Schönbrunn Palace Layout Explained:

Schönbrunn Palace is vast, covering over 160 hectares, and navigating it can feel overwhelming for tourists. 

With multiple entry points, gardens, and attractions scattered across the grounds, it’s easy to get confused about the best way to approach your visit. 

Many visitors unknowingly miss important spots like the Gloriette, the Maze, or the Palm House simply because they didn’t know where they were located. 

In this article, we’ll help you understand the layout, skip the lines, and ensure you don’t miss any highlights, so you can plan your visit stress-free and avoid common pitfalls.

“Before you begin your adventure, download the Schönbrunn Palace map (PDF, 808 kb) to plan your route. You can also access the interactive map through the Schönbrunn App for real-time navigation.”

How to read the Schönbrunn map

Before you step foot into the gardens and palace, understanding how to read the Schönbrunn Palace map will make your experience much smoother. 

Here’s how to use it effectively:

• Orientation: The Schloss Schönbrunn (palace) is at the southern end, and the Gloriette (hilltop pavilion) is at the northern end. Use the north arrow on the map to guide your way.
  
• Scale: The map has a scale bar (50m, 100m, 150m) to help you estimate walking distances. For example, it takes about 15 minutes to walk from the palace to the Gloriette.
  
• Symbols: The map uses icons for key locations like toilets (WC), information points (INFO), entrances, and food spots. Check the legend for easy reference.

Now that you know how to read the map, let’s break down the layout in detail, with numbers and directions that will guide you to each significant location.

👉 If you’re visiting for the first time, our guide to opening hours and best time to visit will help you plan when to use this map effectively.

Main entrances and how to navigate

Schönbrunn Palace has several entrances, and knowing which one to use can make all the difference in your experience. Let’s break them down:

Haupt-tor (Main entrance)

This is the most popular and primary entrance, leading directly to the Ehrenhof (Court of Honour) right in front of the palace. 

If you’re coming for a palace tour, this is the ideal entrance. It’s also the spot where you’ll get your tickets and deposit any large bags.

Other entrances

Several other gates offer access to the grounds and attractions:

• Maria Theresia Tor: Convenient if you’re planning to visit the gardens or take a stroll through the park.
  
• Meidlinger Tor: A quieter option, great for those heading straight to the Meidlinger Glorietteallee or the gardens.
  
• Hietzinger Tor: Best for those visiting the zoo or the upper gardens.
  
• Maxingtor & Engelstor: More secluded entrances, ideal for those wanting to avoid crowds.
  

Tip: If you’re looking to skip the lines, the Meidlinger Tor entrance tends to be less crowded, so it’s a great choice if you want a peaceful start to your visit. Booking a skip-the-line guided tour ensures quick entry and avoids the queues at the main entrance.

The key pathways and how to navigate the gardens

Schönbrunn’s gardens are vast, with many pathways crisscrossing the landscape. Here’s how you can make the most of them:

Main paths to know

The park is divided into beautiful alleys, each offering a different experience:

• Finstere Allee: A scenic, shady path perfect for a quiet walk.
  
• Gloriettestraße: Leading up to the stunning Gloriette, one of the highlights of Schönbrunn.
  
• Tiergartenallee: The path leading to the zoo, if you’re looking to explore the animals.
  
• Irrgartenallee: A fun path leading you to the Irrgarten (maze) for some playful exploration.
  

Pro tip: To get a full view of the palace and gardens, head to Gloriettestraße, where you can enjoy a panoramic view from the Gloriette café.

Major attractions and their locations

Now, let’s dive into the major attractions you won’t want to miss and where to find them:

Schloss Schönbrunn (Schönbrunn Palace)

The centerpiece of the entire complex, Schloss Schönbrunn is Number 1 on the map. It’s the grand building you’ll see upon entering via the Haupt-tor. Inside, you can explore the lavish palace rooms, including the Great Gallery and the Mirror Room.

Get the real view

Kronprinzengarten (Privy Garden)

Adjacent to the palace, the Kronprinzengarten (Number 2) is a beautifully manicured garden ideal for a leisurely stroll. 

Get the real view

Orangeriegarten (Orangery Garden)

Located to the east of the palace, this garden (Number 3) is home to stunning flora and hosts the Palace Concerts (Number 11), so check out the schedule for a musical experience.

Get the real view

Irrgarten (Maze)

Located within the park and accessible via Irrgartenallee (Number 4), this maze is a fun experience for visitors of all ages.

Get the real view

Gloriette

A striking structure perched on a hill to the south of the palace, the Gloriette (Number 5) offers sweeping views of the palace and gardens. Don’t forget to stop by the Gloriette Café (Number 17) for a relaxing break.

