Schönbrunn Palace and gardens

The Schönbrunn Palace is one of the most iconic and historic landmarks in Vienna and the top attraction, that nobody should miss in Vienna!! As your guide, I will take you on a tour of this beautiful palace and share its fascinating history with you.

Schönbrunn Palace was built in the 18th century and served as the summer residence of the Habsburgs, the ruling family of the Austrian Empire. The palace is located in the outskirts of Vienna and has a sprawling estate with stunning gardens and a breathtaking view of the city.

As we enter the palace, we will visit the rooms that were once used by the imperial family. The Imperial Apartments are beautifully decorated with rich fabrics, intricate carvings, and ornate furniture. You will see the bedrooms of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife, Empress Elisabeth. We will then move on to the rooms where Mozart once performed for the imperial family. Next, we will walk through the magnificent Great Gallery, which was once used for grand receptions and banquets. The gallery is adorned with elaborate frescoes and crystal chandeliers, and its sheer grandeur will leave you awestruck. The Blue Chinese Room, on the other hand, is adorned with intricate Chinese wallpaper and witnessed the dissolution of the Austrian – Hungarian Empire 1918.

After exploring the palace's interior, we will step outside and explore the expansive gardens. The gardens are a masterpiece of Baroque landscaping and include a maze, a palm house, and the famous Gloriette, a stunning hilltop pavilion with a panoramic view of Vienna and the zoo, the oldest in the world, which has been in operation without interruption since it was founded by Maria Theresa’s husband, Franz Stephan, in 1752, and which you could see closer at the end of our tour.

You also could take a closer look at the Wagenburg, the collection of carriages and vehicles that were once used by the Habsburgs for ceremonial and everyday purposes, which is located in the grounds of the Schönbrunn Palace and features a variety of carriages, from elegant baroque coaches to simple wooden carts. Some of the highlights include the imperial carriage used by Emperor Franz Joseph I for his coronation in 1848, the famous "Sisi" carriage used by Empress Elisabeth, and the luxurious "Milanese" carriage used for state occasions.