Gloriette Vienna: Schönbrunn Viewpoint, Café & Tips

The Gloriette Terrace crowns the sprawling park of Schönbrunn Palace and was built in 1775 as a monumental viewing pavilion. It is one of Vienna's most important architectural focal points and a prime example of late Baroque garden architecture. Its elevated position on an artificially raised hill makes it the perfect place to look out over both the palace grounds and large parts of the city.

Once used as a breakfast room by Emperor Franz Joseph I, the Gloriette today houses a charming café with a stylish atmosphere. The terrace on the roof of the building is open to the public and offers an unrivaled 360° panoramic view over Vienna and the Vienna Woods. That makes it popular not only with tourists; it is also an insider tip for photographers and romantics. The view is at its most stunning at sunrise or sunset.

The walk from Schönbrunn Palace up to the Gloriette takes about 15 minutes and leads through well-kept gardens and along historic tree-lined avenues. You can reach the terrace on foot or by a small park train. A visit combines perfectly with a tour of the palace or can be rounded off with a picnic in the park. A detour is worthwhile in winter too: when it snows, there is a fairy-tale panorama over the snow-covered grounds. With its historical significance, fascinating view and stylish café, the Gloriette Terrace is one of Vienna's must-sees.

Highlights

- 360° view over Vienna and Schönbrunn Palace
- Historic café with terrace
- Romantic walk through the palace park

wheelchair accessible
kid-friendly
dog-friendly
Panoramic view
Café with seating

Address: Gloriettestraße, 1130 Vienna
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Highlights include the panoramic view over Vienna, the stylish café in a historic setting and the atmospheric walk through the palace park up to the Gloriette.

Access to the Gloriette and the terrace is generally free. A small admission fee may be charged for the rooftop panorama (observation deck). The café is open to the public.

Take the U4 to Schönbrunn or Hietzing and follow the signs through the palace park, which makes for a lovely walk. Alternatively, the Schönbrunn Panorama Train stops right at the Gloriette.

Early in the morning or at sunset, the Gloriette is especially atmospheric and often less crowded. If you like, you can combine your visit with breakfast at Café Gloriette.

Allow about 45 minutes to 1 hour for the climb and your time at the Gloriette, and more if you visit the café or want to take plenty of photos.

No additional photos available.