Schönbrunn Zoo, Zoo in Hietzing district, Vienna, Austria
Schönbrunn Zoo is a zoological garden in Hietzing district, Vienna, Austria, located within the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace. The enclosures spread across several zones from the rainforest house to the polar regions, with pathways running through old tree stands and lined by historic pavilions.
The facility was created in 1752 as a menagerie for Emperor Franz I and his wife Maria Theresa, who collected exotic animals from all parts of their empire. In the 19th century the grounds were opened to the public and evolved into a modern facility with scientific ambitions.
The name comes from the baroque animal enclosure that once served as an imperial menagerie. Today families visit the grounds especially for the tropical rainforest atmosphere in the new birdhouse and the open enclosures where children can observe animals up close.
The grounds are largely accessible and have plenty of benches along the pathways. The tour typically takes two to three hours, with visitor numbers higher on weekends and during school holidays.
The central baroque pavilion from the 18th century still serves as a cafe overlooking the surrounding enclosures. The original wall paintings inside show exotic landscapes and recall the time when the menagerie was accessible only to the court.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
