Explore the imperial splendor of history and modern brilliance at Schönbrunn Palace and Zoo

Schönbrunn Palace is a Baroque architectural masterpiece located in the southwest of Vienna, the capital of Austria. It once served as the imperial residence of the Holy Roman Empire, the Austrian Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Habsburg dynasty. As world-renowned as Austria’s music, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996, along with the 1.5-square-kilometer park surrounding the palace and Schönbrunn Zoo.

Schönbrunn Palace is Austria’s most popular attraction. From 1569 until the end of the monarchy in 1918, the palace was owned by the Habsburg rulers of Europe. During the reign of Empress Maria Theresa, starting in 1740, the entire palace complex experienced its most glorious era, becoming the center of royal and political life. To this day, much of the original Baroque layout and furnishings have been preserved. With the end of the monarchy, Schönbrunn Palace ultimately became the property of the Republic of Austria and has been managed since 1992 by Schloss Schönbrunn Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.H. (Schönbrunn Palace Cultural and Operational Ltd., abbreviated as SKB).

Today, through the original living spaces and highly representative room displays, visitors can experience an authentic glimpse of royal life. The Beletage 45, with around 80 rooms, retains historical remnants intact and is open for public viewing. The impressive garden architecture and fountains dating back to the time of Dowager Empress Maria Theresa (1770s) have been preserved to this day, and the castle park remains largely in its original, explorable state.

In recent years, Schloss Schönbrunn Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.H. has continuously strived to uncover more value of Schönbrunn Palace and has additionally created a children’s museum within the castle. It resembles an adventure world where people can learn about the life of royal children in the court from all aspects. Attractions such as the Kronprinzengarten (Crown Prince’s Garden), the Maze, and the Labyrinth—especially the Labyrinthikon playground—based on historical prototypes, are especially popular among visitors. They offer great opportunities to explore history and culture while relaxing. In terms of cultural development, tourism development, and leisure activities, SKB places great emphasis on integrating modern tourism infrastructure, all while firmly upholding the protection of historical relics as a key guiding principle.

To enable more visitors to engage in dialogue with history through these ancient buildings, Schloss Schönbrunn Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.H. collaborates with Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofmobiliendepot (Imperial Furniture Collection) and Vienna Furniture Museum, the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Apartments, and the Silver Collection at the Hofburg, as well as Schloss Hof and Schloss Niederweiden, to manage the heritage of the Austrian Empire. This collaboration showcases the brilliant and magnificent culture beneath the mysterious veil of this ancient empire.

Covering an area of 17 hectares, Schönbrunn Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn) is also an important part of this Baroque complex. Founded in 1752 by Maria Theresa’s husband, Holy Roman Emperor Franz I. Stephan von Lothringen, it is the oldest zoo in the world. Affiliated with the UNESCO World Heritage Site Schönbrunn, the zoo has been named Europe’s Best Zoo five times (in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2018). Its fame also extends overseas thanks to the world’s first successful breeding programs for mangrove terrapins and torrent frogs. Since 2006, over two million domestic and international visitors have come to Schönbrunn Zoo every year.

As a Baroque-style zoo, Schönbrunn Zoo not only has a very interesting history but is also one of the most modern zoos in the world today. The ingenious blend of imperial charm, architectural heritage conservation, and modern animal care gives Schönbrunn Zoo its unique appeal. On this 17-hectare site, there are more than 700 species of animals, some of which are endangered. Among the zoo’s most popular residents are the giant pandas, which have given birth to five cubs. As part of its giant panda conservation program, Schönbrunn Zoo is one of the few zoos in the world entrusted by the People's Republic of China to house a pair of giant pandas.

Schönbrunn Zoo offers visitors the chance to see the most diverse range of animal ecosystems: the Rainforest House (Regenwaldhaus), home to a variety of tropical plants and animals; the Aquarium and Terrarium House (Aquarien- und Terrarienhaus), housing colorful fish and fascinating reptiles; the South America Park (Südamerikapark), where communities of capybaras, anteaters, and tapirs live; the Tyrolean Farm (Tirolerhof), preserving endangered Austrian livestock breeds; the Polarium, where you can watch seals and penguins swimming underwater; and the Polar Bear World (Eisbärenwelt), where you can observe polar bears diving underwater.

Visitors will have the opportunity to observe animals during feeding times and learn many fascinating animal facts in the process, along with interesting details about the animals and the zoo. The zoo also offers behind-the-scenes tours, family tours, and night tours. Its numerous restaurants and food kiosks provide a wide variety of meals and snacks. For a truly special day, take a ride on the Schönbrunn Panorama Train and enjoy a charming journey.

To learn more about the latest updates at Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace and Zoo, scan the QR code at the end of the article or search for the official WeChat account “SchoenbrunnPalaceZoo” in WeChat.

For more detailed information and photos, please visit www.schoenbrunn.at.

Resource Library:

Property Owner: Republic of Austria

Management: Schloss Schönbrunn Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.H. (SKB)

Operation: Mag. Klaus Panholzer

Schönbrunn Palace Visitor Count in 2018: Approximately 2,800,000