Schönbrunn Palace is an iconic landmark — and you get to savor it after-hours during a VIP visit on Luxury Gold’s Harmony of Central Europe tour. 

A private tour of Vienna, and this Vienna royal palace, is the perfect introduction to the grandeur of Wien. Famous for a myriad of reasons, including hosting a performance by a young Wolfgang Mozart, Schönbrunn Palace sits on a site that’s been occupied since the Middle Ages. 

Skip the line at Schloss Schönbrunn and enjoy a crowd-free visit to this Vienna royal palace on your fourth day of travel with Luxury Gold. Until then, here’s everything you need to know about this private tour of Vienna’s regal estate. 

The Royal Treatment: All the ways we make your trip exceptional

A Brief History of Schönbrunn Palace

Long before Mozart’s music filled these halls, a summer retreat and hunting lodge were just two of a number of guises this storied building took in its early years. 

The Middles Ages through Schönbrunn Palace’s naming

Since the Middle Ages, the land that Schönbrunn Palace sits on has been developed and redeveloped to suit the owners of the day. It wasn’t until hundreds of years after the first structure was erected that the estate began appearing in historical record as the Katterburg estate. 

1548 saw a major extension of the estate, which was extended further in 1569 to include a game park. The estate gained the name we know it by today Emperor Matthias found a fair spring (or Schöner Brunnen) while hunting. The official name change was first documented in 1642.

17th & 18th Centuries

Despite such continued architectural attention, Schönbrunn Palace was heavily damaged when  invading Turks seized Vienna in the late-1600s. The former manor house was then rebuilt as a hunting lodge for Emperor Joseph I, though he died before it was completed. 

The palace changed hands again and again, before Emperor Charles VI gave it to his daughter, Maria Theresa. She had the hunting lodge rebuilt as a palatial summer residence where it would become a center of political and court life in Vienna.

Her husband, Franz Stephen of Lorraine, was crowned Roman-German Emperor in the 1740s, and the palace began to grow alongside the new imperial family. Opulent staircases, grand galleries, a theater, and more were designed with ceiling frescos and intricate stucco detailing. More than 1,000 people were accommodated in this Vienna royal palace. Maria Theresa continued renovating the palace even after her husband’s untimely death. 

She died in 1780, just before the palace and garden renovations were completed. 

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19th Century

As you stroll the halls during a private tour of the Vienna royal palace, you’ll wonder how this magnificent palace could remain relatively empty from the time of Maria Theresa’s death until the 1810s. Save for Napoleon occupying it in both 1805 and 1809, the beautiful Vienna royal palace began to wilt. 

By 1814, Schönbrunn Palace began another decades-long chapter of renovations and regal residences. The state took over ownership of Schönbrunn Vienna royal palace after World War I and it was deemed worthy for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996.

Schönbrunn Palace Today

No matter the century, Schönbrunn Palace has always been and will likely always be one of the most prestigious landmarks in Austria’s capital. International tour groups as well as Vienna tours by locals almost always include either a public guided or an audio-guided private tour of Vienna’s royal palace on the itinerary. 

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What to know before a private tour of Vienna Schönbrunn Palace

Any traveler can come to Schönbrunn Palace without required reading and instantly fall under its opulent spell — though we recommend knowing a few key facts about this Vienna royal Palace:

• It was designed by Fischer von Erlach, an architect who also designed the Palace Schwarzenberg and the Karlskirche.
• Mozart performed for the royal family in Schönbrunn Palace when he was only six years old.
• Marie Antoinette, daughter of Maria Theresa, was born inside this Vienna royal palace. 
• The hallmark yellow color of Schönbrunn Palace isn’t the hue it’s always shone; testing suggests it was orange, red, and white prior to its new yellow coat in the 1800s. 

And one critical fact to remember: an estimated 8 million people visit Schönbrunn Palace each year, but with a private tour of Vienna’s palace from Luxury Gold, you get to explore its splendor without the crowds.

Other harmonious activities on this journey

Schönbrunn Palace is a favorite for many on our 13-day Harmony of Europe journey, but it’s far from the only gem on the itinerary. You’ll also:

• See Prague’s Astronomical Clock
• Sit front row for a Mozart and Strauss concert
• Dine at the Michelin-starred Borkonyha Winekitchen in Budapest
• Visit Melk’s historic hilltop Abbey
• Stay at the Grand Hotel Krakow

Experience a VIP private tour of a Vienna royal palace this year with Luxury Gold.

