{"id":50396,"date":"2022-08-09T14:11:55","date_gmt":"2022-08-09T13:11:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/?p=50396"},"modified":"2026-03-09T11:06:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T10:06:34","slug":"walking-tour-hofburg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/transport\/walking-tour-hofburg\/","title":{"rendered":"Walking tour: the Hofburg"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/womanwalking.jpg\" alt=\"Legs walking\" class=\"wp-image-50398\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/womanwalking.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/womanwalking-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Part 2 of my suggested <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/transport\/walking-tour\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"50322\">walking tour of Vienna<\/a> takes us through the Hofburg home of the Habsburg imperial family. Read on for route details, insider tips, and links to further info on the sights you pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Full 4-part route takes some 90 minutes without stopping much<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Book a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/en\/vienna-attractions-c60335\/tickets-for-skip-the-line-sisi-museum-hofburg-palace-and-gardens-tour-vienna-p1068009\/?partner=visitingvienna&amp;tq_campaign=LG_HofburgTour\" rel=\"sponsored\">guided tour<\/a>* of the Hofburg area\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>&#8230;for more insight and anecdotes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>See also\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/transport\/tours-overview\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"59926\">Tours of Vienna: overview<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Walk through Habsburg history<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/transport\/walking-tour\/\">Part 1 and the start<\/a> of the tour took us from the opera house to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/josefsplatz\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"30648\">Josefsplatz<\/a>. Now you leave that historical square through the archways while keeping the road on your left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Route map<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This article covers the blue markers below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div align=\"center\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/u\/0\/embed?mid=1qJGBKILfYAdnZwGiooPsLG39Jjf_C6U&#038;ehbc=2E312F&#038;noprof=1\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stallburg<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/stallburgjosefsplatz.jpg\" alt=\"Stallburg viewed from Josefsplatz square\" class=\"wp-image-48429\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/stallburgjosefsplatz.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/stallburgjosefsplatz-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(You pass through the arches on the left of the picture)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The building you see on your right as you walk along the vaulted corridor is the late 16th century <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/stallburg\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"30886\">Stallburg<\/a> and long time home to the stables of the Spanish Riding School (more on that below).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Back in the day, the Habsburg owners put the building to a variety of purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, the delicate scent of horse manure might mix with the aroma of wood and paint: they kept a huge collection of art above the stables (as one does).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Those paintings now <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/khm\/paintings\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1487\">live inside<\/a> the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/khm\/overview\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1446\">Kunsthistorisches Museum<\/a>, which you pass on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/transport\/walking-tour-ring\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"50555\">Part 3<\/a> of our walk.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/StablesandTackRooms1.jpg\" alt=\"Stables and tack room\" class=\"wp-image-41435\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/StablesandTackRooms1.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/StablesandTackRooms1-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The Spanish Riding School stables)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you walk along the arched and vaulted roadside corridor, you quickly reach the stable courtyard with its surrounding arcades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can only enter this stable area on a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/tour-spanish-riding-school\/\">guided tour<\/a> (which I highly recommend). However, with a bit of luck, you can see the proud white head of a stallion poking out from a doorway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-preformatted\">Tip: If you hang around near the courtyard entrance before, during, and after scheduled <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/morgenarbeit-morning-training\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"22948\">training sessions<\/a>, you might see the horses cross the road outside as they travel to and from the riding arena opposite.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<div align=\"center\"><em>Ad:<\/em><br><\/div><div data-tiqets-widget=\"discovery\" data-cards-layout=\"horizontal\" data-content-type=\"product\" data-content-ids=\"974585,976141\" data-partner=\"visitingvienna\" data-tq-campaign=\"DA_SRSTraining\"><\/div><script defer=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/widgets.tiqets.com\/loader.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Michaelerplatz<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/michaelerplatzsquare.jpg\" alt=\"Michaelerplatz Square\" class=\"wp-image-48142\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/michaelerplatzsquare.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/michaelerplatzsquare-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(Hofburg entrance on the left. The square&#8217;s surface has since been renewed and redesigned since this photo was taken, but it all looks much the same)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Continue past the stables to reach <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/michaelerplatz-2\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"27254\">Michaelerplatz square<\/a> just after Starbucks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yep, not every Viennese coffee house dates back to the 19th century. Though you&#8217;ll notice how this caf\u00e9 blends into the surrounds more than you might expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You&#8217;re now going to walk around to the left and go through the huge entrance guarded by various statues of Hercules to reach the main Hofburg area:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/walktingtourmichaelertract.jpg\" alt=\"Entrance to the Michaelertract\" class=\"wp-image-50407\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/walktingtourmichaelertract.