Privy Garden at Schönbrunn

The maze in the park at Schönbrunn Palace actually consists of three parts: the maze, the labyrinth, and the Labyrinthikon 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 1715 m².  The labyrinth is a relaxing place filled with games and fun for young and old alike. The Labyrinthikon playground, designed by Günter Beltzig, is a playground where all generations can experiment.

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!

The Children's Museum at Schönbrunn Palace is a great way to get your kids involved in Vienna's imperial history. This museum looks at the world in which children lived during the Austrian Empire, both from here within the palace, to down in the poorer neighbourhoods of Vienna. It's a fascinating step back in time to learn about the society and demands of children over the changing hands of imperial power. Please note that the Children's museum has saisonal opening hours.

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.

The Privy Garden, known originally as the Crown Prince Rudolf Garden, is home to some of the most spectacular plants and flowers in the summer time due to its sheltered location by the east palace façade. Arranged in manicured lawns and landscaped flower beds, the stunning Privy Garden is centred around an ancient yew tree. Adjacent to the Privy Garden is 'On the Cellar', where visitors can explore the oldest part of the gardens on the estate which date back to 1700.

Measuring 189m in length, the Orangery is one of the two largest Baroque orangeries in the world, alongside the one in Palace of Versailles, on the outskirts of Paris. Franz Joseph II used to use his Orangery, or as it was called, the 'winter garden', for imperial court festivities where he would decorate the citrus trees and exotic flowers to impress his guests!

The crowning touch to the Baroque palace, the Gloriette was literally meant to be the icing on the cake. A colonnaded building flanked by wings, arches and topped with an imperial eagle – you can’t get much more impressive than this. The inner hall was originally used as a dining room in the 19th century and now there is a lovely café open to guests. Take in the spectacular views over the gardens and palace from this unique vantage point, perfect for some impressive photos.

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.