Schönbrunn Palace opening hours
Travelers checking Schönbrunn Palace opening hours must account for differing schedules across the estate. The main palace, surrounding gardens, and individual attractions maintain independent entry times throughout the year.
Schönbrunn Palace visiting hours
Schönbrunn Palace opening hours run daily in Vienna, including public holidays, following a seasonal schedule throughout the year.
Below you will find detailed information about the current opening hours of the areas included with the admission ticket: the palace, the gardens, and other additional attractions such as the maze, the greenhouse, and the Gloriette viewpoint:
Schönbrunn Palace
| Date Range | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| 3 November to 26 March | 8.30 am – 5.00 pm |
| 27 March to 30 June | 8.30 am – 5.30 pm |
| 1 July to 31 August | 8.30 am – 6.00 pm |
| 1 September to 2 November | 8.30 am – 5.30 pm |
Last admission: 45 minutes before closing time.
The palace remains open every day, including public holidays. Visitors are encouraged to plan their visit early in the day to fully enjoy the rooms and avoid peak hours.
Best day of the week to visit Schönbrunn Palace
The best days to visit Schönbrunn Palace are Tuesday to Thursday, when there are fewer group tours and local visitors. Weekends, especially Saturdays, tend to be much busier, with longer queues at both the ticket counters and palace entrance. By choosing a weekday, you’ll enjoy a calmer visit to both the palace interiors and the gardens.
Best hour to visit Schönbrunn Palace
To avoid peak crowds, arrive right at the start of Schönbrunn Palace opening hours (from 8:30 a.m.). This is when the palace rooms are the quietest, giving you more time and space to appreciate the details. Another good option is the late afternoon, when most tour groups have already left. Midday (between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.) is generally the busiest time.
How early should I get to Schönbrunn Palace?
- With timed tickets: Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your time slot. Security screening operates throughout Schönbrunn Palace opening hours, but entry lines build up quickly during peak slots.
- For gardens and parklands: The main park gates open as early as 06:30 year-round. Arriving early lets you explore the Great Parterre, Gloriette, and gardens with minimal crowds before large tour groups arrive around 09:30.
- Cloakroom processing: Budget an additional 10 minutes if you need to use the storage facilities near the ticket office.
Best season to visit Schönbrunn Palace
Spring (March–May)
Spring marks the reopening of the full garden complex as the flower beds are replanted and the fountains begin operating. During these months, the weather remains mild, making it an ideal period for visitors who wish to balance their time between the palace interior and the extensive park grounds.
While visitor numbers begin to increase after March, the atmosphere remains manageable compared to the summer peak. This season provides the best opportunity to photograph the Great Palm House and the botanical displays before the high temperatures of mid-year arrive.
