Gloriette Café

Still at the Schönbrunn grounds, Dexter, the kids and I boarded the lilliputbahn going around the palace and up the hills to the Gloriette.

Café Gloriette is a charming café located in Vienna, Austria. Situated on the grounds of the historic Schönbrunn Palace grounds, it offers visitors a unique and delightful experience. The café is nestled in the Gloriette building, a magnificent architectural structure that serves as a focal point in the palace gardens.

The Gloriette itself is an impressive edifice, perched atop a hill overlooking the palace and offering panoramic views of Vienna. It was originally built in the 18th century as a decorative feature and has since become an iconic landmark in the city.

A gloriette (French for “little glory”) is an installation in a garden constructed on such locations, that is elevated with respect to the surroundings. They are often in the form of a pavilion, more or less open on the sides.

The largest and probably most notable gloriette is this one. It was the last building constructed in the garden according to the plans of Austrian imperial architect Johann Ferdinand Hetzendorf von Hohenberg as a “temple of renown” in 1771. It serves as a lookout point for the garden, back in the days, it was used as a dining hall and festival hall as well as a breakfast room for emperor Franz Joseph I.

Café

The café, housed within the Gloriette, is known for its elegant and refined ambiance. The interior is beautifully decorated with classic Viennese flair, featuring chandeliers, ornate furnishings, and large windows that allow natural light to fill the space. The seating area is spacious, providing ample room for guests to relax and enjoy their surroundings.

Café Gloriette offers a wide selection of Viennese pastries, cakes, and other delicious treats. Visitors can indulge in traditional Austrian desserts like Sachertorte (a chocolate cake with apricot jam) or apple strudel, accompanied by a cup of rich Viennese coffee. The café also serves a variety of sandwiches, salads, and light meals for those seeking a savory option.

The dining hall, which was used up until the end of the monarchy, today has a café in it, and on the roof is now an observation platform overlooking Vienna.

Garden and Terrace

As it was quite warm that day, tolerable but still warm. So we decided to chill it off. They serve breakfast, Austrian dishes, local pastries and coffee. The wind at the back terrace, where we were seated, was really pleasant. The kids requested for ice cream while Dexter and I had cappuccino. It was not the warmest experience we had that week. The servers were not as friendly as those at the Cafe restaurant Residenz and you get this feeling that they want you to hurry your stay. No smiles, no greetings…and such is a pet peeve.

Unkindness aside, the kids did enjoy their treats, no complains on the cappuccino, we were able to rest from all the walking and yes, we had a brew where the royals used to. We’re fine.

One of the highlights of Café Gloriette is its terrace. The outdoor seating area provides a picturesque setting for patrons to savor their refreshments while taking in the breathtaking views of Schönbrunn Palace, its expansive gardens, and the city of Vienna beyond. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists, especially during the warmer months.

Apart from its culinary offerings, Café Gloriette also operates as a souvenir shop, offering visitors the chance to purchase mementos related to Schönbrunn Palace and Vienna. This adds to the overall experience and allows guests to take a piece of their visit home with them.

How to Get to the Gloriette – Schönbrunn 

Take Bus 8A going to Wien Küniglberg/ORF at the Meidling train station (line U6 and Sbahn). Get off at Stranitzkygasse, and walk from there  you would see a bridge-like structure leading to a black gate, which is aside entrance to the Schönbrunn grounds, walk the pathway leading to the Gloriette and say hello to the squirrels (yes, bring some nuts with you). This is the easier and not-so-tiring way to get to the Gloriette and then down to the back of the famed Schönbrunn  palace.

If you are already within the palace grounds, take the Liliputbahn that goes up the Gloriette – it will also pass by the Palmhaus and the Zoo, get off by the Gloriette. This will save you time and sweat and will give you an idea of the Schönbrunn’s layout. If you like a little challenge, go up the hill – either by the side of the obelisk going up, or zigzag through the hill itself.