Is there an entry fee for the Burggarten?

No, the Burggarten is a public park and is entirely free to enter and enjoy at any time of the year.

Can I see the Lipizzaner horses in the Burggarten?

Yes, you can often see the famous white horses grazing in the paddocks which are located within the park grounds.

What is inside the Palmenhaus?

The Palmenhaus is a stunning Art Nouveau structure that serves as a greenhouse, a café, and a popular butterfly sanctuary.

Why is there a statue of Mozart in the park?

It serves as a tribute to one of the most famous musicians who ever lived in Vienna and adds to the park's atmosphere of classical elegance.

What heritage status does it have?

Burggarten holds the following heritage designations: Listed Objects In Austria and Park Or Garden According To § 1 Abs. 12 Dmsg.

It dates back to 1819, making it 207 years old.

Burggarten

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181m ELEVATION

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1819 FOUNDED

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207 YEARS OLD

The Burggarten stands as a serene imperial retreat located right in the heart of the city, offering a lush escape from the paved streets of Vienna. Originally crafted as a private garden for the Habsburg family, the space now welcomes everyone to walk among its pristine lawns, grand statues, and tranquil ponds. You can admire the stunning architecture of the Palmenhaus, an Art Nouveau glasshouse that houses an elegant café and a sanctuary for tropical butterflies. Music lovers often make a pilgrimage to the iconic Mozart monument, while others simply enjoy the sight of the legendary Lipizzaner horses grazing in their paddocks nearby. This garden remains a perfect example of how imperial grandeur has gracefully transitioned into a cherished public space for locals and visitors alike.

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History of Burggarten

After the smoke cleared from the Napoleonic Wars in 1809, the strategic significance of the old fortifications at the Hofburg Palace vanished. Emperor Francis I, a man whose heart beat for botany rather than warfare, seized the opportunity to transform this former rubble into a personal horticultural sanctuary. It became a realm of rare plants and private serenity, shielded from the public eye and dedicated to the natural sciences that the Emperor loved so deeply. For decades, the garden remained a closely guarded secret of the Habsburgs, offering a quiet escape from the rigid protocols of court life. The Laternengang, an underground tunnel, served as their private link, ensuring the royals could retreat into their greenery with complete privacy. This seclusion fostered a unique and intimate atmosphere where the Emperor could indulge his scientific interests while escaping the heavy burdens of statecraft. When the monarchy fell in 1918, the gates finally swung open to the people of Vienna. The subsequent decades saw the garden evolve from a symbol of exclusive power into a cherished communal asset. Today, the park manages to balance its imperial heritage with modern life, hosting tourists and locals alike, while the presence of the Lipizzaner horses ensures the connection to its equestrian past remains vibrantly alive for all who visit.

Events spanning 212 years

YEAR 1809

Napoleon's Gift

Following his victory in the War of the Fifth Coalition, Napoleon Bonaparte ordered the destruction of the defensive bastion at the Hofburg, unintentionally creating the clearing that would become the garden.

YEAR 1820

Royal Inauguration

The garden was completed under the direction of court gardener Franz Antoine the Elder, serving as a private botanical oasis for Emperor Francis I.

YEAR 1901

The Glass Palace Arrives

A magnificent new greenhouse built in the Jugendstil style was constructed, replacing the older wooden structures and serving as the focal point of the park.

YEAR 1919

Freedom for the Public

Following the collapse of the Austro Hungarian monarchy, the gates of this previously private imperial retreat were opened to the general public.

YEAR 2021

Royal Neighbours Return

The Spanish Riding School inaugurated new grazing paddocks within the park, allowing their world famous Lipizzaner horses to be seen by the public in the city centre.

Fun Facts

• Emperor Francis I was a passionate botanist and heavily influenced the original layout of the gardens.
• In 1957, a statue of Emperor Franz Joseph I was added to the grounds, cementing the park as a collection of Habsburg history.
• The Hercules fountain, depicting the hero wrestling the Nemean lion, was relocated to the Burggarten from a different district in Vienna.
• The Laternengang, a secret underground passage, once allowed the royal family to travel directly from the Hofburg Palace into the park without being seen.
• The Lipizzaner horses kept here belong to the Spanish Riding School, which has maintained its traditions in Vienna for over four hundred years.
• The Palmenhaus is a masterclass in Art Nouveau architecture, showcasing the ornate metalwork popular in the early 20th century.
• The butterfly house inside the Palmenhaus allows visitors to walk amongst hundreds of free flying tropical butterflies.
• The famous Mozart memorial was originally located on Albertinaplatz before finding its permanent home here in 1953.
• The park contains the oldest equestrian monument in Vienna, a lead statue of Emperor Francis I that dates back to 1781.
• The park was created on the site of a defensive bastion that was blown up by Napoleon's troops in 1809.

Burggarten FAQ

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Burggarten Map & Neighborhood Explorer

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