Hofburg Palace, Imperial palace complex in Innere Stadt, Vienna, Austria.
The Hofburg is an extensive palace complex in Vienna's city center featuring Renaissance architecture with numerous courtyards, elegant facades, and grand state rooms. The building spans several city blocks and today houses residences alongside various museums and historical collections.
The complex originated in the late 13th century and was expanded and rebuilt repeatedly over several centuries. The Habsburgs shaped the estate according to their needs, resulting in various architectural styles that remain visible today.
The palace houses several museums and cultural institutions today, including the Spanish Riding School with its famous Lipizzaner horses. Visitors can also explore imperial collections and exhibits dedicated to Empress Elisabeth that bring court life to the present day.
The best time to visit is early morning or on weekends when crowds are lighter and you can explore the different areas without much congestion. The grounds are large, so wear comfortable shoes and allow plenty of time to see everything.
The building continues to serve as the official residence of Austria's Federal President today, while parts remain open to the public. This makes it a rare example of an active government seat that functions as a museum in daily operations.
Location: Innere Stadt
Inception: 1279
Architects: Filiberto Lucchese
Official opening: 1913
Architectural style: Renaissance architecture
Website: http://hofburg-wien.at
GPS coordinates: 48.20639,16.36528
Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:00
These palaces serve as official seats for monarchs and presidents. The buildings combine historical architecture with political function and document the evolution of state power. The rooms and gardens showcase various architectural styles and political periods of their respective countries.
We offer a selection of the most important monuments and cultural institutions of the Austrian capital, including imperial palaces, museums, churches, and historical buildings. Then we venture off the beaten path to discover original and always intriguing museums.
Albertina
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Austrian National Library
108 m
Heldenplatz
113 m
Imperial Treasury
23 m
Looshaus
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Federal Chancellery of Austria
249 m
Imperial Sword
37 m
St. Michael's Church
220 m
Palmenhaus
187 m
Weltmuseum
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Sisi Museum
148 m
Herzgruft
162 m
State Hall of the National Library of Austria
104 m
House of Austrian History
151 m
Ephesos Museum
99 m
Prince Eugene of Savoy memorial
92 m
Michaelertrakt
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Palais Lobkowitz, Vienna
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Palais Pallavicini
147 m
Reichskanzleitrakt
149 m
Palais Erzherzog Albrecht
290 m
Schmetterlinghaus
161 m
Stallburg
169 m
Lutheran City Church
230 m
Monument Francis I. (II.)
131 m
Weltmuseum Wien
192 m
Austrian Film Museum
305 m
Macht zur See
170 mReviews
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