Spend a bit of time chatting to locals in Vienna and you will quickly learn an architectural quirk of the city.
Balconies are surprisingly rare, especially in classic Altbau apartments.
These elegant early 20th century buildings are famous for high ceilings and grand proportions, but not for outdoor space.
Fresh air and far reaching views are not exactly baked into everyday Viennese living!
This makes the city’s imperial obsession with balconies and balustrades feel slightly ironic.
Former Royal dynasty, the Habsburgs, it turns out, were very keen on elevated viewpoints.
And nowhere shows this better than the Gloriette at Schönbrunn Palace, the most famous viewpoint in Vienna and one of the most rewarding sights you can visit without blowing your travel budget.
If you are visiting Vienna and want big views, imperial history and excellent value, the Gloriette at Schönbrunn Palace deserves a firm place on your itinerary.
Related Posts
- Schönbrunn Palace Tickets & Tours: Which Are the Best Options?
- Schönbrunn Christmas Market: Full Visitor Guide
- Orangery Garden
What is the Gloriette at Schönbrunn Palace?
The Gloriette Schönbrunn sits proudly on top of the hill overlooking the Schönbrunn Palace garden.
From below, it looks like a triumphal arch stretching across the skyline.
From above, it’s probably the most impressive panoramic lookout point in the entire city.
Schönbrunn Palace itself began life as a hunting lodge in 1642.
It was later transformed into the vast Baroque palace complex we see today during the reign of Empress Maria Theresia in the 18th century.
The palace became the Habsburgs’ main summer residence and the heart of court life during the warmer months.
Today, Schönbrunn Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vienna’s most visited attractions.
The good news for budget travellers is that the palace gardens and parklands are completely free to enter.
You can wander the grounds, explore the terraces and enjoy the aerial views without spending a cent.
The palace gardens are beautifully maintained and change character with the seasons too.
Spring brings blossoms and fresh green lawns, summer offers fountains and flower beds in full bloom, autumn delivers golden colours, and winter adds a quiet, frosty elegance.
It is definitely one of the best free things to do in Vienna.
Indeed, the imposing architecture of this historic vantage point is unmatched across the city.
History of the Gloriette Schönbrunn
Although architects had long imagined a dramatic focal point on the hill behind the Schönbrunn Palace, the Gloriette was actually one of the last elements added to the gardens of its fantastic grounds.
Construction was completed in 1775, making it the final major building project within the Schönbrunn complex.
The Gloriette was designed by Johann Ferdinand Hetzendorf von Hohenberg, a former theatre designer who played a key role in shaping the palace during Maria Theresa’s reign.
His theatrical background shows in the structure’s dramatic proportions and commanding presence, and the Roman inscription and imperial eagle underline the Gloriette’s symbolic purpose.
The Gloriette was designed not just as a viewing platform, but as a temple of glory – a monument celebrating Habsburg power and the triumph of peace.
During World War II, the building suffered significant damage, but was carefully restored it to its former glory afterwards.
Today, the Gloriette Schönbrunn stands in excellent condition, a palatial baroque ensemble and remains one of Vienna’s most recognisable landmarks.
How to Get to the Gloriette Schönbrunn
Reaching the Gloriette involves a steady walk through the palace gardens and up the Schönbrunn Hill.
While the climb to the crest of the hill might look intimidating from below, it is very manageable for most visitors and a great part of the Schönbrunn experience.
Paths wind gently up the hill, offering plenty of spots to pause along the way, and locals and visitors alike often sit on the grass, enjoying the colourful flower beds, or stopping to admire the view back towards the palace.
It is a relaxed, scenic walk, rather than a strenuous hike, but comfortable shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to explore the gardens fully.
Entry to the gardens is free and there is no ticket required just to reach the roof of the Gloriette building itself.
Gloriette Schönbrunn Tickets and Costs
Here is where budgeting becomes important.
You can admire the Gloriette from the outside and enjoy the views from the hill entirely for free.
However, if you want to access the famous rooftop panorama terrace, you will need a ticket.
A single ticket for the Gloriette rooftop are relatively affordable compared to many Vienna attractions.
Prices are usually in the low single digit euro range (5€ in 2026), making this one of the cheapest paid viewpoints in the city.
If you are planning to visit Schönbrunn Palace interiors as well as the Gloriette, the best value ticket option is often the Classic Pass.
This combined ticket includes palace entry, plus access to several exclusive garden attractions, including the roof of the gloriette, the Privy Garden, Orangery Garden and the Maze.
