Schönbrunn Palace Private Tour 2026 - VIP Experience

LEARN ABOUT THE SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE'S HISTORY

Upon arrival, you will immediately skip the line and begin your tour. Inside the Schönbrunn Palace, you will notice the fantastic level of detail and luxury in every room you enter. The Habsburg Dynasty owned the palace until its fall in 1918. Afterward, the palace ownership was transferred over to the Austrian Republic. The Schönbrunn Palace was left unchanged and largely preserved since 1918, with restorations maintaining historical accuracy, making it a time capsule. However, the look and contents of the Schönbrunn Palace did not always look like today. Emperor Leopold I commissioned the first works on the central hunting lodge in the 17th century. The most significant changes to the whole estate, however, were brought upon by Maria Theresa. As the Imperial family grew, so did the size of the palace itself. The most notable addition made by Maria Theresa was the expansion of the wings of the palace, adding additional living areas for the servants as well as the Imperial family.

DISCOVER THE LAVISH ROOMS IN THE SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE

You will notice how well-preserved the interior is as you go through the rooms. The rooms were mostly left as they were in 1918; the only changes made were to refurbish them in an era-appropriate style. Famous for being the birthplace of Emperor Franz Joseph, this palace is guaranteed not to leave you indifferent. Your expert guide will take you on a journey through the palace and lead you to explore the many lavish rooms of the Habsburg summer residence. Some notable examples will include the Hall of Mirrors and the Great Gallery. The Hall of Mirrors boasts magnificent Rococo decor and is a prime example of a state room commissioned by Maria Theresa. With its impressive size, the Great Gallery was perfect for holding courtly events. It hosts a very impressive fresco in true Rococo style on its ceiling.

EXPLORE THE GARDENS

Maria Theresa made the most major changes to the Schönbrunn Palace itself, expanding its wings and adding new living areas, but the Schönbrunn Gardens were also largely developed under her reign in the 1770s. The garden design followed an organic continuation of the palace’s Baroque interior, creating a cohesive overall ensemble. Some of the most notable features of the Gardens are the Maze and the Gloriette, among others. Today, the Maze has a surface area of almost 19,000 square feet (1750 square meters). The Maze, originally built in 1720, was bigger but was eventually abandoned and cut down by the end of the 19th century before being restored in 1999.

ENJOY A PERSONALIZED TOUR WITH OUR LICENSED TOUR GUIDE

This private tour is designed with care to enhance your experience. Our guide will provide fascinating facts about the attractions and share engaging anecdotes, adding depth and excitement to each subject. This tour is personalized for you, so don’t be shy!