The Schönbrunn Palace is one of the most important cultural, historic, and architectural places in all of Austria. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the palace receives about 8 million visitors each year and has become the most visited landmark in the country. The palace covers 33,4284 square feet on 395 acres of land. Schönbrunn consists of public apartments, elaborate gardens and greenhouses, a zoo, a museum, rooms for touring, and more.
Meaning “beautiful spring”, the palace is named after the natural spring that once flowed through the area. In 1696, Emperor Leopold I commissioned architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach to design a hunting lodge for his son, Joseph I. As years went on, the hunting lodge continued to grow and became the summer residence of the Habsburg monarchy. In 1728, beloved ruler Maria Theresa transformed the lodge into a lavish estate hosting parties, concerts, and large balls.
Schönbrunn Palace is one of the largest palaces in Europe, with over 1,400 rooms. However, only 40 of these rooms are open for public visits while the others are used as studios and apartments for Austria natives. Tourists can take tours of the palace to see some of the most impressive rooms, including the Great Gallery, the Marie Antoinette room, the White Room, the Yellow Salon, the Bergl rooms, and the Millions Room. The inside of the palace boasts intricate gold decor and unbelievable murals on the ceilings.
Outside of the palace walls is an outdoor maze and labyrinth made of almost 7-foot tall hedges that cover an area of 18,460 square feet. Right next to the maze is The Neptune Fountain, one of the most famous and recognizable features of Schönbrunn Palace. The fountain was built in the 18th century in the palace’s largest garden, the Great Parterre. The fountain is a giant baroque sculpture that features Neptune surrounded by horse-like sea creatures and their handlers.
Aside from its grand looks and size, the palace is home to one of the largest collections of porcelain in the world, has been a location for several films and TV shows, and hosts shows in its concert halls and a marionette theatre today. The acres of land are even home to a zoo, The Tiergarten Schönbrunn. It is the oldest zoo in the world and is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was founded in 1752 by Emperor Franz I and has over 700 animal species.
During the Christmas season, the courtyard area of the palace is transformed into a mini village of holiday fun. The market has over 90 stalls where vendors sell traditional handmade goods and regional items. Guests can skate in an ice-skating rink, rent curling lanes, or ride a carousel, ferris wheel, or small train. Entry to the Christmas Market is free.
To take an audio tour or a guided tour of The Schönbrunn Palace and its various attractions, tickets range from $23.00 to $50.00 for adults depending on which tour experience you choose. Admission to the palace is provided with fixed times, so be sure to secure your time slot in advance by purchasing your tickets online.