Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn
Historical Site Baroque imperial palace with extensive historic gardens
Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens present Habsburg state rooms, formal Baroque gardens and the Tiergarten Schönbrunn zoo; visitors tour palace interiors, stroll axial promenades and view the Gloriette from terraces.
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The Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn in Vienna are an 18th-century Baroque palace complex that served as the summer residence of the Habsburg imperial family and is one of Austria’s major historic ensembles.
The site combines the main palace with an extensive formal garden laid out as a great parterre, the hilltop Gloriette viewpoint, the historic Palm House and the imperial zoo, Tiergarten Schönbrunn, which dates to 1752. Visitors primarily tour state apartments and the garden terraces and use the Gloriette for panoramic views of the grounds.
Schönbrunn evolved from earlier hunting lodges into a major imperial residence during the 17th and 18th centuries and was altered across successive reigns to accommodate court life and ceremonial functions.
Located in Vienna’s Hietzing district to the west of the historic city center, the palace is a short tram or metro ride from central Vienna.
- Age and status: The palace complex dates to the 17th and 18th centuries and was expanded and remodeled under Habsburg rule; the palace and gardens are protected as a cultural heritage site.
- Notable features: Tiergarten Schönbrunn was founded in 1752 and operates as one of the oldest zoos in continuous operation; the Gloriette provides a widely used panoramic viewpoint over the city.
What to See #
- Schönbrunn Palace: The Baroque palace complex that served as the Habsburgs' principal summer residence with state apartments and imperial reception rooms.
- Great Parterre and Gloriette: A large formal garden laid out in Baroque style with paths, fountains and the hilltop Gloriette viewpoint overlooking the palace grounds.
- Tiergarten Schönbrunn: Tiergarten Schönbrunn, the historic imperial zoo founded in 1752, claimed to be the world's oldest continuously operating zoo and located on the palace grounds.
- Palm House / Orangery: A historic greenhouse and orangery complex set within the palace gardens hosting botanical collections and seasonal exhibits.
How to Get to Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn #
The Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn are west of central Vienna. Take the Vienna U‑Bahn line U4 to Schönbrunn station - the palace is a short 5-10 minute walk from the station. Several tram and bus lines also serve the area; follow local signage to the main palace entrance.
By car the palace is about 5 km (around 3 miles) west of Stephansplatz in central Vienna; follow main arterial roads toward Hietzing/Schönbrunn and look for marked parking areas near the palace.
Tips for Visiting Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn #
- Buy timed-entry palace tickets in advance and aim for the earliest slot or late afternoon to avoid midday coach crowds; the gardens are free so arrive early to enjoy them before the main walk-through groups.
- Start at the palace and work uphill through the gardens to finish at the Gloriette viewpoint-many visitors never walk up to the Gloriette, which gives the classic panorama over the grounds and Vienna.
- If you want quieter garden experiences, head to the Palm House and the Privy Garden or explore the eastern parts of the park; these areas receive far fewer visitors than the main palace forecourt.
Best Time to Visit Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn #
For garden views and manageable crowds, visit in spring or early autumn; summer shows the gardens at their fullest but is busiest.
Weather & Climate near Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn #
Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (573 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. The driest month with just 29 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with 71 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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