Founded in the summer of 1752 by Emperor Franz I Stephan, the zoo grounds were reserved exclusively for the Habsburg aristocracy for decades. It wasn’t until 1778 that the park opened to the public—though initially only on Sundays.
Where Empress Maria Theresa once enjoyed her imperial breakfast, visitors today order their “Verlängerter” coffee while gazing at zebras and cheetahs. The basic Baroque layout, with its star-shaped arrangement of pavilions, has remained virtually unchanged for over 270 years.
For “decently dressed” visitors only: The strict court etiquette of 1778
The fact that anyone can explore the enclosures today in jeans and sneakers is thanks to the Viennese Emperor Joseph II, who first opened the menagerie to the public in 1778. Although admission was free at the time, the court administration required, without exception, that visitors be “decently dressed.” Anyone who showed up in ordinary work clothes was turned away without mercy by the imperial guards and had to remain outside the gates of the palace park.
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Open 365 days a year: What the oldest zoo has to offer today
Meanwhile, the former royal ceremonial garden has been transformed into a modern research and educational center home to over 700 animal species. It is particularly striking how harmoniously the historic Baroque buildings blend with modern facilities such as the Rainforest House and the ORANG.erie enclosure. As part of the protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, Schönbrunn is now one of Europe’s most renowned zoos.
For your trip to Hietzing, you should plan on at least 3 to 4 hours of walking time. A day pass at the ticket office currently costs €29 for adults, while children and teens between the ages of 6 and 18 are admitted for €17. Toddlers up to age 6 enjoy free admission all year round.
Especially convenient for spontaneous visits: The zoo reliably opens at 9:00 a.m. sharp, 365 days a year. If you’d like to watch the zookeepers feed the seals or penguins, it’s best to check the official zoovienna website in advance for the daily schedule.
📍 Location: Schönbrunn Zoo, Maxingstraße 13b, 1130 Vienna
🎫 Admission: Adults €29 | Children (ages 6–18) €17 | Under 6 free
⏰ Hours: Daily, 365 days a year, starting at 9:00 a.m. (Closing time varies by season: 4:30–6:30 p.m.)
🚇 How to get there: U4 (Hietzing station), tram lines 10, 52, 60
