Originally a medieval fortified castle dating from the 13th century, the Hofburg was extended by each emperor. The sprawling, asymmetric complex which extends over 240,000 m² consists of 18 wings, 19 courtyards and 2,600 rooms in which nearly 5,000 people still work and live today.
Since 1946, it has been the official residence and workplace of the president of Austria. Older castle sections (left), Neue Burg section (center of image) and Outer Castle Gate (separate on the right), in foreground the Heldenplatz. Since 1279, the Hofburg area has been the documented seat of government.
Hofburg Imperial Palace, often known simply as “the Hofburg”, is a grand palace in Vienna and was under the ownership of the Austro-Hungarian Habsburg Dynasty until 1918, when it passed to the Austrian Republic.
The principal residence and workplace of the president is situated in the Leopoldine Wing in the Hofburg Imperial Palace, which is located in the Innere Stadt of Vienna. The Leopoldine Wing is sometimes ambiguously referred to as the "Presidential Chancellery", the Office of the President.
Its ticketed self-guided tour also includes access to the Imperial Apartments (Kaiserappartements), which take you through the rooms where Elisabeth and her husband Emperor Franz Joseph (1830-1916) lived.
Altogether, the entire Hofburg complex (the former winter residence of the Habsburgs) contains a total area of 500,000 m² on 18 wings with 54 staircases, 19 courtyards and 2,600 different rooms.
The current leader of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine is Karl von Habsburg, who succeeded his father Otto as head of the imperial house after his father renounced the role in 2007.
German is the official language of Austria and an important prerequisite for participating in the working, economic and social life of the country. Croatian, Slovenian and Hungarian are recognised as official languages of autonomous population groups in some regions.
The Hofburg Imperial Palace is one of the attractions included in the Vienna Card, the Austrian capital's official tourist card, which allows free or discounted admission to the city's most famous sights, as well as unlimited use of public transport.
If you had to choose between Schönbrunn Palace and Hofburg Palace/museums, I would recommend visiting Schönbrunn Palace. It's a magnificent palace with beautiful gardens, rich history, and a lot to explore. You'll love the grandeur and beauty of Schönbrunn Palace!
The Vienna Hofburg is one of the most historically important architectural monuments in Europe: for centuries this imperial palace was the nerve centre of a world power, and the sprawling complex with its mix of architectural styles was the setting for events of global political significance.
First and foremost are of course the two residences that allow guests to immerse themselves in Sisi's life: the Schönbrunn Palace and the Hofburg. When the keen traveler Sisi was in Vienna, she lived here with her husband, the children and a giant royal household.
When the Habsburg Empire was at its height, every noble family worth its blue blood was putting up a Baroque or neo-Classical palace to glorify their name. Nowadays there are so many Vienna palaces that you'll find one on every corner (almost).
Hofburg. Once the seat of the Holy Roman Empire and the Austrian Empire for over 600 years, the Hofburg Imperial Palace's throne room now serves as a conference centre, used by the Austrian Congress and for other international events.
The Hofburg (English: Court Castle) is a former Habsburg palace in Innsbruck, Austria, and considered one of the three most significant cultural buildings in the country, along with the Hofburg Palace and Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna.
Is it worth paying to go inside Hofburg Palace Vienna? Short answer: yes — but don't plan to see every part of the palace if you are here just for 2 to 3 days. Choose just one or two, depending on your interest. The Sisi Museum gives you that emotional royal backstory.
What is the difference between the Hofburg palace and the Sisi Museum?
Are the Sisi Museum and Hofburg the same? No, they are located in the same area but are not the same. The Sisi Museum is situated within the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. In addition to the Sisi Museum, the Hofburg Palace includes the Imperial Apartments and the Imperial Silver Collection.
Today the palace houses three museums which afford historically authentic insights into the traditions and everyday life of the imperial court: The Imperial Apartments with their original furnishings and decoration, the Sisi Museum with its sensitive staging of the empress' life, and the Imperial Silver Collection ...
Is the Hofburg palace included in the Vienna Pass?
Which sights are included? Up to 90 sights are included in the Vienna PASS package - including Schönbrunn Palace, the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel, Schönbrunn Zoo, the Danube Tower, the Albertina and the Hofburg Palace.
Members of the Habsburg family oversee the Austrian branch of the Order of the Golden Fleece, the Order of the Starry Cross and the Imperial and Royal Order of Saint George. The current head of the family is Karl von Habsburg.
Which is better, Hofburg Palace or Schönbrunn Palace?
While Hofburg is more closely associated with the political and cultural life of Vienna, Schönbrunn's breathtaking architecture and picturesque gardens make it a must-visit destination for tourists. Depending on how much time you have, both are worth a visit!
The Swiss Gate was built between 1552 and 1553 under Emperor Ferdinand I and was the most prestigious entrance to the imperial residence. Its design is deliberately inspired by Roman triumphal arches and is one of the oldest Renaissance portals with the Doric order in the German-speaking world.
