Hofburg

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The complex was never completed as a single project but evolved organically over 700 years.

2. 2

   The Imperial Silver Collection contains over 7,000 objects, including a 30-meter-long centerpiece used for formal imperial dinners.

3. 3

   The Austrian National Library’s State Hall is widely considered one of the most beautiful baroque library rooms in the world, featuring a dome 20 meters high.

4. 4

   The Sisi Museum displays over 300 personal objects belonging to Empress Elisabeth, including her original mourning jewelry and travel medical kits.

5. 5

   The Schatzkammer (Imperial Treasury) houses the crown jewels of the Holy Roman Empire, including a 10th-century crown and a 15th-century Burgundian cross.

6. 6

   The palace complex is built on a site that has been inhabited and fortified since the 13th century.

7. 7

   The Josefsplatz square features an equestrian statue of Emperor Joseph II that weighs approximately 15 tons.

8. 8

   Parts of the palace, such as the Leopoldine Wing, have been modified to serve as the modern administrative office for the Austrian President.

Overview

The Hofburg is the former principal imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty and currently serves as the official residence and workplace of the President of Austria. Spanning approximately 240,000 square meters, the complex comprises 18 wings, 19 courtyards, and 2,600 rooms. The architectural evolution spans seven centuries, incorporating Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neo-Classical styles. Major museum highlights include the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Apartments, and the Silver Collection. The complex houses the Austrian National Library, one of the world's oldest and largest libraries. It also contains the Hofburg Chapel, where the Vienna Boys' Choir performs during mass. The Spanish Riding School, famous for Lipizzaner horse training, is integrated into the palace grounds. The complex remains a focal point of Austrian history, functioning as both a museum hub and an active political center.

Insider tips

• Purchase a combined ticket if planning to visit the Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments, and Silver Collection, as they are part of the same tour circuit.

• Visit the Austrian National Library’s State Hall separately to appreciate its frescoed ceilings without the crowds of the primary palace tour.

• Book tickets for the Spanish Riding School training or performances weeks in advance during peak travel periods.