Hofburg Palace located in Vienna city centre is the former Imperial Palace and the official residence of the President of Austria. The sprawling complex extends over 240,000 square metres, comprising 18 wings, 19 courtyards and 2,600 rooms. Dating back to the 13th century, the palace is home to concert halls, museums and libraries.
One of the highlights of the palace is the Sisi Museum dedicated to Empress Elisabeth, as her story is inspiring, tragic and filled with intrigue. To explore one of the palace’s oldest structures, head to the Swiss Wing. This wing contains the Gothic Chapel and Imperial Music Chapel. Explore the architecture dating back to this period and imagine how the Austrian elite once lived. The Stalberg was once a residence for Crown Prince Maximilian II and later it became home to the imperial horses of the nearby Spanish Riding School of Vienna. Another space which shouldn’t be overlooked is the Augustinian Wing. The Habsburgs once used the church for court proceedings and weddings. Behind semi-circular shaped annexe is a hidden iron door where 54 hearts belonging to the House of Habsburg lie in silver urns. The famous elegant masked balls were held in the Redouten Wing. World renowned composer Johann Strauss would serve as musical director during these times and scores were performed by greats such as Haydn and Liszt and Strauss himself. The New Castle wing showcases a unique collection of Arms and Armour, Ancient Musical Instruments and the Museum of Ethnology. Visitors to Hofburg Palace will gain great insight into many aspects of Viennese life, past and present.
Reaching Hofburg Palace is easy via public transport. The city is home to a network of bus, tram, train and subway lines which are efficient and frequent. The U-Bahn stations of Herrengasse or Stephansplatz are a short walk away, and trams and buses stop near Volksgarten, 3 minutes’ walk from the palace. Many of the city’s main attractions are within walking distance including, Haus der Musik, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Museums Quartier.
Hofburg Palace was once home of the Austrian sovereigns, and today it is the seat of the President of Austria. The Habsburgs reigned here from the 13th century and it also became a seat of the Holy Roman Empire. Originally the palace was a fortified medieval castle, each emperor extended wings which developed the structure into the "city within a city" it is today.