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/walktingtourmichaelertract-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The road into the Hofburg complex)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you do that, though, take in the historical joys of this location, which dates back about as long as Vienna itself. Roman excavations even occupy part of the square.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 13th-century <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/michaelerkirche\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"27662\">Michaelerkirche<\/a> runs along one side, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/grossesmichaelerhaus.jpg\" alt=\"Gro\u00dfes Michaelerhaus and the Michaelerkirche\" class=\"wp-image-48144\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/grossesmichaelerhaus.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/grossesmichaelerhaus-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The Michaelerkirche on the right, the Gro\u00dfes Michaelerhaus and former Haydn residence on the left)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some parts of this gothic church can recall the urgent whispers of worshippers discussing news of Genghis Khan. Go inside to find a plaque noting that the requiem service <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/footsteps\/mozart\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2074\">for Mozart<\/a> took place there in 1791.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The early 18th-century building next to the church and heading down the Kohlmarkt road opposite the Hofburg entrance is the Gro\u00dfes Michaelerhaus. It once provided a home for a young <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/footsteps\/joseph-haydn\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"6566\">Joseph Haydn<\/a>: a fact also commemorated by a suitable plaque.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Incidentally, if you detour down Kohlmarkt, you soon reach one of Vienna&#8217;s most famous caf\u00e9s and confectioneries. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/eatingdrinking\/cafespubsbars\/demel\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"22941\">Demel<\/a> used to deliver treats to Empress Elisabeth herself in the 19th century. Often easily spotted by the queues to get in!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/looshouse.jpg\" alt=\"The Loos House\" class=\"wp-image-45256\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/looshouse.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/looshouse-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The Loos house, which rattled a few feathers at the time of its construction)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Further around the square, the slightly unusual newer building with green marble columns enjoys its own particular fame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many consider the 1912 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/winter-palace\/loos-house\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3114\">Loos House<\/a> an important marker in the rise of modern architecture. Allegedly, the emperor of the time (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/culture\/franz-joseph\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"26307\">Franz Joseph<\/a>) rather despised the so-called &#8220;house without eyebrows&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Into the Hofburg<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you walk between the Hercules statues and through the giant domed entrance building, you have entered the main <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sightseeing\/hofburg\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"2708\">Hofburg<\/a> complex and find yourself in bona fide Habsburg territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many emperors and empresses lived within the Hofburg, and it also served as the effective administrative centre of the Habsburg family dominions, which at times covered huge swathes of central and eastern Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-preformatted\">Tip: Habsburg history gets rather confusing, so I put together a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/culture\/habsburgs\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"12848\">simple guide<\/a> for you.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<div align=\"center\"><em>Ad:<\/em><br><\/div><div data-tiqets-widget=\"discovery\" data-cards-layout=\"horizontal\" data-content-type=\"product\" data-content-ids=\"975002,1035993\" data-partner=\"visitingvienna\" data-tq-campaign=\"DA_hoponhopoff\"><\/div><script defer src=\"https:\/\/widgets.tiqets.com\/loader.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The Hofburg itself began life as a fortified 13th-century residence, but went through numerous expansions and alterations as needs changed and various monarchs flicked through the latest architectural catalogues of the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you walk under the magnificent dome and through to a large courtyard, you pass two important entrances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Spanish Riding School<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/srsentrance.jpg\" alt=\"Entrance to the Spanish Riding School\" class=\"wp-image-48355\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/srsentrance.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/srsentrance-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(This way to the horses)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On your left is the entrance to the 1735 Spanish Riding School arena. To see inside, you&#8217;ll need to take one of those <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/tour-spanish-riding-school\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"41340\">guided tours<\/a> mentioned earlier (which cover both the stables and the riding arena). Alternatively, buy a ticket for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/spanish-riding-school-performances\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"89085\">performance<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/entertainment\/morgenarbeit-morning-training\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"22948\">public training session<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-preformatted\">Tip: consider a combi <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/en\/spanish-riding-school-spanish-riding-school-b23459\/?partner=visitingvienna&amp;tq_campaign=LG_SRSCombi\" rel=\"sponsored\">tour and training ticket package<\/a>* for a full behind-the-scenes experience that saves a bit of money too.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Sisi Museum<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>On your right is the ticket office and entrance to the Sisi Museum. A self-guided tour ticket covers two areas packed with Habsburgian joys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/winter-palace\/sisi-museum\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2539\">Sisi Museum<\/a> itself, which tells the story of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/culture\/sisi\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"34621\">Empress Elisabeth<\/a> (1837-1898), one of the most enigmatic and fascinating personalities of Habsburg (and European) history.