The Vienna Hofburg: A Must for Every Visitor

In the middle of Vienna's first district stretches the Hofburg, residence of the Habsburgs for more than 700 years and still one of the largest palace complexes in the world. Growing from a 13th century medieval castle, the complex expanded over generations into a maze of courtyards, wings and squares that reflects Austrian history like almost no other place.

A Place With Many Faces

Today the Hofburg brings together a wide range of functions under one roof: it houses the offices of the Federal President, several museums including the Sisi Museum and the Silberkammer, the Austrian National Library, and the Spanish Riding School. This variety turns a visit into a journey through different chapters of Austrian history.

Magnificent Courtyards

Between its various wings, grand courtyards open up, such as Michaelerplatz with its distinctive dome or the square known as In der Burg, home to the Kaiser Franz Monument. The Hofburg sits centrally between the Ring and the city centre and is within walking distance of several subway stations.