Vienna walking route: Hofburg to Schönbrunn Palace
This 27.2 km route through Vienna, Austria showcases the city's cultural landmarks along the historic Ringstrasse boulevard. The journey highlights the architectural and artistic treasures that define Austria's capital, from imperial palaces to world-renowned museums.
- Distance
- 27.2 km
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Vienna
- End
- St Charles Church
- Stops
- 11
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Vienna — Capital of Austria, an ancient fortress city on the Danube River in Central Europe, known as the City of Music and a center of artistic and cultural revolution.
- Demel Bakery — Historic original confectioner to the Austrian Royal Family, famous for sachertorte and traditional Austrian pastries with marble-table ambiance.
- St Stephen’s Cathedral — Iconic gothic cathedral with distinctive mosaic roof tiles and a towering steeple offering panoramic views over Vienna's cityscape.
- Vienna State Opera — One of the world's greatest opera houses, built in the 19th century and renowned for captivating opera and ballet performances and backstage tours.
- Hofburg Imperial Palace — Impressive palace that was home to the Hapsburg dynasty for centuries, now serving as the official residence of the President of Austria.
- Museum of Art History — Major art museum showcasing paintings by European masters including Raphael, Rubens and Bruegel from various historical periods.
- Museum of Natural History — Major natural history museum housing over 30 million specimens and artifacts showcasing nature's masterpieces from around the world.
- Schonbrunn Palace
- Central Cemetery
- Wiener Prater — Historic amusement park and recreational area in Vienna featuring the iconic 19th-century Riesenrad ferris wheel with panoramic city views.
- St Charles Church — Baroque masterpiece and one of Vienna's greatest buildings, offering stunning architecture and serving as an evening cultural destination.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Although Vienna has an efficient public transport system, the best way to savour the city is slowly on foot.
- Transport
- Navigate the city by following the Ringstrasse, a wide boulevard around the downtown area lined with palaces, galleries, and museums.
- Food
- Order a strong coffee with cream in one of the coffee houses at Stephansplatz. Cafes are the essence of Viennese culture.
- Food
- Visit Demel Bakery, the original confectioners to the Austrian Royal Family, and order a sachertorte—a traditional chocolate cake.
- Tip
- Many of Vienna's main attractions lie within 'the ring' and Stephansplatz is at its very heart—a good reference point for navigation.
- Tip
- Take a backstage tour at the Vienna State Opera to learn the story of this opera house, one of the greatest in the world since the 19th century.
- Tip
- The Volksgarten features hundreds of roses—visit to enjoy their fragrance near the Hofburg Imperial Palace.
- Tip
- Vienna has vineyards within city boundaries where you can enjoy traditional meals like Wiener Schnitzel matched with local wines.
- Tip
- Climb aboard the 19th century Riesenrad wooden gondola at Wiener Prater for a timeless view over the city.
- Timing
- Visit St Charles Church as the sun sets—the church is widely considered one of the city's greatest buildings and Vienna at night is breathtaking.
- Tip
- Dine in traditional restaurants and then take in a show at the elegant Burgtheater or enjoy open air performances in the squares.
Video on this route
Vienna Vacation Travel Guide | Expedia