We are debating a taking a small group excursion tour of Schonbrunn Palace with Viking in October. Is it worth the time (I am a history buff) or could our time be spent in better ways. We are only in Vienna two days.
Posted by
Twin Cities, Minnesota
2584 posts
I loved the excursion to Schonbrunn when I was on my Viking Cruise. I also went to the concert that evening and enjoyed that.
Posted by
Walnut Creek, CA
905 posts
We also took the Viking excursion to Schonbrunn palace. It's worth it. But after the tour, we DIY'd and told the tour guide we were leaving the group tour and would find our way back.
The U-bahn station is just outside the palace. We took that to Stephanplatz. Visited St Stephan's church, had cake at Cafe Central and took a tour of the Vienna Opera house.
We took the U-bahn back to Vorgantenstrasse station, which is a short walk to where the Viking ships dock.
Very easy. As ship docks overnight in Vienna, we did not feel the time pressure of having to get back to the ship.
buy we were back for dinner on the ship, and we also did the Viking sponsored evening concert.
Posted by
2820 posts
Note that the U4 subway (green line) from Schönbrunn does not go directly to the very city center (Stephansplatz), but to Schwedenplatz. From there you can walk to Stephansplatz or take the U1 subway (red line) to Stephansplatz as well as to the Opera.
The docking place mentioned at Reichsbrücke (Empire Bridge) is serviced by subway U1 (red line) as well.
Beware that there are more than one docking places in Vienna. When there are very many ships at the same time, your ship may be docked further north (upstream) requiring different public transport.
Posted by
Bel Air, MD
79 posts
I just got back from a Viking Danube cruise. The boat doesn't dock near the city, however it is very convenient to a U-bahn station. We decided not to do the Viking excursion, but went on our own. It was easy to navigate the U-Bahn, but we had a change trains. (Please don't ask where, I don't remember). It was about 45 minutes of travel time from the boat to the palace. It's an easy walk from the U-bahn station to Schonbrunn. I bought tickets in advance, and did everything at our own pace. Even had time for lunch at the Gloriette. We went in the morning, so we had time back in Vienna after.
Posted by
Tennessee
499 posts
I visited the Schonbrunn Palace on June 7. I found the interior interesting but not extremely impressive - - - in no way comparable to Versailles. My friend and I agreed that the gardens were not well maintained, which disappointed us very much.
Overall, I prefer the Belvedere Palace with its art, impressive central hall, and gardens.