Hofburg Palace Accessibility Guide

Overview

The Hofburg is the former imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty and one of the largest palace complexes in Europe. Today it houses the Sisi Museum (dedicated to Empress Elisabeth), the Imperial Apartments, and the Imperial Silver Collection. The complex covers 59 acres in the center of Vienna and also contains the Austrian National Library, the Spanish Riding School, and several other museums.

The Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments, and Silver Collection are all accessible via ramps, mobile wheelchair rails, and an elevator (width 125 cm, depth 129 cm, door width 78.5 cm). Free wheelchair loans are available at the entrance. One important limitation: the mobile wheelchair rails cannot support especially heavy wheelchairs, three-wheeled models, or other non-standard wheelchair types. Staff recommend consulting with them before purchasing tickets if you use a non-standard chair.

Getting There

• U-Bahn: Herrengasse (U3) has elevator access. The Hofburg entrance at Michaelerplatz is a 3-minute roll from the station. The route is flat and paved.
• Tram: Tram 1, 2, or D to Burgring. The Heldenplatz entrance to the Hofburg complex is directly ahead.
• Accessible entrance: Enter through the Michaelertor (Michael's Gate) dome. The main entrance leads directly to the ticket area. Three disabled parking spaces are available at Heldenplatz.

Wheelchair Accessibility

• All exhibition areas in the Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments, and Silver Collection are accessible via ramps, mobile wheelchair rails, and elevator.
• The elevator dimensions are: 125 cm wide, 129 cm deep, 78.5 cm door width. Measure your wheelchair before visiting to confirm it fits.
• Free wheelchairs are available at the turnstile upon deposit of a valid ID.
• An audio guide is included with admission and works at seated height.

Accessible Toilets

Barrier-free toilets are located on the ground floor and on the first floor. The first-floor accessible toilet requires staff assistance to reach. Both have grab rails and adequate turning space.

Tips for Visitors with Disabilities

• Reduced admission is available with a valid disability ID. One companion enters free when the companion is listed on the disability ID.
• Audio guides are included in the ticket price and available in multiple languages.
• Guide dogs are permitted throughout the exhibition areas.
• Private guided tours for visually impaired visitors are available on request.
• Entry works on fixed timeslots. Peak hours between 11:00am and 3:00pm sell out quickly, so book online in advance.
• The full route through all three exhibitions (Sisi Museum, Imperial Apartments, Silver Collection) takes about 90 minutes.
• The Hofburg complex is large. If you plan to visit other Hofburg institutions (National Library, Spanish Riding School), note that each has separate entrances and accessibility arrangements.
• The cafe in the Michaelertrakt is step-free and has space for wheelchairs.
• The Silver Collection on the ground floor is often overlooked but holds over 7,000 objects from the imperial household, including table settings and porcelain. It is fully accessible and usually less crowded than the upper floors.
• The Sisi Museum focuses on the life of Empress Elisabeth ("Sisi"), with personal items, clothing, and reconstructed rooms. The content is presented through audio guide and visual displays at accessible heights.
• The Sisi Ticket (57 EUR/adult) combines Schoenbrunn Palace and the Hofburg Sisi Museum for those planning to visit both. It offers savings compared to buying individual tickets.
• For accessibility questions before your visit, contact +43 1 525 24-4602.
• The Heldenplatz square in front of the Hofburg is flat and paved, with good views of the palace facade. It connects directly to the Volksgarten and Burggarten parks, both of which have some paved paths suitable for wheelchairs.
• Photography is permitted throughout the exhibition rooms without flash.
• The Imperial Apartments give a vivid picture of daily life in the Habsburg court, with original furnishings, personal items, and Franz Joseph's study preserved as it was during his reign.
• The Spanish Riding School is located in the Hofburg complex but has its own entrance and separate tickets. Wheelchair spaces are available for performances; book well in advance.
• The Austrian National Library State Hall (Prunksaal) in the Hofburg is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. It has limited step-free access; check current arrangements at +43 1 534 10-464.
• The Hofburg is in the center of Vienna, within easy rolling distance of the Albertina (3 minutes), Kunsthistorisches Museum (5 minutes), and Stephansdom (10 minutes).
• Photography without flash is allowed inside the exhibition. Video recording is not permitted.