Schönbrunn Palace Tour: Half-Day Exploration with Historian Guide in Vienna
4.9
98 Ratings
Wien
Enjoy a half-day exploration of the stunning Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna with a knowledgeable historian guide. Discover the palace's beautiful gardens, learn about the House of Habsburg era, and marvel at the ornate decorations. Limited to six people for personalized attention.
Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Schonbrunner Gardens - We begin our encounter with the astonishing High Baroque Schönbrunn Palace (built to rival Versailles) with a stroll through the magnificent formal gardens, exploring the Baroque landscaping principle of interlaced nature and architecture that is illustrated everywhere in the layout of the grounds. Approaching the Gloriette, a huge triumphal arch situated on a hilltop with panoramic views of Vienna’s woods, we recall the military victories that made Empress Maria Theresa’s reign (1740-1780) a highpoint of the Habsburg dynasty’s political and cultural dominance in Europe. The park was opened not only to the court but to the general public from 1779, a populist gesture that reveals Maria Theresa’s canny charm offensive towards her subjects. Indeed, it was under Maria Theresa’s direction that Schönbrunn Palace became the focal point of Austria’s imperial policy and the centre of court life, in addition to functioning as the summer residence of a reigning family counting not less than 16 children! Several of this teaming brood of young royals did not survive to adulthood but the palace preserves the memory of their infancy, childhood summer activities, illnesses and early loss.
What's Included
  • Experienced guide included
What's Not Included
  • Schönbrunn Palace & Park admission ticket
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

Embark on a half-day tour of Schönbrunn Palace, Austria’s Baroque masterpiece, with a small group. Accompanied by an historian guide, wander through its beautifully designed gardens and appreciate the stunning sight of the hilltop archway. As you journey, the guide will narrate the story of the House of Habsburg era. Venture into the palace’s exquisite bedrooms and suites, and be amazed by the intricate adornments in the Great Gallery, the Hall of Ceremonies, and the Yellow Salon. Benefit from the personal touch of your guide on this group tour, restricted to just six people.

  • Your guide will help you to purchase your Schönbrunn Palace & Park entrance tickets
Location
Group Center Schönbrunn
Meet your guide at the Schönbrunn Arrival Centre at Schönbrunner Schloßstrasse 50. Your guide waits in front of the Group Centre Building right across the street from the palace’s main entrance. THANK YOU FOR BEING ON TIME for your reserved tour since the palace can refuse late entry.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(98 Ratings)
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Austinfirehub
May 9, 2024
Katarina was a excellent guide - Katarina was fantastic! Great communicator and extensive historical knowledge- highly recommend! The Schönbrunn Palace and gardens are deserving of a full day. Bring a picnic and enjoy strolling the grounds after the tour. There’s a cafe and an excellent restaurant if you need sustenance. It gets very busy so go early- enjoy! Mary Ann
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laurenced_s
May 8, 2024
A must see site in Vienna - This is a remarkable summer palace and well worth the trip to see it. A must see for Vienna. The guide, however, made it even more special since she was very knowledgeable and give us a much deeper understanding of the history of the site that an audio tour simply cannot do. She was really excellent and we were lucky to have her.
Review provided by Viator
Scott_h
May 4, 2024
Great tour, great gardens - Even for the non-historian, we found this the right amount of history to absorb. Our guide was excellent and took us through the 40 rooms. Skip the line was excellent. The gardens were amazing and worth walking up to the top of the hill. Only comment was tour could give exact address for pick-up point.
Review provided by Viator
Laf48
May 3, 2024
A great experience - Our guide was very knowledgeable and informative and made the visit to Schonbrunn exciting and interesting. Would definitely recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tiffany_h
Apr 11, 2024
Fun, focused and family welcome. - Biljana was wonderful! Knowledge of historical facts and fictions & folklore kept all of us engaged. Patience to listen and focus to keep us moving forward was greatly appreciated.
Review provided by Viator
Mannino_c
Mar 1, 2024
Exceptional tour! - Biljana was an excellent guide. Full of energy, extremely knowledgeable and interesting. Traveling with my 21 year old son who was fully captured by the visit. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Viator
Lizbadiz
Jan 17, 2024
Insightful visit to Schönbrunn - We thoroughly enjoyed our private tour of the Schönbrunn palace. Katarina was very knowledgeable and provided fun and engaging insights throughout the entire tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Deborah_o
Nov 21, 2023
Schonbrunn small group tour - Katrina was our guide and she was great and very knowledgeable. It was a wonderful tour that we would highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Mdelorca
Oct 24, 2023
Superb history lesson - Biljana was one of the top guides we’ve experienced in over 40 years of international travel. Thorough knowledge of palace history and players with some royal gossip along the way. Schönbrunn’s interiors are both breathtaking and memorable—as are the vast and manicured grounds. A stop at the cafe in the way out was the perfect end to a great half-day tour.
Review provided by Viator
Helen_c
Oct 6, 2023
Great tour of Schönbrunn palace. - We had an excellent guide who was so knowledgeable and a great way of explaining things to us. The tour was so informative and entertaining. Highly recommended!!
Review provided by Viator
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July 2024
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