The gardens of Schönbrunn in Vienna

Schönbrunn Palace was the summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. The Rococo palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural, and historic monuments in Austria.

The history of Schönbrunn and the buildings that preceded it on this site goes back to the Middle Ages. The whole estate had borne the name of “Katterburg” from the beginning of the 14th century and was used as a hunting ground by the Habsburgs, before being transformed into a Baroque complex under Franz I. Stephan of Lorraine in the 18th century. The park was opened to the public around 1779 and since then has provided a popular recreational amenity for the Viennese population. Extending for 1.2 km from east to west and approximately one kilometre from north to south, it was placed together with the palace on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1996.

One can experience the magic of Schönbrunn at any time of the year. Here are some of my impressions of the gardens through the seasons.