A UNESCO World Heritage site that draws more than 2 million visitors annually, Schönbrunn Palace is a must-see in Vienna. Though it is located a few miles from the city center, it is easily accessible via a 30-minute metro ride and almost all citywide tours will be sure to make a stop here.

Built in the 1740’s, the palace itself has over 1,000 Baroque style rooms and was the original summer residence and hunting ground of the royal family. Franz Joseph, the longest-reigning emperor of Austria, was born at Schönbrunn and spent almost his entire life in the palace with his beloved wife Elizabeth, whom he referred to simply as “Sissy”. Now a museum, the palace displays some of their original living quarters.

The gardens surrounding the palace rival those of Versailles and are complete with a maze, botanical garden, arboretum, and a grand pathway lined with 32 sculptures. The Gloriette that towers up on the surrounding hillside provides a panoramic view of the city so perfect you’d think you could hear the Sound of Music playing in the background.

Admission to the general garden is free, so it’s a great place to take a picnic, go for a jog or a stroll, or to get lost in the acutely manicured maze. Either way, you don’t want to miss an opportunity to soak in the peace and quiet of this beautiful garden.

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Have you been to this location?  Think there’s anything we forgot to mention?  We’d love to hear about your experience! Leave a comment below!

[accordion_tab title=”Collegiate Correspondent: Sarah Brown” default]

Sarah Brown is a current senior at Tufts University studying English and Child Development. An avid traveler and writer, she spent an incredible semester in Copenhagen, Denmark in the spring of 2015 studying the Danish education system, learning Danish, making lifelong friends, traveling to 10 different countries, and embracing a European lifestyle. She dreadfully misses her bicycle, the rye bread, the sound of the Danish language, and dressing head to toe in black every day of the year. Sarah also speaks French (even to those who have no clue what she is saying), and has traveled to France several times through exchange, language, and study abroad programs in quest of the best chocolate croissant – and to perfect her French. As someone who embraces adventure, getting “intentionally” lost in new places, and meeting new people, she is very excited to be joining the Voy team. After working in the Copenhagen International School this past spring, she hopes to pursue teaching abroad in international schools. Bucket list destinations include: Thailand, New Zealand, Croatia, and Peru.[/accordion_tab]