FAQ

Yes. During opening hours, filming and photography is generally permitted.

The use of tripods, selfie sticks or similar photographic or video equipment is prohibited at the museum, as is the use of flash and similar forms of lighting. Any photos or videos taken may only be used for personal, non-commercial purposes. Photography and filming for other purposes requires a paid permit. For further information, please see the section "Film and Photo" on our website www.sisimuseumhofburg.at.

Audioguides to the Imperial Silver Collection and the Imperial Apartments are available in 13 languages.

Guided tours in German and English take place daily. In July and August and in the main tourist seasons guided tours in Italian are offered.

Groups of more than 10 people must reserve an admission slot in advance by sending an email to reservierung[at]sisimuseum-hofburg.at. This is not necessary for individual visitors. 

No. The Silver Collection on the ground floor, and the Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments on the first floor can be visited on different days (tickets are valid for one year from date of issue). The Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments can only be visited together as dictated by the sequence of rooms.

Groups of more than 10 people must reserve an admission slot in advance by sending an email to reservierung[at]hofburg-wien.at. This is not necessary for individual visitors.

Our exhibition spaces can be visited in a wheelchair. There is a lift at the entrance and exit. There are also disabled toilets. If your party consists of more than three wheelchair users, please let us know in advance! For further information about barrier-free access to the Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments and Silver Collection in the Vienna Hofburg visit barrier-free access.

For more than six centuries the Hofurg was the main seat and winter residence of the Habsburg dynasty. Today you can visit residential apartments of the penultimate emperor and empress, Franz Joseph I and Elisabeth (Sisi), on the piano nobile of the Imperial Chancellery Wing. The apartments are fully furnished and have been authentically restored on the basis of historical models.

In 2004 the Sisi Museum was opened. Occupying over 400m², the most important museum in the world focusing on Empress Elisabeth as an individual gives an a comprehensive impression of her life. A wide variety of original objects casts light on the empress’s complex personality.

On the ground floor the former Court Table and Silver Room features highlights from the imperial household. Precious services of silver, gold and porcelain are displayed alongside table linen and culinary equipment and utensils from the Court Kitchen.

Schönbrunn Palace was used as the imperial family’s summer residence. Here the main emphasis of the rooms on show is the reign of Maria Theresa. Under her rule Schönbrunn Palace became the focus of courtly and political life. As a young emperor, Franz Joseph made Schönbrunn his favourite residence, where he spent major periods of his life. His wife Empress Elisabeth was also fond of using her private apartments at Schönbrunn.

Yes, she really did live here. The Hofburg was the winter residence of the Habsburgs. When she wasn't away travelling, Empress Elisabeth resided on the main floor of the Amalia Wing, which can be seen on the tour of the Imperial Apartments. During the summer months the imperial family had the choice of their country seats at Schönbrunn and Laxenburg. Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth also frequently stayed at the imperial villa at Bad Ischl.

Elisabeth was called "Sisi" within the family, and she herself always spelled her name with one "s". Thus, the correct spelling is "Sisi".The form "Sissi" comes from the famous series of "Sissi" films from the 1950s starring the young Austrian actress Romy Schneider. For the title of the films the director, Ernst Marischka, used the spelling "Sissi", which is how the name Elisabeth is usually abbreviated in Austria.

The Imperial Silver Collection is a museum containing highlights from the collection of silver tableware that was once used at the imperial court. A visit to the museum gives a fascinating insight into the world of court ceremonial, dining etiquette and table decorations. The exhibits come from the items previously held in the former Court Silver and Table Room. Many of these objects were in constant use during the monarchy. The collection includes the court table silver, centrepieces, glass, cooking utensils and table linen.

No. The Imperial Treasury Vienna is also in the Hofburg (in the Swiss Court), but houses the regalia of the Holy Roman Empire and the Austrian Empire.

The Spanish Riding School, also known as the Winter Riding School, is also within the Hofburg complex, adjacent to the Stallburg, where the Lipizzan stallions are stabled.

Regrettably not at the current time.

The First District is a short-stay parking zone (Monday to Friday) and parking is thus limited. We therefore recommend using public transport:

Currently there is no free WLAN/WiFi in the Hofburg.