Last Updated on March 21, 2023 by gregor
In this blog post, I will provide you with all the information you need to plan your visit to the Imperial Treasury in Vienna (Kaiserliche Schatzkammer Wien). From highlights in bullets to inside tips on how to get the most out of your visit, I’ve got you covered.
Vienna is a city that’s steeped in history, and there’s no better way to experience that history than by visiting the Imperial Treasury Schatzkammer. This museum is home to some of the most valuable treasures in Europe, and it’s a must-visit attraction for anyone who wants to learn more about the famous Habsburg dynasty and its impact on Vienna and the world.
Highlights – Imperial Crown Jewels of the Austrian Habsburg Empire
Before we dive into the details of the Kaiserliche Schatzkammer Wien, let’s start with some highlights:
- The Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire is one of the most impressive pieces in the collection, and it’s definitely worth seeing up close.
- The Habsburgs (House of Habsburg, Austro-Hungarian Empire) were known for their love of pearls, and you’ll find plenty of them on display in the museum.
- The Treasury also houses the Imperial Cross, which is made of over 1,000 diamonds and is one of the most valuable pieces in the collection.
- You’ll also get to see the Burgundian Treasure, which includes some stunning pieces from the 15th century.
Inside Imperial Treasury of Vienna – Kaiserliche Schatzkammer Wien
Now that you know some of the highlights, let’s talk about what you’ll see when you actually visit the Imperial Treasury Schatzkammer. The museum is divided into several rooms, each of which showcases a different aspect of the Habsburg dynasty.
The Treasury houses over 500 objects across 20 rooms, separated into a secular and a spiritual section.
The clerical treasury exhibits relics from the Middle Ages, Habsburg Catholicism, and Austrian folk beliefs. Meanwhile, the secular treasury showcases treasures from over a millennium of European history. Its notable objects include:
Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire
The imperial crown of the Holy Roman Empire is the centerpiece of the collection. It was crafted in the latter part of the 10th century and adorned with biblical references, 144 precious stones, and countless pearls. Almost all Roman-German kings and emperors since Conrad II have been crowned with this octagonal crown made of pure gold. Other imperial jewels like the scepter, imperial orb, imperial sword, imperial cross, holy lance, and coronation cloak can also be viewed here.
Austrian Imperial Crown
The Austrian Imperial Crown, created in 1602 for Emperor Rudolf II, is one of the most magnificent crowns worldwide and a crucial piece in the collection. Comprising a crown ring, crown bow, and miter, it is recognized as a significant work of European goldsmith art. It was never utilized for a coronation. The scepter and orb are also on display in the secular treasury.
Treasure of the Order of the Golden Fleece
The treasury also features the Treasure of the Order of the Golden Fleece, founded in 1430, which is the highest-ranking order in the Habsburg monarchy. Along with chasubles and vestments, it houses art pieces by Charles the Bold.
Burgundy Treasure
The Burgundy Treasure from the 15th century is another significant cultural asset in the collection. It was acquired by the Habsburgs following Mary of Burgundy’s marriage to the future Emperor Maximilian I. It comprises several valuable exhibits that demonstrate the splendor and prosperity of the Duchy of Burgundy.
Empress Sisi’s Jewelry
Additional highlights in the treasury include striking jewelry belonging to empresses and princesses, such as some pieces of Empress Sisi’s original jewelry, valuable Habsburg jewels, which include one of the world’s largest emeralds globally, and Napoleon’s son’s cradle throne.
The collection further includes legendary treasures such as a narwhal tooth over two meters long, previously believed to be a unicorn horn, and a vast agate bowl from late antiquity deemed the legendary Holy Grail.
Imperial Treasury Ticket Tips
Admission
Now that you know what to expect inside the museum, let’s talk about tickets. The good news is that tickets are relatively inexpensive, especially compared to other museums in Vienna. As of 2023, the standard adult ticket costs €14, with discounts available for students and seniors.
- Admission to the Imperial Treasury is €14 for adults
- Children and young people under the age of 19 enjoy free admission
- Various combination tickets and annual tickets are available
- “7 Museums Annual Ticket – 365 Days”
- “Young Annual Ticket U25”
- “Treasures of the Habsburgs” and “The Emperor’s Treasures” combination tickets
- A detailed overview of ticket prices can be found on the website: | Website
Audio Guide
Audio guides are available for an additional fee and can be obtained on the left side of the staircase. These guides provide historical context for the numerous treasures and are available in German, English, Italian, French, Spanish, Russian, and Mandarin.
| Audio Guide | 5 € |
| Audio Guide ‘Take 2’ | 7 € |
| Audio Guide Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) | 8 € |
| Audio Guide Group p.p. (groups of 10 or more) | 3 € |
- German, English, Italian, French, Spanish, Russian, Mandarin, Ukrainian.
- Try out audio guide
Guided Tours
For those interested in a more in-depth experience, the Highlight Tour is offered in German and English. Private tours can also be arranged with a week’s notice.
| Highlight Tour | 6 € |
Top Tip
If you want to avoid the crowds altogether, try to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The museum is typically less busy during these times, and you’ll have a better chance of seeing everything without feeling rushed.
Good to Know before you go
Before you visit the Imperial Treasury Schatzkammer, there are a few other things you should know:
- The museum is closed on Tuesdays, so plan accordingly.
- Photography is not allowed inside the museum, so leave your camera at home.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible, but some areas may be more difficult to navigate than others.
- There is a small gift shop near the exit where you can purchase souvenirs and books about the museum and its collections.
Frequently Asked Questions that visitors have about the Imperial Treasury Schatzkammer
Q: How long does it take to visit the museum?
A: Most visitors spend about 1-2 hours in the museum, but you can easily spend more time if you want to see everything in detail.
Q: Is the museum suitable for children?
A: Yes, children will likely find the museum fascinating, especially if they have an interest in history or art. However, keep in mind that some of the displays may be too delicate or fragile for young children to touch, so make sure they understand the importance of not touching anything.
Q: Can I buy tickets in advance?
A: Yes, you can purchase tickets online in advance, which is recommended if you want to ensure that you get the entry time you prefer. However, if you prefer to buy tickets on the day of your visit, you can do so at the ticket desk inside the museum.
Q: Are there any guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided tours are available in English and German, and they are included in the price of your ticket. The tours last about 60 minutes and are a great way to learn more about the museum’s collections and history.
How do I get to the Imperial Treasury Vienna ? Kaiserliche Schatzkammer Wien?
The museum is located in the Hofburg Palace complex in central Vienna, so it’s easily accessible by public transportation.
Subway: A short walk from either Stephansplatz (U1 and U3 lines) or Herrengasse (U3 line) stations
Tram: Take the D, 1, 2 or 71 tram to the Burgring stop.
Address: Schweizerhof, Hofburg, 1010 Vienna | Website
Google Map
To make it easier for you to plan your visit, we’ve created a Google Map that shows the location of the Imperial Treasury Schatzkammer in relation to other points of interest in Vienna. You can use this map to get directions, find nearby restaurants and hotels, and more.
Vienna Pass
Consider purchasing a Vienna Pass or Vienna City Card for discounted transportation and admission to attractions including the Imperial Treasury Schatzkammer.
Conclusion
The Imperial Treasury Schatzkammer is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in Vienna’s rich history and culture. With its impressive collection of treasures and artifacts, you’ll gain a better understanding of the Habsburg dynasty and its impact on Austria and the world. We hope this guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan your visit, and we wish you a wonderful time exploring this fascinating museum.
*) Title Photo by Bede735c – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0