How are you dreaming of spending your Christmas? Skiing and sipping mulled wine in the Swiss Alps or enjoying a festive banquet in a castle in the Canadian Rockies? Meeting Santa in snowy Norway or exploring the Christmas markets in London? How about spending your holidays at the beach in Sydney or in a tropical rainforest in Brazil? Whether you’re dreaming of a Christmas in the snow or the sunshine, here are eight of the best luxury hotels to spend the holidays this year.

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Ashford Castle, Ireland

Photo credit: @ashfordcastle

Photo credit: @ashfordcastle

For a memorable and classic Christmas, Ashford Castle in Ireland is the perfect choice. The castle’s medieval charm and festive activities make it an enchanting place to spend the holiday. There’s festive banquets and pudding parades, a 20-foot-high Christmas tree grown on the estate, a scenic Christmas cruise, live Irish music, crackling fires, a range of outdoor activities like falconry and archery, plus a world-class spa. From the decadent breakfasts and traditional afternoon tea, to the black-tie gala dinner on Christmas Eve and the sumptuous five-course Christmas Day lunch, the food alone will be unforgettable. 

Stay at Ashford Castle on: Castles & Kingdoms

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Fairmont Château Lake Louise, Canada

Photo credit: @fairmontcll

Photo credit: @fairmontcll

Set among the snowy Canadian Rockies on the shores of the iconic frozen Lake Louise, the Fairmont Château Lake Louise is the quintessential Christmas destination. The holiday season is a magical affair here, with towering Christmas trees, twinkling light tunnels, ice sculptures, ice skating, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, and chances to spot the Northern Lights. There are special holiday menus and gourmet delights, plus lots of entertainment for children including visits from Santa Claus himself. On Christmas Eve, the hotel hosts a magnificent torchlight procession around the frozen lake, creating an enchanting atmosphere. After indulging in a Christmas Day feast, retreat to the hotel’s spa to unwind in the warm pools. 

Stay at Fairmont Château Lake Louise on: Majesty of the Rockies 

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The Langham, Sydney

Photo credit: @langhamsydney

Photo credit: @langhamsydney

Dreaming of a beach Christmas? Head Down Under to sunny Sydney, Australia! Christmas here means warm weather, beach dips, outdoor barbecues, with all the festive traditions of the Northern Hemisphere, like Christmas trees, carols, and feasts. When you stay at The Langham, you’ll get the best of both worlds with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day feasts and buffets, festive afternoon teas, Christmas carols and concerts, festive cocktails in the Observatory Bar, and special spa packages so you can treat yourself this Christmas. Whether you want to see the iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks over Sydney Harbour from the hotel, or experience a summer Christmas, the luxurious Langham is a special festive stay. 

Stay at The Langham on: Inspiring Australia 

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Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski, Switzerland

Photo credit: @kempinskistmoritz

Photo credit: @kempinskistmoritz

If you imagine charming alpine villages, snowy mountains, and twinkling lights for your Christmas holiday, you’ve got to head to the Swiss Alps. A stay at the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski allows you to fully embrace the festivities, with resplendent decorations and gourmet traditional feasts on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The nearby Engadin Valley also comes alive with Christmas markets, local crafts and traditions, world-class skiing, and horse-drawn carriage rides through the breathtaking snowy landscapes. At the end of the day, unwind in the hotel’s spa, with rejuvenating treatments and soothing saunas and pools. 

Stay at Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski on: Majestic Switzerland

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The Peabody Memphis, United States

Photo credit: @peabodymemphis

Photo credit: @peabodymemphis

For a Christmas experience steeped in history and Southern charm, The Peabody Memphis is an iconic choice. Located in the heart of downtown Memphis, the hotel lights up with special holiday concerts and events during December. The famous daily tradition of the “Peabody Ducks March” continues but with a special twist – the ducks don festive attire, including adorable Santa hats. You can catch the hotel’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, with a 30-foot tall tree adorned in 20,000 twinkling lights. The Peabody also has special holiday extras like gingerbread cookies, festive cocktails, and hot cocoa, and there’s plenty to explore across the city including a unique Elvis-themed Christmas experience at Graceland. 

Stay at The Peabody Memphis on: Southern Grace

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Hotel Union Geiranger, Norway

Photo credit: @hoteluniongeiranger

Photo credit: @hoteluniongeiranger

Perched on the edge of the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, with snow-capped peaks and Northern Lights, this hotel transports you to a winter wonderland straight out of a fairy tale. After a day of fjord cruising, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, return to the cozy Hotel Union Geiranger, with traditional Norwegian treats, candlelit dinners, bubbling spas, saunas, and roaring fireplaces. Sip on hot mulled wine while watching for the dancing Northern Lights, or experience local markets, music and crafts. You may even have a chance to meet Santa Claus, who is known to make special appearances in the Geiranger area.

