We will be in Vienna for a couple days late November. I don't think I have time for both, so am trying to decide between touring the Imperial Apartments at Schonbrunn Palace or at Hofburg Palace. I am leaning towards Hofburg and also seeing the Imperial Treasury and the Sisi Museum. Would just appreciate others thoughts if Schonbrunn would be better. Thanks in advance.
Posted by
NorthCarolina
1278 posts
Depending on when you will be there, the Christmas Markets will probably be open and the Xmas Market at Schonbrunn is very nice. We love the Xmas markets and go to Vienna about every 2-3 yrs in December to see them. Sorry I can't really answer your question, but I'm sure others will be able to help you. Back to my love for the Xmas Markets - it you have extra time for them - we also love the ones at MariaTheresa Platz, Rathaus/CityHall, AmHof, Karlsplatz.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Yes, the xmas markets are scheduled to be open while we are there! There are some in front of the Belvedere Palace and St. Stephens that we plan to go through. We are also going to the ones in front of City Hall and the Advent One. Thanks for your comment!
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4361 posts
The interiors at Schonbrunn are a better choice than The Hofburg , BUT - I would skip the Sisi exhibit , and definitely see the Schatzkammer ( treasury ) The huge carved emerald unguentarium by Miseroni is alone worth a visit . Pair this with The Prunksaal in the National Library and this will be time well spent https://www.onb.ac.at/en/museums/state-hall The Emerald https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dionysio_Miseroni
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thank you, Steven. We will switch to touring the Imperial Apartments at the Schonbrunn Palace instead. The National Museum also looks like a great recommendation; I wonder why it's not in Rick's Vienna book? What do you think about the KunstKammer section of the Kunsthistorisches Museum? it sounds like maybe a better than the Green Vault in Dresden.
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4361 posts
I wouldn't draw a conclusion as far as " better " When I was "a young and callow fellow " to quote a well known lyric , I could make those distinctions Now , in my dotage ,I can't .The Kunstkammer in Vienna is Spectacular ( among the holdings is the famous Salt Cellar by the Florentine goldsmith, Benvenuto Cellini ) Having been to both The Kunstkammer and The Green Vault numerous times , they are both equally stunning in different ways . In Dresden , the Neues Gruner Gewolbe ( New Green Vault ) upstairs is really stunning , with exquisite craftsmanship by the Miseroni Jewelers ( detailed work comparable to the much later work of Carl Faberge ) . The Kunsthistoriches Museum is worth as much time as you can give it , and from the mezzanine , be sure to look for The Klimt paintings in the spandrels that surround the staircases .
Posted by
OP
6 posts
again, many thanks! Your advice is very helpful. I will be with my daughter a couple days in Vienna on a river cruise. Its tours don't cover really what we want to see so I've been trying to sort it out.
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4361 posts
I'm glad to help !! Write again if you need further assistance