Hofburg Palace

Overview

The Hofburg is the former imperial winter residence of the Habsburgs, a sprawling complex of 2,600 rooms that now houses the Austrian president's office, the Spanish Riding School, the Imperial Apartments, and the Sisi Museum.

Highlights

• Imperial Apartments: 19 rooms documenting the daily life of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi).
• Sisi Museum: Personal items and the famous diamond-star hairpins of the beloved empress.
• Imperial Silver Collection: 7,000 pieces of Habsburg tableware, including a 30-metre banquet table.

History

Begun in the 13th century as a medieval fortress, the Hofburg grew continuously through the 19th century. The last addition—the monumental Neue Burg wing—was completed in 1913, just before the monarchy's end.

Visitor Tips

• Sisi Ticket: €20 covers Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum, Silver Collection, and Schönbrunn.
• Allow transitions: The complex is vast—budget time for walking between wings.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.