Austria Vienna Vienna Innere Stadt Palace

Hofburg Palace

About

Hofburg Palace in Vienna is a sprawling complex at the heart of the city, offering a rich tapestry of imperial history and culture. Visitors can explore the Sisi Museum, dedicated to the life of Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), which features over 300 personal items, including her dresses, beauty accessories, and childhood belongings, and provides insight into her fascinating and tragic life. The Imperial Apartments, accessible with the same ticket, showcase the lavish private and state rooms where Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth lived, including bedrooms, salons, and the conference room used for ministerial meetings. The Spanish Riding School is another highlight, renowned for its performances featuring the famous Lipizzaner horses. The Imperial Treasury houses the crown jewels and priceless regalia of the Holy Roman Empire and Austria, including the Imperial Crown and the Order of the Golden Fleece. The Hofburgkapelle, or Imperial Chapel, is notable for its Gothic architecture and is where the Vienna Boys’ Choir performs during Sunday Mass. The Neue Burg wing contains several museums, such as the Weltmuseum, the Ephesos Museum, the Arms & Armour collection, and the Historical Musical Instruments collection, as well as the Austrian National Library with its breathtaking state hall. Visitors can also enjoy the palace’s courtyards, parks, and monuments, including the impressive statue of Emperor Franz in the main courtyard

Vienna Austria

Location

Hofburg Palace is located in the very center of Vienna, Austria, occupying a vast complex that has been the seat of power since the 13th century. It faces the grand Heldenplatz (Heroes' Square) and extends through several interconnected buildings including the Swiss Wing, Amalienburg, Leopold Wing, and the Neue Burg, which was completed in the early 20th century. The palace complex houses the official residence and workplace of the Austrian president and includes numerous museums and cultural institutions. Nearby, visitors can explore the Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum, which reveal the opulent lifestyle of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth. The complex also contains the Imperial Treasury with its crown jewels, the Spanish Riding School famous for the Lipizzaner horses, and the Hofburgkapelle (Imperial Chapel), where the Vienna Boys’ Choir performs. The Austrian National Library with its stunning State Hall is part of the complex as well. The Hofburg is surrounded by historic squares like Michaelerplatz and is within walking distance of other Vienna landmarks such as the Vienna State Opera and the Burggarten park, making it a central cultural and historic hub easily accessible by public transport.