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Hofburg Imperial Palace was the principal winter residence of the rulers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Schönbrunn Palace was used as a summer residence. Hofburg Palace served as a seat of the Austrian Emperor and a home of the Habsburg dynasty up until 1918.

The massive complex has been a seat of the government since 1279 and was expanded numerous times during the centuries. The palace now houses museums (Kunsthistorisches Museum and Naturhistorisches Museum), chapels, national theater, the Imperial Library (Hofbibliothek), the treasury and the Spanish Riding School which is also one of the most popular tourist attractions.

The Spanish Riding School was designed by Josef Emanuel Fischer von Erlach, and built between 1729 to 1735 and is home of the famous Lipizzaner Stallions. The white stallions are trained to “dance” or so we think - actually every horse has its rhythm and the music is chosen to match. The horses perform accompanied by baroque music under the crystal chandeliers in the Hofburg's ballroom.

Today Hofburg Palace is the official residence of the President of Austria.

Where is Hofburg Palace: Michaelerplatz 1, Hofburg

How to get to Hofburg Palace: U-Bahn: U3/Herrengasse

Opening hours of the Spanish Riding School: It is closed in August and on tour weeks. Tip - Tickets for the performances sell out fast and is easier to get a ticket to the morning rehearsals.

Hofburg Imperial Palace, Vienna - Prunksaal (formerly the Hofbibliothek)


Hofburg Imperial Palace, Michael Wing, Vienna


Hofburg Palace, Prince Eugene of Savoy, Vienna






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