From the impressive showroom in the National Library to the shining objects in its treasury, the Hofburg Imperial Palace is full of ornaments, architectural and artistic masterpieces and history. Visit to see the luxury in which Austria’s Habsburg family lived for 600 years and learn more about these powerful rulers.
Construction on the Hofburg Imperial Palace began in 1275, a year before the Habsburgs ousted King Ottokar II of Bohemia and came to power. The remaining structure is from 1533 or after, because numerous generations of Habsburgs have made their own additions. The palace now comprises 18 wings and over 2,000 rooms.
Enter via the ornate Baroque gateway and courtyard known as the Michaelerplatz and turn right when you enter the large courtyard. Visit the nearby Imperial Apartments and see how the Habsburg family made this magnificent palace home. Admire the original furniture, lavish decorations and artifacts.
Delve into the life of one of the dynasty’s famous empresses in the Sisi Museum with its hundreds of objects relating to Elisabeth, the assassinated wife of Franz Josef I. Look for the secret passageways to the breathtaking Prunksaal Showroom in the National Library. Browse masterpieces from the Gothic period to the present day in the exquisite Albertina museum.
Listen to a performance of the Wiener Sängerknaben (Vienna Boys’ Choir) in the Imperial Chapel and be dazzled by a selection of crowns, jewelry and other curios, including a unicorn’s horn, in the Schatzkammer (Treasury) Museum. The Silver Collection still contains many of the objects that were left to the Austrian Republic when the Habsburg monarchy ended in 1918. Watch a show in the ornate Winter Riding School to see an impressive equestrian performance.
There is so much on display in this palace complex that you’ll have to come back another day if you want to see it all.
The Hofburg Imperial Palace is located on the Ringstraße in central Vienna and served by public transportation. On-street parking and commercial garages are located nearby. Opening times and fees vary for all attractions, so check the website of the Hofburg before your visit.
