Around eight million people visit Schönbrunn Palace annually, but only two million enter the main palace building.
Do you know why the numbers differ?
This is because there is only an entry ticket for the main palace, not for its surroundings, including its gardens.
True, people don’t just visit Schonbrunn because a few places are free to enter. They visit as some places are all worth their money!
Here, we will suggest how to take a fun-filled tour of Schönbrunn Palace Gardens and experience the real essence of Vienna’s natural treasure.
Top Schonbrunn Palace Gardens Ticket
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Gardens of Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace has five major gardens — the Privy Garden, Orangery, Palm House, Maze and Labyrinth, and the Gloriette.
The Privy Garden, located toward the West of the palace, is the private garden of the Imperial family.
It is modeled in the Baroque style and has four parterre flower beds. You can enjoy the garden and observe the green scenery around it.
The Orangery is the largest Baroque horticulture in Europe after the Palace of Versailles, measuring 186 meters (610 feet) by 10 meters (32 feet).
In this greenhouse, you can discover several exotic plants, such as olives, oranges, and pomegranates, and enjoy the orangery’s freshness!
Like the Orangery, the Palm House is also a greenhouse with flourishing Mediterranean, tropical, and subtropical plants.
Here, you can admire the 350-year-old olive tree, the world’s largest water lily with a diameter of 1.2 meters (3.9 feet), and the palm tree, which is 23 meters (75 feet) high.
The Maze and Labyrinth is a fun activity garden for all age groups. You can get lost in the maze and also find your way out. Originally constructed in 1720, it underwent a major revamp in 1999.
Maze and Labyrinth attraction contains harmonious stones – touching them is believed to enhance inner harmony.
You can also visit the Gloriette for free! Built in 1775 by architect Johann Ferdinand Hetzendorf von Hohenberg, it is called the viewing platform because it overlooks the main Schönbrunn Palace building.
It is an ideal place to click some of your best Schonbrunn vacation photos.
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Schönbrunn Palace Gardens tickets
The Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens Combo Tour is the best and most popular ticket you can choose if you want to visit both the palace and the gardens. It costs €54 per person.
This two-hour live-guided tour covers a visit to Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens, including the Gloriette.
A private tour costs €352, and this ticket is available for a small group of 8 participants; it costs €168.
Palace Gardens’ opening hours
Schönbrunn Palace Gardens opens at 6.30 am daily, and the closing hours vary according to the month and season in question.
Please make sure to check the detailed timings of the Gardens before you plan your visit.
| Months | Gardens Timings |
|---|---|
| January to February | 6.30 am–5.30 pm |
| March | 6.30 am–7.00 pm |
| April | 6.30 am–8.00 pm |
| May to July | 6.30 am–9.00 pm |
| August to September | 6.30 am–8.00 pm |
| October | 6.30 am–7.00 pm |
| November to December | 6.30 am–5.30 pm |
The last admission to Privy Garden and Orangery Garden is 30 minutes before the closing hour; the rest of the attractions cease operations 45 minutes before closing time.
Many tourists wonder which is better – Schonbrunn Palace vs Hofburg Palace
Map of Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
Before you visit the gardens, do look at the map of Schönbrunn Palace to get an idea of the landscape. It will help you navigate your tour effectively.
You can also use the Schönbrunn Palace App, which has a built-in interactive map. This allows you to easily locate restrooms, restaurants, parking facilities, recreation areas, souvenir shops, etc.
Things to know before visiting Schönbrunn Gardens
- The entire Schönbrunn Palace landscape is 160 hectares (400 acres), so you will have to walk a lot. Please wear comfortable shoes.
- As your activity is outdoor, please check the season and weather conditions of the month you visit and choose your attire accordingly.
- There are no dress code restrictions when visiting the palace. However, it is advisable to choose smart casuals.
- Viennese shops and restaurants prefer cash over card payments. Please keep some cash handy to avoid last-minute hassles.
- You are not allowed to take bicycles into the park.
- Pets are not allowed into the Schonbrunn Palace.
History of Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
Schönbrunn Palace Gardens’ legacy dates back to the 14th century, and during the 17th century, it was primarily used as a recreational hunting ground.
After Empress Maria Theresa received the Schönbrunn estate as her wedding gift in the 18th century, the palace underwent a massive transformation.
This remodeling laid the strong foundation for what you see today.
With the high interest of the Habsburg monarchs, the Schönbrunn Palace was remodeled periodically over 300 years.
It is now listed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.
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