The Hofburg Palace in Vienna is one of the most important historical monuments. It is famous not just in Europe but globally as well, having served as the imperial palace for generations of the Habsburg dynasty over six centuries. A symbol of Austrian imperial grandeur, the Hofburg is home to myriad museums (including an interactive children’s museum), the National Library, the Spanish Riding School and its Lipizzan stallions, and some Imperial Apartments.
Top Attractions At Hofburg Palace
Check out some of the best things to see and do in and near Hofburg Palace
1. The Sisi Museum
Image Credit: בר for Wikimedia Commons
The Sisi Museum, which offers a glimpse into Empress Elisabeth’s delicate mental health and her sometimes crippling quest for beauty, The museum’s selection of displays, however, explores her grooming routines for maintaining beauty and a strict diet, as well as her passion for poetry and travel—the more intimate yet less glitzy facets of Lux’s life. A particularly moving case contains anarchist scarves, like the ones she was wearing when executed in Geneva (1898), plus an arsenal used by her assassin. A sombre, full stop to the story of your museum tour with this enigmatic empire, it is unfathomable that you are staring at how she ended up.
Address: Michaelerkuppel,1010 Wien, Austria
Timings: Mon-Sun: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Also Read: Austria In Summer
2. The Imperial Treasury
Image Credit: Bede735c for Wikimedia Commons
The Imperial Treasury goes far beyond famous crowns and jewels to display a range of artefacts that represent the huge footprint left behind by this saga dynasty. This includes the Holy Lance, or Power of Destiny—theoretical feedback used during Christ’s torment and past, which adds a touch of some supernatural scale. You can also admire the Agate Bowl, which was presumed to be a grail-like artefact known as the Holy Grail during medieval times. Within the treasury is an exceptional group of religious artefacts, intricately carved altarpieces, and monstrances inset with fine stones, showing evidence of the close ties between the British monarchy and Rome.
Address: Schweizerhof, Hofburg, 1010 Wien, Austria
Timings: Mon-Sun: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
3. The Spanish Riding School
Image Credit: Richardelainechambers for Wikimedia Commons
Beyond the hypnotic performances, however, lies a series of opportunities to see for yourself the level of dedication and routine that are bestowed upon these skilled Lipizzaner horses—most famed for their strength, intelligence, and fluid movements. A tradition that dates back over 450 years, the school is among the few institutions worldwide that practice and preserve classical dressage to its core. On the guided tours, you can venture backstage to see where these noble steeds are stabled and discover all that goes into their training before meeting a few of them up close. The tours also offer insights into the school’s history, their horses’ and riders’ stories, and what it takes to maintain excellence in this top-level equestrian art.
Address: Michaelerplatz 1, 1010 Wien, Austria
Timings: Mon-Sun: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Related Posts: Austria In October
4. The Austrian National Library
Image Credit: Jebulon for Wikimedia Commons
It would be simplistic to call the Austrian National Library a mere repository of books; rather, it is an architectural and cultural landmark that overflows with centuries of European history and knowledge. State Hall, known as the Prunksaal in German, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful library rooms worldwide and the highlight of this baroque palace. The Baroque Hall is over 80 meters long and features a stunning dome covered with frescoes by the court painter Daniel Gran. The luxuriant costume of the hall included a mixture of marble columns, gold mouldings, and wooden bookcases elaborately hewn on three floors together, reaching high up to where hundreds of thousands of volumes were stored inside them.
Address: Josefsplatz 1,1015 Wien, Austria
Timings: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
5. The Albertina Museum
Image Credit: C.Stadler for Wikimedia Commons
The Albertina in Vienna is a veritable cultural lighthouse, allowing visitors to travel through time and historical art. Housed in part of what was originally a residential palace, the Albertina has been used as an art museum since the 18th century. She now enjoys one of its highest reputations internationally. The Woodward Centre boasts one of the largest collections on paper in that country, with over a million archaeological examples layered with paintings and sculptures that span centuries. The most widely known part of the museum is perhaps its graphic art collection. Albertina’s holdings of graphic art are also among some of the most prominent, with more than 65,000 works (drawings and prints), spanning several eras from late Gothic to contemporary art.
