Vienna

Castle & palace tours

The Belvedere in Vienna is one of the leading museums worldwide. Its famous art collection includes works ranging from the Middle Ages to the present day. The unique complex, with its two palaces of the Upper and Lower Belvedere and extensive gardens, is one of the most stunning Baroque architectural marvels in the world. Highlights include the world's largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings as well as prominent works from the periods of Viennese Biedermeier, Austrian Baroque, Vienna around 1900, and French Impressionism. Now, for the first time in decades, the museum will once again host large-scale special exhibitions that you can admire on your visit. In the 18th century, the Austrian general Prince Eugene of Savoy commissioned the renowned Baroque architect Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt to build the complex. After the death of Prince Eugene, Empress Maria Theresa acquired the entire complex and transformed the Upper Belvedere into an exhibition venue for the imperial collections – making it one of the first public museums in the world. The Lower Belvedere, formerly the residence of Prince Eugene, is home to illustrious exhibitions. The Baroque gardens of the Belvedere rank among the most beautiful in the world. The main garden is situated between the Lower and the Upper Belvedere and extends over three large terraces. The Belvedere park is also home to the Botanical Garden and the oldest Alpine garden in Europe. Exhibition Highlights: Ongoing: Picture this! The Belvedere Collection from Cranach to Lassnig CARLONE CONTEMPORARY: Ugo Rondinone October 5, 2024 - March 16, 2025 CARLONE CONTEMPORARY: Sarah Ortmeyer March 27, 2025 - October 19, 2025 IM BLICK: Gustav Klimt. The Bride May 15, 2025 - October 5, 2025 UPPER BELVEDERE RENOVATION For the upcoming facade renovation on the north and west sides of the Upper Belvedere, scaffolding will be erected. Over this, a scaffold net will be stretched, replicating the north and west sides of the exterior facade. The planned works are expected to commence on April 8, 2024. During this time, the entrance area will not be affected in any way. This measure aims for completion by Q4 2024.

Experience Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, a masterpiece of classical music. Visit Vienna’s Karlskirche and listen to the concertos of a string quartet and basso continuo. The performance by Orchestra 1756, a classical period instrument ensemble, makes this concert extraordinary. Enjoy a journey through time with this evening concert and experience unforgettable moments with historical sounds. The Four Seasons includes four of twelve revolutionary violin concertos that interpret each season of the year. Four sonnets are the inspiration for this masterpiece that takes you into a world of sound, with thunder and lightning, cracking ice and birdsong, a sleeping shepherd boy, hunting parties, and many other places. Program: Le quattro stagioni – The Four Seasons Spring, Op. 8 Nr. 1 Summer, Op. 8 Nr. 2 Autumn, Op. 8 Nr. 3 Winter, Op. 8 Nr. 4 One or two additional parts which are changing from week to week and could be from these composers: Works by W. A. Mozart, J. S. Bach, H. I. F Biber, and other major composers.

Discover a highlight of Vienna's cultural calendar and enjoy an evening of beautiful music at Musikverein in either the Golden Hall or Brahms Hall. Let the music swell around you and hear Mozart, Haydn, and Vivaldi in classical concert. The first part of the concert includes Viennese classical pieces from Mozart and Haydn. The second part consists of Vivaldi’s legendary violin concerto “The Four Seasons,” featuring a string ensemble and Austrian soloists of international renown. You're sure to be charmed by this unique experience. The Golden Hall is famous for the New Year`s Day Concert and its unique acoustics The Brahms Hall is famous for having the best acoustics of all chamber music halls Dates in the Golden Hall: November 1, 2, 13, 22, 23, 27 December 3, 5, 10 January 6, 10, 11, 31 February 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 14, 19, 28 March 5, 8, 15, 29 April 1, 15, 17, 29 May 1, 6 June 5, 26 Dates in the Brahms Hall October 1, 17, 22, 24, 27, 29, 31 November 8, 9, 16, 30 December 8, 12, 17, 19 January 2, 3, 4, 5, 18 February 1, 15, 21, 22, 26, March 1, 12, 14, 21, 22, 28 April 3, 8, 10, 13, 20, 22, 24, 27 May 4, 8, 11, 13, 15, 22, 25, 27, 29 June 1, 3, 10, 12, 17, 19, 22, 24, 29

Visit the Spanish Riding School of Vienna and observe the horses during their training. In the magnificent setting of the baroque Winter Riding Academy, the training offers an insight into the years of training of the Lipizzaners and their riders. The morning exercise of the horses is accompanied by classical Viennese music. The Training includes relaxation exercises, refining and perfecting movement, and strengthening certain muscles. The famous school jumps levade, courbette, and capriole, which are shown as part of the performances by the Spanish Riding School, are not practiced on a daily basis and can only sometimes be seen during the morning exercise. The white Lipizzaner stallions are put through their paces by their riders almost every day. The primary objective of the morning exercise is to maintain the horses’ athleticism and health, as well as to build up various muscle groups that are necessary for performing the exercises of the haute école.

