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ĀSchoenbrunn Palace, Its Vastness: Warning: Image ā heavy post.
Thereās not a year that passes by that we do not visit the Schloss Schƶnbrunn (Schoenbrunn Palace). We used to live near the area so itās inevitable but even though weāve moved and it takes about an hour to travel there, we still do come by, even when itās in winter, in spring, in summer and especially during fall.
So letās start with the entrance.Ā Below photo would show you the scale of the palaceās grandeur size compared to a bus and some cars. Thereās no entrance fee when entering the palace grounds which makes it a favorite tourist attractionā¦well, not just thatā¦the Schƶnbrunn itself is a UNESCO Heritage Site and is so full of history worth learning about.Ā The tours and the museums, and zoo are not free though. This link provides information of Schƶnbrunn palace tickets for those attractions.
Buy your Schƶnbrunn palace tickets here.
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Table of Contents
Courtyard
The vast courtyard of the Schƶnbrunn Palace houses a theater, a cafe, fountains with a cobblestone path leading to the palaceās front balcony. The balcony leads to the ballroom, which unfortunately, I could not show for prohibition of taking photos inside the palace. š The Schƶnbrunn palace has 1,441 roomsā¦but it was not so in the beginning. To answer the question āwhy are there so many rooms,ā well every emperor would add a room or two during their reign. Sometimes they add an extension to the palace that it grew bigger and bigger to its size today.
The palace was originally a mansion called Katterburg. It was bought byĀ Roman EmperorĀ Maximilian II along with the floodplain it was erected on. He intended the place to be the courtās recreational hunting ground. He got the area fenced and exotic animals were kept and fishponds were made. To this day, there is a zoo and an aquarium that visitors enjoy. The little kids especially like the maze.
The palace served as the Summer residence of the Habsburg monarchs and the member of its House. The Habsburg Monarchy (or the Habsburg Empire) covered the territories ruled by the junior Austrian branch of the House of Habsburg (1278ā1780), and then by the successor House of Habsburg-Lorraine (from 1780), between 1526 and 1867/1918. The Imperial capital was Vienna, except from 1583 to 1611, when it was moved to Prague. From 1804 to 1867 the Habsburgs ruled the Austrian Empire and from 1867 to 1918 Austria-Hungary.
Etymology ofĀ Schƶnbrunn Palace
The name Schƶnbrunn literally means ābeautiful (schƶn) well (Brunnen).ā It comes from the artesian well from which healthy water was consumed by the court. Thus, Schƶnbrunn Palace is derived literally from: ābeautiful wellā.
Facing the palace going to the left, one would find the well after walking a path of trees. It was unfortunately under maintenance the last time we went and I never got the chance to photograph it the other times weāve visited.
Statues and Roman influence
Walking further, one would find the Roman Ruins.Ā They are follies that look naturally integrated into the surrounding area. A picturesque horticultural feature added as an attraction. It was erected in 1778, in tune with the eraās rise of the Romantic movement.
Further to the left one will find the Obelisk Fountain. It is erected at the foot of the Hill leading to another structure, the Gloriette. Like the other features at the Schƶnbrunn Palaceās ground, this fountain was also designed by Johann Ferdinand Hetzendorf von Hohenberg. According to the inscription on the socle of the obelisk was erected in 1777.
The fountain has a pool contained against the slope behind it by a retaining wall reamed by a balustrade and decorated with vases. Projecting forward into the basin from the centre of the back wall is a grotto with river gods, crowned by an obelisk. Water flows out of the mouth of a central mask and also the vases held by the river gods into basins and finally into the main pool.
Museums in theĀ Schƶnbrunn Palace
Imperial Carriage Museum
Facing the main palace, going to right side and further behind the Schlosstheater (palace theater), one will find the Wagenburg.Ā It is a museum showcasing the carriages and vehicles used by the imperial household of the Austrian Empire. (Schƶnbrunn palace tickets Wagenburg: under 19 years-old are free, adults costs 8,50 for Vienna cardholders and 9,50 for none card holders.)
I posted below photo on my City Daily Photoblog and a blogging friend commented that the building looks too small to be able to hold a number of carriages,Ā thereās only the white van to compare and scale the building but it is aĀ giant hall thatās home to whatās left of the Habsburgās transport fleet; carriages, sedans, sleighs and even a car. Most notable on display are:
- the black carriage used in the funerals of Emperor Franz Joseph, his wife Sissi (Empress Elisabeth) and their son, Crown Prince Rudolph
- the 1914 motor car used to take the last Emperor into exile, 1920
- the imperial coaches, used to carry Emperor Joseph II, Leopold II and Francis I Stephen to various formal coronation ceremonies
- the coach used by Empress Elisabeth (Sissi) when she first arrived in Vienna in 1854 prior to her marriage to the Emperor. The same carriage was used by Napoleon when crowned King of Italy in 1805!
