Today, I stepped into the world of emperors and empresses at the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace—a place where history, luxury, and a touch of whimsy come together in one breathtaking package. With my Classic Pass in hand, I was ready to explore every nook and cranny of this royal playground, from the opulent rooms of the palace to the sprawling gardens that seem to stretch on forever.
Morning: A Royal Welcome at Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace, often referred to as the “Austrian Versailles,” was originally a hunting lodge before being transformed into a grand summer residence for the Habsburgs, Austria’s most famous royal family. The palace has over 1,400 rooms, and while I didn’t explore every single one (that would be quite the workout!), the Classic Pass gave me access to all the key areas.
Wandering through the palace, I was struck by the sheer opulence of it all. The Great Gallery is a jaw-dropping hall filled with glittering chandeliers, ornate frescoes, and enough gold leaf to make even the most extravagant Instagram influencer jealous. This was where the Habsburgs entertained their guests in style—think grand balls, lavish banquets, and probably a lot of gossip about who was wearing what.
The Imperial Apartments offer a glimpse into the daily lives of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth, affectionately known as Sisi. Franz Joseph was known for his disciplined, no-nonsense approach to ruling, while Sisi was the ultimate free spirit—a fashion icon with a love for travel and poetry. Her story is as tragic as it is fascinating, with her struggles against the rigid constraints of court life still resonating today.
Midday: A Glorious Lunch at Gloriette
After all that royal history, it was time for a bit of refreshment. I made my way up the hill to get a view of the Palace from the hilltop. On the way there were huge fountains to see, along with a Roman Relic Fountain.
At the top of the hill, a stunning colonnaded structure perched on a hill with panoramic views of the palace and Vienna beyond. This was once the site of imperial breakfasts (because of course the Habsburgs would start their day with a view like this), and today it houses a lovely café.
Lunch at the Gloriette felt like dining at the top of the world. I indulged in some traditional Austrian fare—schnitzel, naturally—while soaking in the views. The combination of delicious food, fresh air, and the grandeur of my surroundings made it one of those perfect travel moments that I’ll treasure long after my trip is over. I had delicious lasagna with a salad that totally hit the spot.
Afternoon: Lost in the Gardens and Mazes
With my energy restored, it was time to get lost—in the best possible way. The gardens of Schönbrunn are legendary, and with the Classic Pass, I had access to all of them, including the Orangery, the Maze, and the Labyrinth.
The Orangery was a fragrant paradise, filled with citrus trees and exotic plants that once supplied the palace with fresh fruits and flowers. I could almost imagine the royal gardeners tending to these plants centuries ago, ensuring the Habsburgs had the freshest oranges in all of Europe.
Next, I ventured into the Maze and Labyrinth—and yes, I did get a little lost! But that’s half the fun, right? The Maze is a playful throwback to the days when aristocrats would amuse themselves with games and puzzles, and I couldn’t resist the challenge of finding my way to the center. Spoiler alert: I made it, and the sense of victory was sweet.
The rest of the afternoon was spent wandering the acres upon acres of gardens. There’s something so relaxing about strolling through perfectly manicured lawns, past bubbling fountains and statues that seem to come to life with the stories they tell. I even spotted a few peacocks strutting around, adding to the fairytale-like atmosphere of the place.
Evening: A Royal Send-Off
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the palace and gardens, I reluctantly made my way back to the city. Schönbrunn Palace had been everything I’d hoped for and more—a perfect blend of history, beauty, and a bit of playful adventure.
Tomorrow, I’ll be off to explore more of Vienna, but today, I got to live like royalty, even if just for a day.