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/winter-palace\/kaiserappartements\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2658\">Imperial Apartments<\/a> take you through the furnished rooms used by Elisabeth and her husband, Emperor Franz Joseph.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-preformatted\">Tip: to learn more about Viennese and Habsburg history during a walk around the Hofburg, consider joining a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/en\/vienna-attractions-c60335\/tickets-for-skip-the-line-sisi-museum-hofburg-palace-and-gardens-tour-vienna-p1068009\/?partner=visitingvienna&amp;tq_campaign=LG_HofburgTour\" rel=\"sponsored\">guided group tour<\/a>* of the area.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Innere Burghof<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>You emerge from under the dome into a large courtyard: the Innere Burghof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Walk straight on toward and though the arches you see ahead of you. But pause a moment before doing so.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/walkingtourinnereburghof.jpg\" alt=\"The Innere Burghof\" class=\"wp-image-50411\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/walkingtourinnereburghof.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/walkingtourinnereburghof-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The Innere Burghof courtyard)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Look at the courtyard from the road and you have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The 18th century Reichskanzleitrakt lining the right side: administrative offices repurposed into living quarters for various members of the imperial family and guests<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The 16th-century Amalientrakt opposite (with the clock): home to Empress Elisabeth&#8217;s former apartments as well as the Federal Chancellery of today&#8217;s Austria<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>And the 17th century Leopoldinische Trakt on your left. This now contains the offices of the Austrian president<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/walkingtourfrancismonument.jpg\" alt=\"Emperor Franz monument\" class=\"wp-image-50412\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/walkingtourfrancismonument.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/walkingtourfrancismonument-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(Franz in his Roman outfit, which he either wore to fancy dress parties or the monument builders gave him a toga to emphasize his imperial nature. The latter explanation seems more likely, if I&#8217;m honest)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An 1846 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/winter-palace\/emperor-franz-monument\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"52378\">monument to Emperor Franz II\/I<\/a> (1768-1835) dominates the centre of the courtyard. The four seated women surrounding our emperor are faith, strength, peace, and justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The double numerals after Franz&#8217;s name hide an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/culture\/austrian-empire\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"12856\">intriguing story<\/a> of narcissism, politics and pesky Frenchmen. Or one pesky Frenchman in particular: Napoleon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div align=\"center\"><em>Ad:<\/em><br><\/div><div data-tiqets-widget=\"discovery\" data-cards-layout=\"horizontal\" data-slug-ids=\"pro1068009,pro1007575\" data-partner=\"visitingvienna\" data-tq-campaign=\"DA_Hofburg\"><\/div><script defer src=\"https:\/\/widgets.tiqets.com\/loader.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Franz liked to think of himself as an emperor in the more traditional sense. Not what you might call a true man of the people. Hence the classical attire for a ruler born centuries after the Roman empire dissolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Schweizertor and Imperial Treasury<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/walkingtourschatzkammer.jpg\" alt=\"Schweizertor\" class=\"wp-image-50413\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/walkingtourschatzkammer.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/walkingtourschatzkammer-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The Schweizertor)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The russet and gold portal facing Franz is the 1552 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/winter-palace\/schweizertor\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"58537\">Schweizertor<\/a> (&#8220;Swiss gate&#8221;), first erected by Emperor Ferdinand I (1503-1564) as one of those things you do to remind everyone of your status and strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Schweizertor actually leads you through to the oldest part of the Hofburg (the Schweizertrakt) and, most importantly for visitors, to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/schatzkammer\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"256\">Schatzkammer<\/a> or Imperial Treasury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you might imagine, the treasury contains various remarkable (and priceless) imperial and religious items, including the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/austrian-crown\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"18904\">Austrian crown<\/a> and the crown of the Holy Roman empire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another treat just beyond the Schweizertor is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/winter-palace\/hofburgkapelle\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"57099\">Hofburgkapelle<\/a>: a small chapel which turns out to be a remarkably good option for hearing some of Vienna&#8217;s best singers and musicians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-preformatted\">Tip: for a double dose of true treasures, get a <a rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/en\/vienna-attractions-c60335\/tickets-for-kunsthistorisches-museum-imperial-treasury-skip-the-line-p975389\/?partner=visitingvienna&amp;tq_campaign=LG_KHMIT\">combination ticket<\/a>* for the Schatzkammer and the Kunsthistorisches art museum (focus on the Kunstkammer section inside).<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Heldenplatz<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/HeldenplatzviewtoNHM.jpg\" alt=\"View across Heldenplatz to the Natural History Museum\" class=\"wp-image-41873\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/HeldenplatzviewtoNHM.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/HeldenplatzviewtoNHM-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(View across to the Naturhistorisches Museum)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Continue walking in the direction of the road to pass through the Leopoldinische Trakt and eventually emerge out on to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/winter-palace\/heldenplatz\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2748\">Heldenplatz<\/a> square.