Get the real view

Tiergarten Schönbrunn (Zoo Vienna)

Home to over 700 species, Tiergarten Schönbrunn (Number 6) is one of the oldest zoos in the world and a must-visit, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

Get the real view

How to plan your route to avoid getting lost

To make the most of your visit, here’s a simple guide to help you navigate through Schönbrunn:

1. Start at the Haupt-tor and head to the palace first. If you’re visiting with kids, the Kindermuseum (Number 9) near the entrance is a great stop.
   
2. After exploring the palace, head toward the Gloriette via Gloriettestraße for the best views.
   
3. If you’re a nature lover, walk through the Kronprinzengarten and Orangeriegarten, both located next to the palace.
   
4. Make sure to visit the Irrgarten and Tiergarten later on if you still have energy.
   

👉 Families will also enjoy the museum and exhibits, such as the Carriage Museum inside the palace complex.

Where to eat and drink in Schönbrunn

After a few hours of exploring, you’ll need a pit stop. Luckily, Schönbrunn has several great places to grab a bite. 

• Gloriette Café (Number 17) – For a scenic break with great views.
  
• Café Pavillon (Number 18) – A charming café, perfect for a snack.
  
• Gasthaus Tirolergarten (Number 19) – If you’re craving traditional Austrian cuisine.
  
• Schönbrunner Schloßcafé (Number 24) – For something light and casual.

*If you click on the link, you can see the cafe’s interiors and decide if the location is to your taste. 

Tip: If you’re on the go, you can also grab snacks from the various kiosks scattered throughout the grounds.

👉 Looking for more options? See our list of restaurants nearby to enjoy a full Austrian meal after your visit.

Amenities inside Schönbrunn Palace and how to locate them

When you’re exploring Schönbrunn Palace and its extensive grounds, you’ll find several essential amenities that can make your visit even more comfortable.

Here’s where to find them:

Toilets

Restrooms are available throughout the palace and grounds, including barrier-free toilets for those with disabilities. Here are a few locations where you can find them:

• Near the Haupt-tor (Main Gate), close to the main entrance of the palace.
• In the Palace Gardens, especially near popular areas like the Gloriette and Orangery Garden.
• Close to the Zoo Entrance and the Tiergarten Schönbrunn.

Find on map

Baby changing facilities

Traveling with young children? Schönbrunn Palace is well-equipped with baby changing stations located conveniently:

• Near the Main Entrance in the visitor facilities.
  
• Inside the Zoo near the Wüstenhaus and Palm House areas.
  

Lockers

If you don’t want to carry heavy bags around, you can use the lockers available for your belongings. These are located at:

• The Main Entrance is near the ticket office.
  
• In the Palace Courtyard for easy access during your visit.
  
• At the Zoo entrance as well.
  

Drinking water

Stay hydrated while touring the vast palace grounds. Free drinking water is available at the following spots:

• Near the Gloriette Café (Number 17).
• In the Palace Gardens, especially near the Kronprinzengarten and Orangeriegarten.
  
• Close to the Tiergarten Schönbrunn entrance.
  

Souvenirs

You’ll want a memento from your visit to Schönbrunn, and luckily, there are several souvenir shops around the palace grounds:

• Near the Main Entrance at the Schönbrunner Schloßcafé (Number 24), where you can also grab a bite.
  
• At the Marionettentheater (Marionette Theatre) (Number 14) and Lindt Chocolade Boutique Schönbrunn (Number 15).
  

Find on map

Post office & ATM

Need to exchange some money or send a postcard? The Post Office (Number 20) is located near the main palace entrance. You can also withdraw cash from the ATM (Number 21) located nearby.

Find on map

Transportation facilities

To help you get around:

• Taxi rank: A convenient taxi rank is located near the Main Entrance.
  
• Public transport access: Schönbrunn is well-connected by public transport, with the U-Bahnstation (Underground Station) and Straßenbahnhaltestelle (Tram Stop) located nearby, ensuring easy access for visitors coming by metro or tram. Explore more.
  
• Hop on, Hop off: If you’re on a tour, the Hop On Hop Off buses have designated pick-up and drop-off points at the palace.
  

Tip: Always check the Schönbrunn App for the latest updates on amenities, opening hours, and special offers. It provides an interactive map and allows you to find amenities quickly while navigating through the palace grounds.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Here are a few questions and answers that tourists often ask:

The palace is big, but exploring doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Use this map, follow the paths, and enjoy Schönbrunn without missing a thing. Plan smart, travel better!

👉 Compare all available Schönbrunn Palace tickets to choose the right one for your visit.