Hopefully weād be able to enter the museum next time as it was closed when we last visited. For now I am borrowing this photo. Note the man on the right to scale. Notice too the horses, which are Lippizan, are of a taller breed. These horses were developed with the support of the Habsburgs.
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Imperial Tour (Grand Tour)
This comprehensive tour takes you through some of the most opulent and historically significant rooms of Schƶnbrunn Palace. Youāll visit the state rooms, including the Great Gallery, Vieux-Laque Room, and the Gobelin Room. The tour offers insights into the lives of the Habsburg rulers and the palaceās significance.
Classic Pass
The Classic Pass provides access to the Imperial Apartments, the Childrenās Museum (Schloss Schƶnbrunn Experience), and the maze and labyrinth in the palace gardens. Itās a great option for those who want to explore both the palaceās interior and its outdoor attractions.
Childrenās Museum (Schloss Schƶnbrunn Experience)
This interactive museum is designed for children and families. It offers a hands-on experience of life in the palace, including dressing up in period costumes and learning about the daily routines of imperial children.
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Gardens
Going a bit to the side of the palace, one would be welcomed by garden of roses in different colors, a pathway resembling a tunnel under vines growing on an iron structure. This is majestic when the flowers are in full bloom as lavender flowers hang down. Ā There are also mini-ponds full of lilies in different colors but this is just to prepare visitors to what would be a grander view.
Behind the back of the Schƶnbrunn Palace is a vast garden designed and taken care of by Viennaās Unsere Garten, the department responsible for landscaping and beautifying the city. Noticeable would be the white and red flowers by the side, a representation of the Austrian flag. Note that the flowerbeds are asymmetrical. This entire area is called the Great Parterre, there are 32 sculptures by the side representing deities and virtues (Iāve yet to look for my photos of those).
Neptune Fountain
From this part of the garden, one can view the Neptune fountain, a massive structure representing Neptune and his minions. Above the hill, the Gloriette is also visible. I have climbed this hill a number of times and I wonāt tire for the view from up their is so worth looking at and taking photos of.
The Neptune fountain is consisted of Neptune, the god of the sea on a shell-shaped chariot, Thetis; the sea goddess kneels by his side to entreat the former to protect her son, Achilles. Thereās also a nymph on the other side and tritons (merman) holding their special attributes, conch shells are seen restraining the sea horses.
The back of the structure is actually a curious piece. One can go about to examine the structure itself while others just take photos of the palaceās back view.
The Gloriette
Going up the hill from the Neptune fountain is a struggle as the pathway zigzagsā¦itās the best choice for someone trying to lose weight! ^_^ There are also pathways on the side leading up, if youāre not up for the challenge, the Liliputbahn will take you up the hill to the Gloriette.
The Gloriette, French for little glory, is a pavillion erected in 1775. It isĀ the last building constructed in the garden according to the plans of Ā architect Johann Ferdinand Hetzendorf von Hohenberg as a ātemple of renownā to serve as both a focal point and a lookout point for the garden, it was used as a dining hall and festival hall as well as a breakfast room for emperor Franz Joseph I. That hall now houses a cafe.
Thereās a platform on top of the Gloriette that one can access with a feeā¦.the staircase leading to it is a bit steep but itās worth going up to view Vienna from atop.
Other Attractions at the Schoenbrunn Palace
This pond is a favorite hangout for ducks and albatross and all kinds of birds, why, the kids, adults as well, feed them bread much to their delight. The cool breeze on the platform is also a welcome addition especially in the summer when it gets too hot to handle. š
I hope to show more of the Schƶnbrunn in the next posts. Here are some more photos I took through the years and will feature them one by one soon.
How To Get To Schƶnbrunn
To get to Viennaās Schƶnbrunn Palace, you have several transportation options depending on your starting point and preferences. Schƶnbrunn Palace is a popular tourist destination, and itās easily accessible from various parts of Vienna.
- Public Transportation (Vienna U-Bahn and Trams):
- Take the U4 metro line (green line) to Schƶnbrunn station. The palaceās main gate is a short walk from the station.
- Take the U4 metro lineĀ to Hietzing.Ā The gate on this side goes to the Zoo and Palm house.