Stay at Hotel Union Geiranger on: Timeless Scandinavia

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Belmond das Cataratas, Brazil

Photo credit: @belmondhoteldascataratas

Photo credit: @belmondhoteldascataratas

For those seeking a warm-weather Christmas, the Belmond das Cataratas in Brazil is a beautiful place to be in December. Located within the Iguazu Falls National Park, you’ll be immersed in a tropical paradise, with the thundering Iguassu falls, lush rainforests, and vibrant wildlife. And just because it isn’t snowing, doesn’t mean you miss out on the classic Christmas cheer. The festivities are turned all the way up here, with live music, Christmas feasts, outdoor picnics, and activities for kids. If you stay until the New Year, you’ll get to see lively parties, parades and fireworks. 

Stay at Belmond das Cataratas on: Classic South America

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The Rubens at the Palace, England

Photo credit: @rubenshotel

Photo credit: @rubenshotel

London is a magical place during the Christmas season, and The Rubens at the Palace has a front-row seat to all the festivities. Located opposite Buckingham Palace, guests can explore the city’s Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and dazzling light displays. The hotel itself puts on a grand festive show, including traditional Christmas afternoon teas and a sumptuous Christmas Day lunch, along with enchanting decor and twinkling fir trees throughout the hotel. From the glamorous bedrooms to the red tail-coated doormen, get the full royal treatment this Christmas.

Stay at Rubens at the Palace on: British Royale 

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Banner image credit: @ashfordcastle

Set in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the Fairmont Château Lake Louise has charmed travelers from all over the world for over a century. The iconic hotel is a timeless testament to luxury and natural beauty, with a rich history, awe-inspiring location, world-class facilities, and unforgettable activities. To celebrate International Mountain Day, we’re taking a closer look at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise, one of the world’s most remarkable mountain resorts. 

Stay at the on: Majesty of the Rockies 

Photo credit: @fairmontcll

A century of history

The Fairmont Château Lake Louise had humble beginnings, opening in 1890 as a one-story log cabin with just two bedrooms. Over the years, it evolved into a grand five-star hotel, with a charming European alpine architectural style. It has welcomed royalty, celebrities and distinguished guests from around the globe and has been a favored luxury destination for adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and romantics for generations. 

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Photo credit: @fairmontcll

Unparalleled location

Set on the shores of the dazzling Lake Louise and surrounded by towering mountain peaks, the Fairmont Château Lake Louise boasts one of the most picturesque settings in the world. The turquoise waters of the lake, framed by glaciers and evergreen forests, provide an awe-inspiring backdrop. The hotel’s location also offers year-round activities, from hiking and kayaking in the summer to ice skating and skiing in the winter.

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World-class facilities

The hotel features over 500 glamorous rooms and suites, many with stunning views of the lake and mountains. Unwind at the serene spa, take a dip in the heated indoor pool, and enjoy a meal at one of the hotel’s exquisite bars and restaurants, which offer a range of seasonal culinary delights. There’s also a fitness center, a kids’ club, and boutique shops to explore.

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Photo credit: @fairmontcll

Award-winning excellence

Over the years, the Fairmont Château Lake Louise has received dozens of accolades and awards, solidifying its status as a world-class resort. It has been consistently recognized as one of the best resorts and for its commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible tourism. It’s also received many awards for its restaurants.

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Photo credit: @fairmontcll

Remarkable experiences

While the hotel is spectacular enough, there are endless things to do around the Fairmont Château Lake Louise. In the summer, there’s hiking, horseback riding, golfing, or canoeing the pristine Lake Louise. In the winter, the area transforms into a snowy wonderland, with skiing, snowboarding and ice-skating opportunities. No matter the season, you can relax in the pools or enjoy the iconic afternoon tea with a stunning backdrop.

Beyond the hotel, the Banff area offers some incredible outdoor adventures. Explore Banff National Park, home to diverse wildlife, emerald lakes, and stunning mountain landscapes. Take a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway or visit the charming town of Banff for shopping and dining. 

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Photo credit: @fairmontcll

Stay at Fairmont Château Lake Louise with Luxury Gold

When you travel on our Majesty of the Rockies luxury tour, you’ll enjoy a lavish stay at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise. Stroll along the beautiful lakeshore admiring the waterfall. Feast on local specialties on a Dine-Around evening. Or simply soak it all in from the comfort of your gorgeous lakeview room. If you want to get outdoors, you can explore Moraine Lake beneath the 10 towering peaks. Or travel the Icefields Parkway and Athabasca Glacier aboard an Ice Explorer. You’ll also meet First Nations Warrior Women and learn about their Indigenous culture over a homecooked barbecue dinner with storytelling, drumming and songs.