Schönbrunn Palace Rules & Visitor Guidelines

Schönbrunn's outdoor gardens have no rules beyond ordinary public-space etiquette — they're open from sunrise to sunset and free. The palace state rooms, the Carriage Museum and the Palm House follow a standard museum rulebook. The two surprises for first-time visitors are absolutely no photography inside the state rooms (this is strictly enforced — staff in every room) and a mandatory cloakroom for backpacks and larger bags. See our visitors guide and accessibility page for related info.

Key rules to know

A short list — the rest is normal museum etiquette

No photography inside

Photography and filming are strictly forbidden inside the palace state rooms — no flash, no phone cameras, no exceptions. The rule preserves the centuries-old textiles, gilded surfaces and historic wall hangings. Photography is welcome and free across the gardens, the Gloriette terrace, the Palm House interior and the Tiergarten zoo.

Mandatory cloakroom

Backpacks, larger handbags and any bag bigger than 30×20 cm must be checked at the cloakroom just inside the turnstile — free of charge. Suitcases and luggage are not accepted at all; store them at your hotel or at the luggage office at Westbahnhof, three U-Bahn stops away on the U4.

Security check

Bag screening at the main turnstile in the Ehrenhof. Quick on weekdays, allow 5–10 minutes on summer weekends. Sharp objects, glass bottles and oversized bags must be cleared at the cloakroom before entry.

No food, drink or selfie sticks

Eating and drinking are not permitted in the state rooms or in the visitor route. Café Residenz in the courtyard is the closest sit-down option. Tripods, monopods, gimbals and selfie sticks are forbidden indoors and at the Gloriette terrace — they must stay in the cloakroom.

Rules & Regulations FAQ

Common questions about what's allowed

Why is photography really forbidden?

Three reasons. First, conservation — the centuries-old silk wall hangings, the Vieux-Laque panels and the gilded stucco are highly sensitive to light, and even phone flashes accelerate fade. Second, exclusivity rights granted to the official Schönbrunn photographers. Third, flow — the one-way route through 40 rooms slows to a crawl the moment people stop to set up shots. The rule is universal and strictly enforced; staff will ask you to put your camera away.

Are sketchbooks allowed?

Yes — pencil sketching is welcome in the state rooms. No pens, paint, ink or pastels in the galleries.

What size bag is allowed inside?

Bags larger than roughly 30×20 cm (or any backpack) must be checked at the mandatory cloakroom just past the turnstile. Free of charge. Suitcases are not accepted at all — store them at Westbahnhof (three U-Bahn stops away on U4) or at your hotel.

Are tripods or selfie sticks permitted?

No — neither is allowed inside the palace or on the Gloriette terrace. Both must stay in the cloakroom. The official reason is safety in crowded galleries; selfie sticks are also banned on the Gloriette viewing platform for the same reason.

Can I bring a baby carrier or stroller?

Baby carriers are welcome throughout. Strollers cannot enter the state rooms — there is a stroller park at the entrance and a free baby carrier is loaned to you in its place. The gardens are entirely stroller-friendly, including the path up to the Gloriette via the gentler side route.

Is the palace quiet inside?

Voices are encouraged to stay low. Phone calls are not permitted inside the state rooms — step into the cloakroom area or back out to the Ehrenhof if you need to take a call. Audio-guide headphones keep the noise level surprisingly civilised even at peak hours.

Can I bring food?

No food or drink is permitted in the state rooms or along the visitor route. Café Residenz in the right wing of the courtyard, the Café Gloriette on the hill, and several garden kiosks are open all day for sit-down breaks. The outdoor gardens are public — picnics on the lawns of the Great Parterre are tolerated as long as you're tidy.

Is there a dress code?

No dress code — wear what you're comfortable in. The state rooms are climate-controlled at around 20°C year-round, so a light layer is enough inside. The Gloriette hill is exposed and windy; bring a jacket even in summer evenings.