Address: Albertinapl. 1,1010 Wien, Austria
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Related Posts: Things To Do In Hallstatt
6. The Burggarten
Image Credit: Base for Wikimedia Commons
Located near Hofburg, you will find that what was initially a garden for private use by the Habsburgs has become one of Vienna’s favourite public parks. Tucked away in the sprawling Hofburg Palace complex, it provides a peaceful escape within the city of history and culture. The most remarkable feature in the garden is the Mozart Monument, a very eye-catching monument dedicated to composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The statute has become a much-photographed monument located on a rather fine pedestal that showcases musical motifs, providing the town with an excellent tribute to one of Austria’s greatest music minds. In addition, the statue is surrounded by an organized flower bed, typically in a treble clef design, which truly contributes to the artistic atmosphere present within the park.
Address: Josefsplatz 1, 1010 Wien, Austria
Timings: Mon – Sun: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
7. The Hofburg Chapel
Image Credit: Manfred Werner for Wikimedia Commons
Hofburg Palace, like many other palaces and castles in the world, is rich in history and a wide variety of architectural styles that have developed over centuries. For centuries, it was the spiritual heart of the Habsburg court, where generations of kings and emperors attended Mass alongside a powerfully symbolic beating cross. The Chapel of Hofburg was built as a Gothic chapel in the 13th century but later converted from the time of Mary Theresa to the Renaissance. It has, nevertheless, a fairly uncluttered and austere interior, with high stone-vaulted ceilings, pointed arches, and some graceful corbel stonework.
Address: 1010, Vienna, Austria
Timings: Mon-Sun: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Related Posts: Austria In Winter
8. The Imperial Silver Collection
Image Credit: Rafa Esteve for Wikimedia Commons
Among the treasures are some of the finest and most valuable Habsburg objects ever made: solid gold tableware and massive centrepieces made for use at top state occasions. Heirlooms on display include the Milanese Service, a large silver table service commissioned for Archduke Ferdinand Karl in the 17th century and also used by Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, as well as Napoleon’s Grand Vermeil, one of two elaborate gold-plated services given to Emperor Napoleon I that the Habsburgs later acquired. In reflecting the splendour of courtly life, this collection also reveals how dining and hospitality were tools in the practice of imperial power.
Address: Schweizerhof, Hofburg, 1010 Wien, Austria
Timings: Mon-Sun: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
You May Also Like To Read: Salzburg Castles
Whether captivated by the imperial history or enchanted by the stunning architecture, Hofburg Palace promises an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out on this essential Vienna destination. Start planning your itinerary with a trip to Austria and discover what Hofburg offers. Your grand adventure awaits!
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Credit: Dietmar Rabich for Wikimedia Common
Frequently Asked Questions About Hofburg
Why is the Hofburg Palace so famous?
Today, the Hofburg Palace is considered one of Vienna's most famous attractions. It was once home to the powerful imperial family (the Habsburg dynasty), and it has museums that house everything from fine art to natural history exhibits.
Are the Imperial Apartments Hofburg available for visitors?
Indeed, even a percentage of the opulent Imperial Apartments can be seen, which is another way of showing off how Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) lived.
When is Hofburg Palace open?
Hofburg Palace is generally open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with hours potentially varying amongst individual attractions inside.
Is there a tour of the Hofburg Palace?
Yes, there are guided tours available to learn plenty about the history, architecture, and importance of Hofburg Palace, along with all its attractions.
How much does the Hofburg Palace entrance cost?
Entrance fees differ for some of the sights that you can visit, including the Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments, and Silver Collection.
People Also Read:
Places To Visit In Austria Villages In Austria Things To Do In Austria
With a passion for exploring and travelling to the roads long forgotten, experience the world through enthralling stories and adventures. Join me as I share my experiences at some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and quench that pestering curiosity with something exciting!
