Exploring the Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens [Part 2/2] - Family Vacation

Our adventure through the Schönbrunn Palace Gardens continues. In this second installment we will explore the majesic garden behind the main palace, but also venture out further uphill towards the Gloriette. We will also stroll down (and get lost in) the maze. Before we depart we will make a stop in the lush rose garden and take a peak at the side entrances of this amazing complex. We had a great time visiting, despite the fact that dogs are not allowed (which is understandable, the grounds are so well kept, I'm sure dogs would like to dig around). I will try to make one more post from Vienna if I have any material left, it would be separately themed and It would include Beni as well, but this was actually the only day I had my Canon with me, so the other material is from my smart phone camera. We will see about that. But for now let us conclude this little family outing.

Tip: There are so many details in these images, try to click on the images, enlarge them and take it all in slowly.

I love the vivid colors of the flowers here. They are still blooming and are truly inspiring when it comes to garden design and maintenance. The grass is so lush and thick, you just want to lay in it and rest. We stayed here for some time, found friendly tourists who would take group shots of us. I don't think I can remember when we made a group shot of the whole family. And this day we made three. I guess that's a good score :)

We entered the maze gardens which you actually have to pay for. But it was worth the small entrance fee per person, since you can actually spend some quality time here. Especially if you get lost. There are two mazes. The first one is called big maze, the second one small maze. Though they are pretty much same in size, the difference is the height of the bushes. We entered the big one first and tried to get out. Sometimes we got lost, other times backtracked, but in the end you reach a huge tree with a podium you can climb on. From there you can get a nice view of both mazes.

In the small maze you will find many optical illusions like these kaleidoscope mirrors which make for fun images.

Back outside, my sister Jasmina and I decided to climb uphill towards the Gloriette. On a hilltop overlooking the palace grounds and with beautiful views of Vienna from its roof, the Classical Gloriette was built in 1775. The long arcaded structure commemorates the Battle of Kolin of 1757, when Austrian troops defeated the Prussian army of Frederick the Great.

The central section is in the form of a triumphal arch, crowned by a large imperial eagle perched on a globe. The views from up here are magnificent. Again, you have to pay to enter the Gloriette (or you can get a multiple pass, to enter many things, which is explained in part one of this post). Inside the upper part of the central section is Café Gloriette, and the flat roof is surrounded by a balustrade for use as a viewing platform. Much of the architectural detail - the twin columns, capitals, arches, and entablatures, are from the unfinished Renaissance palace of Neugebäude. A Panorama Train connects the palace with the Gloriette, stopping at the zoo and Tyrolian Garden.

We made our way back down. Dad was touring inside the palace, so we had some time to walk towards the main fountain, called Neptunbrunnen. At the centre of the figural group above a rocky grotto stands Neptune in a shell-shaped chariot, his trident in his hand. To his left is a nymph, while on his right kneels the sea-goddess Thetis, entreating Neptune to favour the voyage of her son, Achilles, who has set off to conquer Troy. Again, there are so many details here, you really have to click on the images, enlarge them and take it all in slowly.

The next stop on our way out was the Imperial Rose Garden. Just like the main garden, the roses here are vivid in color and in full bloom. I loved the arched path seen in the image above. It can imagine it providing much needed shade in the heat of the summer.

Eventually we headed back to the metro station from which we came, and took a ride back to the center of the city. We had a great time here. Despite the crowds it actually felt calming and relaxing. I guess it's because of the wast grounds. There are so many places to get lost in here...

The End 

of the Schönbrunn Palace photos