Explore the stunning region of Salzkammergut, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on a guided tour. See the snow-white castle, the beautiful alpine regions, Hallstatt town, and more. Enjoy a convenient pickup directly from your centrally-located Vienna hotel or opt to head to a central meeting point if you're staying at a hotel outside of the pickup area. Board the bus and depart to the stunning region of Salzkammergut. Visit the spectacular Schloss Ort, a fairytale-like castle where countless couples dream of celebrating their weddings. Take the opportunity to snap some photos on its famous wooden bridge. Continue to the heart of the Salzkammergut region, and explore the fabulous town of Hallstatt, set on the shores of an azure-blue lake. Head up to the Skywalk to enjoy breathtaking views over the town, lake, and mountains. Enjoy some free time for lunch, or to wander the narrow streets of the town. Admire the unforgettable natural landscape of the area, before continuing to Vienna where your tour will end at the Vienna State Opera.

Experience St. Peter's Church, one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in Vienna with entry tickets to the Classic Ensemble Vienna concert. Hear wonderful interpretations of works by famous composers like Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, and many more. Step inside St. Peter's Church, built from 1701 to 1733 according to plans by Lukas von Hildebrand. Let the Classic Ensemble Vienna enchant you here with an evening of classical music. Hear "Eine kleine Nachtmusik," let the music lead you through "The Four Seasons" and follow musical stories by Mozart, Bach, and Schubert. Enjoy these Classical works in the indescribable ambiance of the underground vaults of St. Peter's Church in the heart of Vienna.

Visit the Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens and gain quick access inside this Viennese gem on a guided tour that includes skip-the-line tickets. Follow a licensed guide through lavish interiors, learn about the Habsburgs Royal Family, and explore the ornate palace gardens. Meet your guide in front of the palace and start with an informative introduction to the history of the royal compound. Receive a modern audio device so that you can always hear the tour’s live narration along the way. Benefit from priority entrance tickets and gain quick access inside the palace. Marvel at the grand entrance and begin your guided walk through 22 staterooms of the famous Austrian palace. Admire the 40-meter long Great Gallery and the Hall of Ceremonies and see how the Habsburg Dynasty lived as you stroll through lavish halls and peek into private chambers. Listen to entertaining stories about the former royals, which are infused typical Viennese humor by your local and friendly guide. Learn not only about the fascinating history of the royal family of Habsburgs and the famous Empress Sissi but also about how the palace has evolved in modern times and where the royal descendants now live. Following the tour, enjoy the opportunity to walk around the gardens at your own pace and catch a glimpse of the Gloriette, an arch on top of a hill overlooking Vienna’s forests.

Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum was built by Emperor Franz Joseph to house the imperial collections. See works from ancient Egypt and classical antiquity and through the late 18th century. In the Picture Gallery admire masterpieces by Rubens, Rembrandt, Raphael, Vermeer, Velázquez, Titian and Durer. At the Kunstkammer see works by goldsmiths such as Benvenuto Cellini. The collection includes sculptural masterpieces and filigree works in ivory by top artists of the day. Marvel at the magnificent building itself, with its imposing staircase that features a series of paintings on which Gustav Klimt collaborated.

No lines, no hassle as our group tour takes you inside the Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments, courtyards and gardens of the Hofburg Imperial Palace Complex. With skip-the-line tickets and a 5-Star Licensed Guide, all guests can enjoy a high quality experience with easy-to-understand commentary in only 1 language. Discover the imperial heritage of Vienna in a nutshell! Book a 2,5-hour group tour of Hofburg Palace and Gardens with a Professional Guide. With pre-booked timed tickets, our guests can save time and skip the lines to the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartment at Hofburg. Inside the imperial palace, we will visit the private bedrooms, salons and offices of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife, Elisabeth ""Sisi"" of Bavaria and see the world-famous collection of Sisi’s personal items. We will also venture out into the inner courtyards, see the buildings of the world renowned Spanish Riding School and admire the numerous statues and fountains of Heldenplatz and Burggarten. You'll be surprised how much the Hofburg Palace complex still has to offer the people of Vienna as a treasure trove of Austrian history and cultural heritage.

Vienna’s Spanish Riding School has been in continuous operation for more than 450 years. It continues to cultivate classical equitation in the Renaissance tradition of the Haute Ecole. On an exclusive 55-minute behind-the-scenes tour, visit the Winter Riding School, a gem of Baroque architecture, the Summer Riding School which houses the world’s largest oval horse walker and the stables in the Stallburg. The Stallburg is Vienna’s most significant Renaissance building, and features an arcade courtyard and the historical stables of the Lipizzaner stallions. Learn about the history of the equestrian tradition and about the Lipizzaner stallions, who are the stars of the establishment.