Hofburg Vienna – Info & tickets
The Hofburg Vienna was the residence of the Habsburgs for centuries and is now one of Vienna's top sights. With the Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments and Silver Collection, it offers insights into the imperial heritage.
The Hofburg Vienna - imperial splendor in the heart of the capital
The Hofburg Vienna is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also a central part of Austrian history. For centuries, it was the seat of the Habsburgs and the political center of the empire. Today, the Hofburg is one of the most visited sights in Vienna and impresses with its magnificent state rooms, important museums and historical treasures. If you want to experience the imperial flair up close, you should secure Hofburg Vienna tickets in good time to discover the fascinating world of the monarchy.
History of the Hofburg Vienna: From the Middle Ages to the Modern Age
The origins of the Hofburg date back to the 13th century. Originally built as a medieval castle, it was continually extended over the centuries under the Habsburgs. With each ruler, new wings, squares and state rooms were added - from Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque. Today, the Hofburg covers a huge area with more than 2,600 rooms and is a living testimony to Austrian history. In addition to its function as a museum complex, it also serves as the official residence of the Austrian Federal President.
How to visit the Hofburg Vienna: tickets, passes & tours
The Hofburg is open daily - usually from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm - although individual areas may vary. Entry is possible with various tickets or passes. Particularly popular are:
- Hofburg Vienna tickets: Available online or on site. They are usually valid for the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Apartments and the Imperial Silver Collection.
- Vienna PASS and Vienna FLEXI Pass: These passes give you free admission to over 60 and 90 attractions respectively - including the Hofburg, the Imperial Treasury and the Austrian National Library.
- Vienna City Card: Ideal for city travelers as it offers discounts at many sights and free travel on public transport.
- Guided tours: There are daily audio guides and themed tours - for example on Sisi, Emperor Franz Joseph or the secret rooms of the Hofburg.
Tip: Especially in high season, it is worth booking Hofburg Vienna tickets online in advance to avoid waiting times.
What you can visit in the Hofburg Vienna
Sisi Museum
Immerse yourself in the life of the legendary Empress Elisabeth. The museum displays personal items, letters and original dresses - and dispels myths.
Kaiserappartements
The former private apartments of Franz Joseph and Sisi have been preserved in their original state and provide an authentic insight into imperial life.
Silver chamber
Over 7,000 objects from the imperial household shine here - from gold cutlery to magnificent dinner services.
Austrian National Library
With its baroque ceremonial hall, it is one of the most beautiful historical libraries in the world.
Spanish Riding School
Experience the famous Lipizzaner horses in action - a highlight for horse lovers and culture vultures alike.
How to get to the Hofburg Vienna
The Hofburg is located directly in the center of Vienna, on Michaelerplatz, and is easily accessible:
- Subway: U3 (Herrengasse station) or U1/U2/U4 (Karlsplatz)
- Streetcar: Lines 1, 2, D, 71 (Burgring station)
- Bus: Line 1A, 2A or 3A (Hofburg station)
With the Vienna City Card, you can use public transport free of charge - and receive discounts on many attractions.
It is even more convenient with the HOP ON HOP OFF bus, which stops directly at the Hofburg (red, yellow and blue lines: station no. 2).
If you want to experience the magic of the imperial past, a visit to the Hofburg is an absolute must. With the right ticket or City Pass, your stay in Vienna will not only be impressive, but also particularly convenient and time-saving.
Frequently asked questions
The Hofburg Vienna is a sprawling palace complex in the center of Vienna and is one of the most important historical buildings in Austria. For over 600 years, it was the residence of the Habsburgs - one of the most powerful ruling families in Europe - and served as the center of imperial power in the Holy Roman Empire, later in the Austrian Empire and in the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy.
Today the Hofburg:
- Official residence of the Austrian Federal President
- Museum location with highlights such as the Sisi Museum, the Imperial Apartments and the Silver Collection
- Home to the world-famous Spanish Riding School
- Seat of the Austrian National Library
- A cultural and tourist center in the heart of Vienna's city center
You should plan between 2 and 4 hours for a visit to the Hofburg Vienna, depending on your interests and the size of your ticket. Here is a rough guide:
Recommended duration of visit:
- Sisi Museum + Imperial Apartments + Imperial Silver Collection only: approx. 1.5 to 2 hours
- With audio guide or guided tour: approx. 2 to 2.5 hours
- Including Spanish Riding School or National Library: approx. 3 to 4 hours
- With photo breaks, souvenir store & café visit: more like 4+ hours
Ticket prices for adults are around €20 (for the Sisi Museum & Imperial Apartments), children's prices are around €12.
Guided tours can be purchased for approx. 25€ for adults and approx. 17€ for children.
With city passes such as the Vienna PASS, Vienna FLEXI Pass or the Vienna City Card, admission is discounted or even included.
Daily and on public holidays from 09:00 - 17:30. Please note that the last admission may be earlier.
The Hofburg Vienna comprises a total of around 2,600 rooms - an impressive number that reflects its centuries-long development and size.
The Hofburg is not a single building, but a complex ensemble of several wings, squares and courtyards that have been expanded over more than 700 years.