Schönbrunn Palace Opening Hours

Determining the optimal time to visit Schönbrunn Palace can be challenging, particularly with varying hours throughout the year. 

Many tourists end up arriving during peak times or when it’s closed due to a holiday. 

In this guide, we’ll help you avoid these common timing pitfalls and ensure your visit to Schönbrunn Palace is as smooth as possible.

Opening hours of Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace is open daily at 8.30 am, including public holidays, closing time vary as per the season.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the opening hours of the Schönbrunn Palace:

The last admission to the Schönbrunn Palace is 45 minutes before closing. 

For example, if the palace closes at 5 pm during the winter months, the last entry would be allowed at 4.15 pm.

Is Schönbrunn Palace open on Christmas Day?

Schönbrunn Palace is open on Christmas Day (December 25th), but with some limitations. 

The number of tours may be reduced, and some areas of the palace may close early. 

Christmas Day offers a peaceful atmosphere with fewer visitors, making it an ideal time for a quieter experience.

Tip: If you visit during the festive season, consider exploring the Christmas markets in the gardens, which are a major highlight!

Other important timings at Schönbrunn Palace

Apart from the general opening hours of the palace, there are several other important timings for specific attractions and facilities within Schönbrunn Palace. 

Here’s a quick overview to help you plan your visit more effectively.

⭐ Palace Park: Opens at 6.30 am daily, giving visitors early access to the beautiful grounds. The closing times change depending on the season:

• January to February: Closes at 5.30 pm
  
• March to October: Closes later, around 7 pm to 9 pm
  
• November to December: Closes at 5.30 pm

The park is free to enter, but special attractions within the park require separate tickets.

⭐ Children’s Museum: This interactive museum for kids is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. It provides a hands-on experience for children, making it an exciting attraction for families.

⭐ Privy Garden & Orangery Garden: The Privy Garden and Orangery Garden are beautiful sections of the palace grounds. They open at 9.30 am and remain accessible until 5.30 pm in the summer, closing at 4 pm in late fall. The last admission is 30 minutes before closing.

⭐ Maze & Labyrinth: This fun and family-friendly attraction is open from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm in the summer, and from 9.30 am to 4 pm in late fall. The last admission is 45 minutes before closing.

⭐ Gloriette Viewing Terrace: For panoramic views of Vienna and the palace, the Gloriette Viewing Terrace is open from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm during spring and fall, and 9.30 am to 6.30 pm in the summer. The last admission is 30 minutes before closing. 

⭐ Neptune Fountain: The Neptune Fountain, one of the prominent features in the palace grounds, operates from 10 am to 4 pm. Visitors can enjoy its beauty during the day, but the fountain is closed in the winter from mid-October to mid-April.

⭐ Other Park Fountains: The rest of the park fountains, including those in the Orangery Garden and Parade Court, are open from 8.30 am to 5 pm. These fountains are operational throughout the warmer months but are closed from mid-October to mid-April.

How long does a visit to Schönbrunn Palace take?

A usual visit to Schönbrunn Palace takes about 2 to 3 hours, covering the palace and its immediate surroundings. 

If you plan to explore the expansive gardens and the Gloriette, allow an additional 1 to 2 hours for a relaxed walk. 

For a more in-depth experience, including a guided tour and time spent in the Imperial Carriage Museum, allow yourself around 4 to 5 hours.

👉 If you’re visiting with kids, don’t miss the museum and exhibits, especially the Children’s Museum and Carriage Museum.

Schönbrunn Palace weather

Vienna experiences a temperate climate around Schönbrunn Palace. Summers (June–August) are warm, averaging 25°C (77°F), while winters (December–February) are cold, with temperatures often around 0°C (32°F). Spring and autumn are mild, ranging between 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F). Occasional rain is expected year-round, so carrying a light jacket or umbrella is advisable.

👉 For practical planning, see our tips guide with insider advice on beating crowds, timing meals, and more.

Best time to visit Schönbrunn Palace

To make the most of your visit to Schönbrunn Palace, planning your visit around the best times will help you avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience. 

Here’s a breakdown of the ideal times based on the time of day, season, and week.

Best time of day

• Early Morning (Before 10 am):
  Arriving right at opening time, 8.30 am, allows you to beat the crowds and enjoy quieter rooms and gardens. It’s also the best time for photography, with the soft early light and fewer tourists.
  
• Late Afternoon (After 4 pm):
  If mornings aren’t possible, late afternoon is another great time. The crowds thin out, and the lighting for photos improves as the sun starts to set, creating a peaceful atmosphere for exploring.
  
• Midday (11 am – 3 pm):
  This is the busiest time, with large tour groups flooding the palace and gardens. It’s best to avoid this period if you prefer a quieter experience.
  

👉 Another way to save time is booking a skip-the-line guided tour, which gives you fast entry plus expert commentary.

Best month or season

• April, May, September, October:
  These months offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful views of the gardens. Spring brings vibrant blooms, while fall adds colorful autumn foliage, making for a picturesque visit.

Dress Code: Light jacket or sweater, comfortable shoes, umbrella for occasional rain showers.

• Summer (June – August):
  Summer brings longer hours but also larger crowds and higher prices. If you choose to visit during this time, expect a bustling atmosphere, especially during school holidays.

Dress Code: Lightweight, breathable clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, comfortable walking shoes.

• Winter (November – March):
  Winter is the quietest time at Schönbrunn Palace, with fewer visitors. However, some outdoor attractions, like the maze, close for the season. It’s still a peaceful time to visit, but be aware of limited access to certain areas.

Dress Code: Warm coat, scarf, gloves, layers, sturdy shoes with good traction.

👉 See our complete dress code guide for every season, so you’re never caught unprepared.

Best day of the week

• Weekdays (Monday to Friday):
  Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, making them the ideal time to visit. Monday through Thursday mornings are particularly quiet, especially right after opening.
  👉 Pair your visit with nearby attractions. Our guide to attractions nearby helps you make the most of your day.
  
• Weekends:
  Saturdays and Sundays are busier, as both locals and international tourists flock to the palace. If possible, avoid weekends for a more relaxed visit.

The final verdict
The overall best time to visit Schönbrunn Palace is on a weekday morning in April, May, September, or October. This combination of fewer tourists, comfortable weather, and vibrant gardens ensures a pleasant, unhurried experience.

Key Takeaways

To ensure you have the best possible experience at Schönbrunn Palace, here are some key points to remember:

• Visit early (before 10 am) or late (after 4 pm) to avoid crowds and capture great photos.
  
• Summer (June–August) is busy, so spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are ideal for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
  
• Weekdays, particularly Monday to Thursday mornings, offer a quieter experience.
  
• Pre-book tickets online to skip the lines, especially during peak seasons.
  
• Vienna’s weather is mild in spring and fall, warm in summer, and cold in winter. Always check the forecast before your visit.