A Day at Schloß Schönbrunn: Exploring Vienna’s Historical Gem

On our third day in Vienna, we had made plans to visit the renowned Schloß Schönbrunn, which is easily accessible via public transportation. The palace is a former imperial summer residence that showcases splendid baroque architecture, drawing visitors from all around the globe. According to Wikipedia, “the palace and gardens are one of the most important architectural, cultural, and historic monuments in the country.” The expansive gardens cover approximately 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) and include beautifully laid-out paths, fountains, and various themed gardens that reflect the beauty of the formal landscape. The grounds were designed in the 18th century and have remained a highlight for visitors ever since. The Schönbrunn Palace is a true testament to the elegance of the Habsburg dynasty’s architectural pursuits, making it a must-see in Vienna. For more information, you can visit the site on Wikipedia, or the official website.

Upon arriving at the palace, we were pleasantly surprised to find a charming Christmas market set up right in front. The market included a small ice rink, and it was bustling with people enjoying the festive atmosphere. I could only imagine how crowded it must get on weekends.

Inside the Palace

To explore the interior of the palace, visitors can choose from various (also guided) tours. We opted for the largest tour available to see as many rooms as possible. Although we were offered audio guides, we ultimately decided against them. Instead, we opted for a printed guide to avoid feeling overwhelmed by too much information. As we moved from room to room, each room was more impressive than the last. I attempted to photograph the interiors, but none of the images captured the grandeur of the rooms due to the crowds and awkward angles. It felt as though none of the photographs truly justified the overwhelming impression of the palace.

Gardens

After completing our tour of the palace, we ventured into the gardens. However, we were surprised to discover that access to some areas of the gardens required an additional fee. It seemed like quite a bit of money-making on behalf of the palace. Although the gardens must be stunning in peak bloom, visiting in November meant the trees had mostly lost their leaves. This was quite disappointing, but we followed the recommendations from the Schönbrunn app, which not only provided a helpful map and information about points of interest but also highlighted popular photo spots, making it easier for us to navigate the area. Definitely a recommendation to get it!

Ascending to the Gloriette

One of the key highlights of the gardens is the comparatively small spring, recognized as the first spring built in the area and the source of the name of the place. After exploring the gardens, we made our way uphill to the Gloriette, a magnificent belvedere located opposite the palace on top of a hill. It offered breathtaking views over the surrounding area. We – again – made a mental note to return when the gardens would be in full bloom.

Savoring Coffee and Cake

After walking around and appreciating the beauty of Schönbrunn, we headed back to the city center and found ourselves craving some coffee. We had hoped to indulge in the classical Viennese coffee and cake experience, but securing a seat in one of the famous coffee houses proved challenging. We opted for a smaller café instead, where we enjoyed delightful coffee and cake.

An Enchanting Evening at the Belvedere

In the evening, we returned to the Belvedere in Vienna city, as we had decided the day before to revisit it at night to experience its illumination. We were not disappointed by the enchanting atmosphere created by the lights, especially reflecting in the basin in front of the building. We concluded our day with a stroll through a nearby Christmas market, followed by a leisurely dinner.