Kaiserliche Wagenburg

Wagenburg showcases the magnificent carriages, sleighs, and even the first imperial automobile used by the Habsburgs. Discover the most fascinating royal vehicles and their unique history in this collection of imperial transport treasures!

The Imperial Carriage Museum

The Schönbrunn Palace hides many secrets. While millions admire its exterior and explore attractions like the palace tour, park maze, and zoo, most visitors overlook a hidden gem – Kaiserliche Wagenburg Wien, the Imperial Carriage Museum. In fact, this fascinating place showcases imperial history in a unique way. Moreover, it offers a rare glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Habsburgs. If you haven’t been there yet, you haven’t truly discovered all the palace has to offer!

The Origins of
the Imperial Carriage Museum

The museum’s history dates back to the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Habsburgs owned around 640 carriages, used for transporting the imperial family, goods, and supplies.

After World War I,
Austria faced major challenges:

• What to do with so many imperial vehicles?

• How to maintain them?

• Should Austria preserve or erase traces of Habsburg rule?

Some carriages continued to serve early Austrian politicians, whereas others were sold to support the struggling economy. Meanwhile, a few were preserved as historical artifacts, so that their legacy would endure.

In 1922, vehicles with historical and cultural value were transferred to the Kunsthistorisches Museum. This marked the official beginning of the Kaiserliche Wagenburg Wien, which has now existed for over 100 years!

What to See in the Museum?

• ✅ Over 5,000 objects from the Baroque era to the 21st century

• ✅ 170 carriages and sleighs, admired by visitors

• ✅ Personal belongings of Empress Sisi, including:
  • The carriage she used at her wedding with Franz Joseph
  • Her coronation carriage
  • The black mourning dress she may have worn at her son Rudolf’s funeral
  • Sisi’s personal saddle

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Other unique exhibits include:

• Children’s carriages used by Habsburg princes and princesses, pulled by lambs or donkeys

• The black carrige used for the funerals of Emperor Franz Joseph (1916), Empress Elisabeth (1898), Empress Zita (1989)

• The golden “Imperial Carriage”, used by the imperial family for coronation ceremonies

• The largest collection of civilian uniforms in the world

Did You Know?

• 💡 The stables were not at Schönbrunn but in today’s MuseumQuartier.

• 💡 The Habsburgs employed around 500 people to care for the horses and vehicles.

• 💡 Not only the Habsburgs used these vehicles – actors, servants, and dignitaries also had access.

• 💡 The museum is located in a former winter riding school at Schönbrunn.

Opening Hours & Tickets

• 📅 Opening hours: 10:00 – 16:00

• 🎟 Full ticket: €12

• 🎟 Discounted ticket: €9

• 🎧 Audioguide: Available for an extra €2

⚠ Important! The indoor climate is similar to outdoor conditions – expect limited heating and air conditioning.

👉 Ready to explore the world of imperial carriages? Add Kaiserliche Wagenburg Wien to your Vienna itinerary and step into the past of the Habsburgs! See more interesting places in Vienna!