Hofburg Palace
A government hub with charm

The Hofburg offers a fascinating glimpse into the private lives of the Habsburgs: from Empress Elisabeth’s hairbrush to Emperor Franz Joseph’s fountain pen. But it also dazzles with the imperial splendour of the crown jewels, including the sceptre, imperial crown, and the Holy Lance.

The Imperial Apartments give you a feel for the cosy living quarters of Franz Joseph and Sisi. After weaving through staircases and antechambers, you’ll reach the emperor’s audience room, where he met with a staggering 260,000 subjects during his reign. Nearby is his no-nonsense study, where he was hard at work by 5 a.m., tackling paperwork.

Despite his reputation as a stern bureaucrat, Franz Joseph was also a devoted husband. From his desk, he could always see a portrait of his beloved Sisi. She, on the other hand, loved spending time in her gym and dressing room. Whether she was exercising on the wall bars or indulging in her hours-long hair-styling routine, Sisi had her own unique way of blending fitness and glamour!

The Imperial Treasury is a one-of-a-kind collection spanning 1,000 years of European history. Its treasures include magnificent regalia like the Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire and the Habsburg Crown of Rudolf II, which represent the finest goldsmithing craftsmanship of their times.

But the Treasury also holds some mysterious historical objects. Take the Holy Lance, for example, thought to contain a nail from Christ’s crucifixion. Or the massive narwhal tusk once believed to be a unicorn horn. And let’s not forget the late antique agate bowl, long rumoured to be the legendary Holy Grail.

There are surprises in the textile collection too, with exquisite garments from crowned royals. Who would guess that the Habsburg coronation robe was made in a Norman workshop in Sicily, where Arab weavers embroidered not only lions and camels but also intricate Arabic inscriptions, which added an air of mystery to this regal masterpiece.

The Lipizzaners are a symbol of Austrian identity, and the Stallburg is key to preserving the art of classical riding.

There are loads of ways to admire these famous white horses – which, fun fact, are born with dark coats! During performances in the stunning Baroque Winter Riding School, you’ll see masterful moves from the classical Haute École, like the capriole and levade. On special occasions, these shows are set to music by the world-famous Vienna Philharmonic or Vienna Boys’ Choir.

Don’t miss the morning exercise of the young stallions in what’s probably the world’s most beautiful riding hall, or a visit to the Lipizzaner Museum, showcasing 450 years of courtly riding culture.

In summer, you can even watch the white horses at leisure: the mares and their foals relax and graze in the Burggarten. Pure magic!

The preservation of historic buildings is a remarkable initiative in Austria's fight against climate change. Why?

• Conserving resources: Protecting heritage buildings reduces the need for new construction on green spaces and preserves existing structures instead.

• Socio-cultural significance: It helps maintain historic buildings and strengthens regional identity by enriching cultural offerings.

• Sustainable materials: Many historic buildings were constructed with natural, locally sourced materials. Restoration efforts aim to use these materials, preserving the buildings' originality.

• Protecting biodiversity: The habitats of various plant and animal species can be safeguarded. From an ecological perspective, heritage preservation is the way forward.