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Maze Schönbrunn
The maze in the park at Schönbrunn Palace actually consists of three parts: The maze, the labyrinth and the labyrinthicon playground. The maze was initially laid out around 1720 and then gradually abandoned until the last hedges were felled in 1892. In 1999, it was reconstructed based on historical models over an area of 1715m². The labyrinth is a relaxing place filled with games and fun for young and old like.
There is so much to discover in Schönbrunn. Make sure you have enough time to stroll through the entire estate. Click here for a map of the Schonbrunn Palace and estate.
Did you know:
- the labyrinth was planned by Günter Beltzig with the idea of a playground to experimentand discover for all generations
- An inventory of the palace gardens in 1900 counted 25,000 orchids of 1,500 different species which held the record as the largest collection in Europe at that time
- Empress Maria Theresa and Emperor Franz Stephan of Lorraine had sixteen children! Eleven daughters and five sons…
Things to see at Schönbrunn Palace and Estate:
Take part in the Grand Tour of Schönbrunn Palace to learn about the Viennese dynasty and get a glimpse into the old imperial world. Walk through the elaborate themed rooms from Sisi’s private chambers and beauty salon, to the Marie Antoinette room which was used to host family dinners. Marvel at the opulence of the Rococo décor that makes Schönbrunn Palace so unique – including the Room of Mirrors in which Mozart played his first performance as a child. Take in the plush carpets, huge paintings and silk wallpapers – there’s nothing underwhelming about this imperial summer residence!
Schönbrunn Palace is so vast that it is home to Vienna’s zoo, which also holds the title of the oldest zoo in the world. Built in 1752 by Emperor Franz I Stephan, Maria Theresa’s husband, it started off as a mere menagerie – now it attracts over 2million visitors a year to view the collection of rare animals. Recent record breaking events include the rare, natural conception of a baby panda Fu Long. With over 500 animal species, the Schönbrunn Zoo is considered one of the best and most modern zoo, with its historic charm ever present. Further information on Schönbrunn Zoo can be found here.
Marvel at the lavish carriages of the imperial family in the palace's Carriage Museum. The collection includes the elaborate carriage built for the coronation of Joseph II in 1764 - which weights 4000 kgs! - and was hand painted and carved by Franz Xaver Wagenschön. Further information on the Imperial Carriage Museum Vienna can be found here.
It was Joseph II who opened the palace gardens to the public in 1779. The design and garden architecture of the complex still bears the signature of his mother, Empress Maria Theresa. The park reflects the baroque concept of the palace, according to which architecture and nature had to interpenetrate. The park should also be a symbol of imperial power, which is expressed, for example, in the strictly symmetrical beds of the Great Parterre, which you shouldn't miss with the botanical garden.
The palace gardens
The Palace gardens and park were open to the public in 1779 by Josepf II. It was Maria Theresias who helped design the intricate style and landscaping still visible today. The gardens reflect the same Baroque style and concepts – architecture and nature should be intertwined – that extend from the palace itself. The gardens were meant to be a symbol of imperial power, so don’t miss the ordered, symmetrical beds of the Great Parterre and the Botanical Garden.
1st April - 30th June
1st July -31st August
1st Septemeber - 28th October
29th October - 2nd November
Public
Metro:U4 Schönbrunn
Tram:10, 52, 60 Schloss Schönbrunn
Bus: 10A Schloss Schönbrunn
Hop On Hop Off
Route: Yellow Line
Bus Stop:
Schloss Schönbrunn
Address
Schlosspark Schönbrunn,
1130
Vienna
Phone:
+43 1 811 13-239