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The two large equestrian statues on the Heldenplatz honour favoured sons from imperial times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/winter-palace\/archduke-karl-monument\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"40941\">1860 statue<\/a> you see on the right as you come out is Archduke Karl (1771-1847), the first to ever prick the aura of invincibility around Napoleon by defeating the French emperor at the 1809 battle of Aspern-Essling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can imagine, Napoleon failed to flee in awe and humility; sadly for the Austrians, he beat Karl at the more decisive Battle of Wagram shortly after.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/eugenestatue.jpg\" alt=\"Equestrian statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy\" class=\"wp-image-41884\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/eugenestatue.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/eugenestatue-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(Prince Eugene)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/winter-palace\/prince-eugene-monument\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"41885\">1865 statue<\/a> on the left is of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/culture\/prince-eugene-savoy\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"58031\">Prince Eugene<\/a> (1663-1736), who won various battles for his Habsburg employers and left his mark on Vienna in the form of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sightseeing\/vienna-museums\/belvedere\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"3308\">Belvedere palaces<\/a> (now prestigious art museums).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Neue Burg<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A relatively new addition to the Hofburg is the rather splendid curved building behind Eugene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/winter-palace\/neue-burg\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1493\">Neue Burg<\/a> formed part of the monumental <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/culture\/history-of-the-ringstrassen\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"68027\">urban expansion<\/a> of the late 19th century.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/walkingtourneueburg.jpg\" alt=\"The Neue Burg\" class=\"wp-image-50414\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/walkingtourneueburg.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/walkingtourneueburg-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(The Neue Burg with the Prince Eugene statue on the right)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The plans for the Neue Burg, however, foundered on economic issues, World War I and (rather critically) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/culture\/austria\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"12860\">the end of the Habsburg monarchy<\/a>. So it never served its original imperial purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, the completed building houses the National Library, but also the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/papyrus-museum\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"21653\">Papyrus Museum<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/khm\/ephesos-museum\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"9952\">Ephesos Museum<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/austrian-history\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"10113\">House of Austrian History<\/a>, Vienna&#8217;s ethnographic museum (the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/khm\/weltmuseum\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"9264\">Weltmuseum<\/a>), the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/khm\/imperial-armoury\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"9269\">arms and armour collection<\/a>, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/museums\/khm\/historical-instruments\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"8887\">collection of historical musical instruments<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sadly, despite all that, the building&#8217;s main claim to fame might well be that Hitler (in)famously <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/culture\/hitler-balcony\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"68913\">announced<\/a> the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938 from the terrace. A dark day in Austrian history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-preformatted\">Tip: you can access the initial part of the Weltmuseum without a ticket. This lets you see the remarkable pillared atrium inside and stop for a rest at the caf\u00e9.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Burgtor<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/burgtor2.jpg\" alt=\"View of the Burgtor from Heldenplatz\" class=\"wp-image-47306\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/burgtor2.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/burgtor2-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">(Once the location of the city walls)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, you follow the direction of the road to cross Heldenplatz and pass through the giant 1821 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/sights\/winter-palace\/burgtor\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"47310\">Burgtor gateway<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This triumphal construction honoured military success over Napoleon but has since morphed into a more general memorial to the sacrifices made by the military and others in conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You now emerge at the start of Part 3 of our walking tour: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/transport\/walking-tour-ring\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"50555\">along the Ring<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Part 2 of my suggested walking tour of Vienna takes us through the Hofburg home of the Habsburg imperial family. Read on for route details, insider tips, and links to further info on the sights you pass. Walk through Habsburg history Part 1 and the start of the tour took us from the opera house [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":50398,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-50396","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-transport","8":"entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50396","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=50396"}],"version-history":[{"count":55,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50396\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":89145,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50396\/revisions\/89145"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/50398"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50396"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=50396"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitingvienna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=50396"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}