VIENNA'S HOFBURG PALACE
WHERE HISTORY STILL RULES
Everything you need to know before your visit
The Hofburg Palace is one place you’ll definitely want to have on your Vienna itinerary.
Once the seat of the Habsburg Empire, it’s now home to museums, monuments, and centuries of history all in one spot.
Your first glimpse of the grand facade on Michaelerplatz is truly impressive.
Whether you’re walking through the Imperial Apartments, watching the Lipizzaner horses at the Spanish Riding School, or simply wandering through the courtyards, the Hofburg shows Vienna at its most authentic – majestic, vibrant, and full of stories.
Get a first impression here.
Facts at a glance
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Official Residence of the Federal President: The Presidential Chancellery is located in the Leopoldine Wing of the Hofburg, which serves as the official residence and workplace of Austria’s Federal President.
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Size: Covering more than 300,000 m² and around 2,600 rooms, the Hofburg is one of the largest palace complexes in the world, according to the official Burghauptmannschaft Österreich.
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Construction: Originating in the 13th century, the palace complex was expanded over many centuries – from the Swiss Wing to the Neue Burg on Heldenplatz.
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Fire of 1992: A major fire in the Redoutensäle area destroyed parts of the roof structure; the Austrian National Library and Spanish Riding School remained unharmed.
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Today: In addition to museums and the Spanish Riding School, the Hofburg houses government offices, archives, and cultural institutions – not just a museum, but a living part of the city.
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UNESCO World Heritage: The Hofburg forms part of Vienna’s Historic Centre, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.
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For more detailed and official information, visit the website of the Burghauptmannschaft Österreich.
What to Expect Inside the Hofburg
With its grand halls, quiet courtyards and historic riding arenas, the Hofburg connects Vienna’s imperial past with its present-day life.
These are the highlights you shouldn’t miss:
Imperial Apartments & Sisi Museum
A walk through the Imperial Apartments takes you straight into the lives of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth. Among original furnishings and personal belongings, you’ll quickly sense how different life at court was for each of them.
The Sisi Museum, displaying her dresses and letters, adds a remarkably personal touch.
Imperial Treasury
The Imperial Treasury houses some of Europe’s most valuable symbols of power – including the Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire and the Austrian Imperial Crown.
Alongside glittering jewels, you’ll find sacred artworks and regalia that reflect the Habsburgs’ centuries-long influence.
Spanish Riding School
The Spanish Riding School remains one of a kind.
For more than 450 years, Lipizzaner stallions have been trained here in classical dressage.
Whether you attend a performance or simply admire the baroque riding hall, it’s a place where history, elegance and precision meet.
Austrian National Library
Just a few steps away, the State Hall of the Austrian National Library ranks among the most beautiful library halls in the world.
Marble columns, frescoed ceilings and thousands of leather-bound volumes reach up to the dome.
A quiet yet impressive highlight – take a quick look inside here.
Heldenplatz & Burggarten
The Heldenplatz, with its equestrian statues, marks the representative side of the Hofburg.
From here, you can walk straight into the Burggarten, a green oasis in the heart of Vienna – perfect for ending your visit on a relaxed note.
Tickets & Options for Your Visit
You can experience the Hofburg in several ways – from imperial chambers to classical horsemanship.
Depending on your interests, you can choose from a range of guided tours and individual tickets.
Here are some suitable options for your visit:
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👉 Guided Tour of the Hofburg & Sisi Museum – explore the imperial rooms and hear fascinating stories about Empress Elisabeth. Get tickets*
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👉 Imperial Treasury Vienna – admire the Imperial Crown, insignia and centuries-old jewels of the Habsburgs. Book entry*
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👉 Guided Tour of the Spanish Riding School – go behind the scenes of the famous Lipizzaner stallions and learn more about classical dressage. Reserve seats*
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👉 State Hall of the Austrian National Library – one of the most beautiful library halls in the world. Learn more
The courtyards and outdoor areas of the Hofburg are free to visit – perfect for getting a first impression or ending your visit at a relaxed pace.
Practical tips for your visit
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Best time to visit: Mornings are the most pleasant, before the guided tours and groups arrive. If you’re just exploring the courtyards, an evening walk is also worth it – the buildings look beautifully illuminated after dark.
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Best photo spot: From the end of Kohlmarkt, the Michaelertrakt and its dome look most impressive – especially after dark.
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Take a break: Use the open areas around Heldenplatz or the Burggarten to escape the city buzz for a moment.
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In the morning: With a bit of luck, you might spot the Lipizzaner stallions on a brief ride through the Burggarten – a quiet moment right in the heart of the city.
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Short on time? A quick visit to the State Hall of the Austrian National Library is well worth it – in just 20 minutes, you’ll get a truly impressive glimpse of imperial splendour.
More Than a Palace
In the very heart of Vienna, the Hofburg is where past and present meet.
Between government offices, museums and riding halls, history here isn’t preserved – it’s alive: you hear the hoofbeats of the Lipizzaners, the sound of fiakers, and just a few steps away, the rhythm of daily life. The Hofburg reveals how closely grandeur and reality, tradition and movement are intertwined in Vienna – and that’s what makes it truly unique.
📌 You might also like:
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👉 20 Most Beautiful Sights in Vienna – The city’s most impressive places at a glance.
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👉 Vienna Travel Guide 2025 – Everything you need for your trip to Vienna.
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👉 10 highlights with No Entrance Fee – Free, yet truly unforgettable.
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