You can also opt for external guided tours at Schönbrunn that offer expert led trails through the palace park and its attractions, often with skip-the-line tickets.
These tours don’t all go to the rooftop of the Gloriette, so do check the small print if this is a must for you.
For a detailed breakdown of ticket options, palace tours and combination passes, it is worth reading a full Schönbrunn Palace tickets guide before you go.
Booking tickets online in advance is strongly recommended, especially in peak season, as it helps you avoid queues at the palace ticket desks.
Opening Hours and Best Time to Visit
Opening hours for the Gloriette vary depending on the season.
The rooftop panorama terrace is typically open from early April until early November marking the end of the season.
During winter months, the flat roof viewing platform is closed due to weather conditions, although the café usually remains open.
For the best experience, visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon, avoiding the midday peak periods.
These times of day offer softer light for photography and fewer crowds.
Sunset is particularly popular, as the view over Vienna becomes especially atmospheric offering a unique experience.
If you are visiting Vienna in winter, the Gloriette hill still offers a lovely walk, and it pairs beautifully with a visit to the Schönbrunn Christmas Market, which takes place on the palace forecourt each year.
View from the Gloriette Rooftop
Climbing the spiral staircase to the rooftop terrace is a highlight in itself.
Once at the top, you are rewarded with an incomparable view of the palace, its exclusive gardens, and even the city beyond.
The terrace is flat and spacious, with benches where you can sit and take it all in.
On clear days, the view stretches far across Vienna’s rooftops and out towards the Wienerwald hills, giving the Gloriette a unique atmosphere and calming energy.
This is where history really comes alive – it’s easy to imagine Empress Sisi and Emperor Franz Joseph I, former inhabitants of the Schonbrunn Palace, standing here, surveying their domain!
Despite its imperial roots, the experience today feels relaxed and welcoming, not stuffy or exclusive.
Café Gloriette Schönbrunn
After the climb, the cosy Café Gloriette Schönbrunn is a well earned reward.
Located on the ground floor of the building, the café combines elegant surroundings with surprisingly reasonable prices for such a prime location.
Large, glass windows look out over the magnificent baroque garden, making it a lovely spot to pause and rest your feet.
Historically, this space served as both a festival hall and dining hall, but it became particularly known as a breakfast room during the reign of Franz Joseph and Sisi.
Today, the café continues that tradition.
On weekends and public holidays, you can book the popular Sisi Buffet breakfast.
Prices are higher than your average basic bakery stop, but still good value for the setting, experience and excellent service.
On Sunday mornings, live music adds to the atmosphere, ranging from classical pieces to light jazz.
Even if you just stop for a coffee and cake, it is a memorable part of visiting the Gloriette Schönbrunn
Is the Gloriette Schönbrunn Worth a Visit?
For budget travellers, the Gloriette Schönbrunn is one of Vienna’s best value attractions and a very special experience.
You get free access to the gardens, a scenic walk, and stunning views even without paying for the rooftop.
If you do choose to buy a ticket, the cost is modest and the payoff is high.
Compared to paid viewpoints elsewhere in Europe, this is a bargain, especially when combined with a palace ticket.
Whether you are visiting Vienna for a weekend or longer, the Gloriette offers history, scenery and atmosphere in one easy visit.
And who knows, you might just find yourself enjoying a coffee in the very spot where Empress Sisi once started her day!
Mini Travel Guide to Vienna
Best Time to Go to Vienna:
I think it’s best to visit Vienna during the shoulder months of May / June or September to avoid the crowds and still enjoy some good weather.
How to Get to Austria:
You can fly to Vienna International Airport. As always, I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals.
You can also train to Vienna from many destinations across Austria and Europe. Find routes and book journeys through Trainline.
Where to Stay in Vienna:
In Vienna, check out the 7th Heaven Vienna Apartments or the Hotel Sacher Wien.
Travel Insurance:
World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.
Travel Money in Vienna:
Austria uses the Euro for its currency.
I always travel in Europe with my Wise card, which makes spending abroad cheaper with real exchange rates and no sneaky transaction or ATM fees.
Wise cards works just like a debit card and link easily with Google and Apple pay. Grab yours here.
Best eSIM for Vienna:
I recommend Holafly for unlimited data across Austria.
Get a 5% discount using the code: BIGWORLDSMALLPOCKETS
Left Luggage in Vienna:
Store your luggage for less with LuggageHero.
Top Austria Tours:
Check out these top Austria tours if you’re looking to see the best of this country with an expert guide.
SAVE THIS ARTICLE TO PINTEREST!
This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.
