Hofburg Palace, Vienna, Austria

Visit duration: 2 hours Editorial visit time estimate

Reviewed by Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor

About Hofburg Palace

The Hofburg is the former principal imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty in the centre of Vienna. It was begun in the 13th century under Ottokar II of Bohemia and expanded several times over the following centuries. It served as the imperial winter residence, while Schönbrunn Palace was the summer residence. Since 1946 it has been the official residence and workplace of the President of Austria, and the Hofburg area has been the documented seat of government since 1279.

Checked 2026-11-10 · Source

What's inside

Over the centuries the complex grew to include residences such as the Amalienburg and the Albertina, the imperial chapel, the imperial library, the treasury, the Burgtheater, the Spanish Riding School and the imperial mews. The oldest part is the Swiss Court with its Gothic chapel and the treasury, which holds the imperial insignia of the Holy Roman Empire. The Vienna Boys' Choir traditionally sings mass in the court chapel on Sundays, and parts of the palace serve as a convention centre hosting about 300–350 events a year.

Checked 2026-11-10 · Source

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Common questions

Who uses the Hofburg today?

Since 1946 it has been the official residence and workplace of the President of Austria.

Where is the Hofburg?

The Vienna Tourist Board gives the address as Heldenplatz, 1010 Wien, in the city centre.

Where it is

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Nearby

Within 1 min on foot

2 hours
1 min walk · Innere Stadt
Imperial Treasury
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Schweizertrakt
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Hofbibliothek
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