- 4Palm HouseThe great iron glasshouse.
- 5Carriage MuseumThe imperial coaches.
Know Before You Go
From Wikivoyage and the GoGo guides
Palace and Gardens
From the GoGo Vienna guide · Open the Vienna Guide ›
- 09:00Schönbrunn Palace State Rooms2 hrsThe Habsburg summer palace.
- 11:15Schönbrunn Gardens and the Gloriette75 minUp to the view.
- 14:00Klimt's The Kiss at the Belvedere2 hrsBack towards the centre.
Best Time to Visit
Best months: Apr–Sep. Freezing days in Dec–Feb.
Typical highs
Climate: NASA POWER
Pair It With
Other World Heritage sites nearby, by distance