- Alternatively, you can take trams 60 and 52 (both coming from Westbahnhof), 10 (coming from Unter St.Veit or Hietzing), 62 which also stop near the palace.
- Bus:
- Take bus line 10A (coming from Niederhofstrasse going to Heiligenstadt) get off at the station Schloss Schƶnbrunn which stops in front of the palace gate then cross the zebra to the gate.
- Take bus line 8A (coming from Meidling, station in front of McDonaldās) until Stranitzkygasse. Walk to the side entrance going to the Gloriette. This will save you the time and energy walking from the Gloriette down the hill to the palace.
- Hop-On Hop-Off Tours:
- Many companies offer hop-on hop-off bus tours in Vienna that stop at major attractions, including Schƶnbrunn Palace. This can be a convenient option if you want to see multiple sights in one day.
- Walking:
- Depending on where you are staying in Vienna and your willingness to walk, you can reach Schƶnbrunn Palace by walking. It might take a bit longer, but you can enjoy the cityās architecture and atmosphere along the way.
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Biking:
- Vienna is a bike-friendly city, and you can rent bicycles to get to Schƶnbrunn Palace. There are bike lanes and paths that can take you there safely.
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Katherine says
This is exactly what I miss from Europe. We moved from the UK to the US four years ago and I miss our road trips around Europe visiting beautiful places like this! The gardens look magical and as an Architect I just adore exploring old buildings. And vast is the right wordā¦ you could spend days here!!
Mirage says
I remember friends who are also architects came by, in my head I was like: please donāt go pointing to me which is baroque, gothic, romanesque and so onā¦haha, they did! Told them about my thoughts later and they were laughingā¦I can only imagine how awesome it is for you!
Liz @ Yes/No Detroit says
Wow, that looks gorgeous. Iāve never been to Vienna (or Austria itself, for that matter) but if I ever do, Iāll need to add this to my list. The only palace I have been to that would compare would probably be Versailles, in Paris ā¦ but this looks much bigger than that.
Liz says
Wow, that looks gorgeous! Iāve never been to Vienna (or Austria itself, for that matter) but if I ever do, Iāll need to add this to my list. The only palace I have been to that would compare would probably be Versailles, in Paris ā¦ but this looks much bigger than that.
Mirage says
The palace of Versailles is truly charming. Yes, I hope you find yourself walking on Schƶnbrunn grounds soon. Thanks!
Tomi C says
It must be amazing to live near such a beautiful palace. Love that you embrace the treasures in your backyard. It amazes me how many neighborhood treasures we have nearby ā no palaces, yet amazing nonetheless. Absolutely gorgeous pics.
Mirage says
Thank you! Yes, I always joke that I would have not gained a single kilo if we still live near there, I could go and walk around everyday and lose the weight. š
Joely Smith says
I am always in complete awe of palaces! We do not have anything like them in the states!
However, my favorite parts are tree-lined roads and courtyards!
Gorgeous!
Mirage says
Do come by for a visitā¦the states has a lot of beautiful buildings to boast tooā¦all with its architectural value and uniquenessā¦thanks for dropping by!
Monica Y says
This is a place I want to add to my bucket list. I want to start planning a trip here with the family. Your pictures are amazing an inviting to visit. I love all the green and the gardens. Now to make it happen.
Penny Christensen says
The vined walkway and the Palm House are my favorites!
It is amazing the number and quality of historical buildings to someone from a place like America. I used to think old houses were anything near one hundred years. But to understand that a structure reaches back through centuries and is as beautiful today as when it was constructed is incredible.
I would love to visit this in Vienna in person, but thank you for sharing these in the meantime.
Leah says
What an absolutely stunning place! I love the Neptuneās fountain! Itās beautiful!
Paula Schuck says
I love this post. This is actually potentially in the works this summer here for me ā I will be in the area for a conferences actually and I am looking at ways to see more and prioritizing. The fountain is stunning in this post. You have convinced me I think that Vienna needs to be high on my list.
Melissa Dixon says
Wow there really is a lot of beauty there and so much to see. My daughter loves the idea of visiting there someday but I am not a fan of flying so far away. If I could snap my fingers and be there right now after seeing those photos, I would for sure!
Censie Sawyer says
Looks absolutely amazing. I would love to spend a day there just exploring and learning. Not to mention the amazing photo ops too! Thank you for sharing your experience. I hope to visit one day.
Lisa says
Omgoodness what a beautiful place to vist and man do they have a lot if rooms. Vienna would definitely be on my travel wishlist! The fountains are so unique!