Is the Belvedere garden free to enter?

Yes, the gardens connecting the Upper and Lower Belvedere are free to the public. You only need to purchase a ticket if you wish to enter the palace buildings to see the art collections or temporary exhibitions.

What is the best walking tour Vienna for art lovers?

The Belvedere circuit is widely considered the best for art lovers because it combines world-class Baroque architecture with access to the Austrian Gallery. It is famous for housing Gustav Klimt's 'The Kiss' and other masterpieces of Viennese Modernism.

Can I see 'The Kiss' by Gustav Klimt on this walk?

Yes, 'The Kiss' is permanently displayed in the Upper Belvedere. While the walk covers the exterior and gardens, you can choose to enter the Upper Belvedere museum at stop 5 to see the painting.

Is the walk through the Belvedere gardens difficult?

The walk is rated as easy. There is a slight uphill incline as you walk from the Lower Belvedere to the Upper Belvedere, but the paths are wide and well-maintained with ramps available for accessibility.

When is the best time to visit the Belvedere gardens?

The best time is early morning or late afternoon when the crowds are thinner and the light is soft. The gardens are particularly beautiful in spring when the flowers are in bloom or in early autumn.

Are there restrooms along the walking route?

Yes, facilities are located within the palace buildings and near the entrance to the Botanical Garden. There are also numerous cafes and restaurants just outside the palace gates on Rennweg.

Can I visit the Botanical Garden for free?

Yes, the University of Vienna Botanical Garden is free to enter for individual visitors. It is a great way to see a diverse range of plant life right in the heart of the city.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Stepping into Vienna’s third district, Landstraße, feels like walking through a living gallery of European history and imperial ambition. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the Belvedere complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site that serves as one of the world’s most stunning examples of Baroque architecture. Originally commissioned by Prince Eugene of Savoy, a brilliant military commander, the two palaces and the connecting tiered gardens were designed to showcase power, wealth, and a refined aesthetic. Today, the area is just as famous for the treasures housed within its walls—most notably the world’s largest collection of paintings by Gustav Klimt, including the iconic 'The Kiss'. This walking route begins at the powerful Hochstrahlbrunnen fountain and the somber Soviet War Memorial, providing a historical bridge between the imperial era and the mid-20th century. As you move toward the Lower Belvedere, you’ll transition from the bustling city into the serene, structured beauty of the Baroque age. The heart of the experience lies in the Belvedere-Schlossgarten, a meticulously designed landscape that uses symmetry, statues, and water features to create a sense of infinite perspective. Climbing through the gardens toward the Upper Belvedere offers one of the most famous views of Vienna’s skyline. While many travelers visit for the art, this neighborhood stroll allows you to appreciate the architectural harmony and the botanical diversity of the neighboring University of Vienna Botanical Garden. Whether you are an art aficionado or a history enthusiast, this walking route Vienna provides a flexible way to experience the city's Golden Age at your own pace. Discover the stories of the Habsburgs and the genius of architect Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt without the constraints of a rigid schedule. This travel experience is perfect for those who want to blend a leisurely park visit with world-class cultural heritage.

Highlights

The 19th-century Hochstrahlbrunnen fountain at Schwarzenbergplatz

The powerful Monument in honor of the soldiers of the Soviet Army

The ornate interiors and temporary exhibits of the Lower Belvedere

Panoramic views of Vienna from the tiered Belvedere-Schlossgarten

The architectural grandeur of the Upper Belvedere palace

The rare plant species in the University of Vienna Botanical Garden

Tour Stops (6)

Hochstrahlbrunnen

Start your journey at the Hochstrahlbrunnen, a magnificent fountain built in 1873 to celebrate the completion of Vienna's first mountain spring water pipeline. At the time, bringing fresh water from the Alps to the city was a feat of engineering that drastically improved public health. The fountain’s design is rich with symbolism: the 365 small fountains at the edge represent the days of the year, while the seven jets in the middle represent the days of the week. Look for the 12 larger jets that signify the months. In the evening, the fountain is often illuminated in vibrant colors, but even by day, it serves as a refreshing gateway to the diplomatic quarter and the Belvedere palaces beyond.

Monument in honor of the soldiers of the Soviet Army

Just behind the fountain stands a semi-circular colonnade and a towering bronze statue of a Soviet soldier. This is the Heldendenkmal der Roten Armee, erected in 1945 to commemorate the 17,000 Soviet soldiers who died during the Battle of Vienna at the end of World War II. It serves as a stark reminder of the city's complex 20th-century history. Despite the changing political tides over the decades, the monument remains a permanent fixture of the city's landscape, protected by the Austrian State Treaty. The soldier holds a shield and a flag, standing atop a high pedestal that dominates the square, marking the transition from the modern city to the imperial grounds.

Lower Belvedere

As you enter the Belvedere grounds, you first encounter the Lower Belvedere. This was the residential palace of Prince Eugene of Savoy. While the Upper Belvedere was built for prestige and entertaining, this building was more personal and intimate. Architecture fans will notice the work of Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt, who used rich stucco work and frescoes to create a luxurious domestic space. Today, the Lower Belvedere and the adjacent Orangery host world-class temporary art exhibitions. Don't miss the Hall of Grotesques and the Marble Gallery, which still retain their original 18th-century splendor, reflecting the Prince’s immense wealth and sophisticated taste in art and design.

Belvedere-Schlossgarten

Walking between the two palaces, you are now in the Schlossgarten, the oldest part of the complex. This is a classic French-style Baroque garden designed by Dominique Girard, a student of the landscape architect who worked on Versailles. The garden is laid out on three levels, connected by grand staircases and flanked by sphinxes—mythical creatures symbolizing strength and wisdom. The design is based on the concept of 'nature subdued by art,' with perfectly manicured hedges and symmetrical flower beds. As you walk uphill, the view of the Upper Belvedere framed by the gardens becomes increasingly dramatic, offering one of the most iconic photo opportunities in all of Vienna.

Upper Belvedere

You have reached the crowning jewel of the estate: the Upper Belvedere. Completed in 1723, this palace was designed to serve as a grand reception hall and a gallery for the Prince’s vast art collection. Its silhouette, with its distinctive rooflines and ornate white facade, is a masterpiece of the high Baroque. While the exterior is breathtaking, the interior is legendary for housing the Austrian Gallery, including the largest collection of works by Gustav Klimt. This is where you can find 'The Kiss' and 'Judith'. The palace also offers a magnificent view over the garden toward the city center, a perspective often referred to as the 'Canaletto view' after the famous painter who captured it.

University of Vienna Botanical Garden

To finish your walk, step into the peaceful University of Vienna Botanical Garden, located right next to the Upper Belvedere. Founded in 1754 by Empress Maria Theresa on the advice of her personal physician, it was originally designed as a medicinal herb garden. Today, it spans eight hectares and houses over 11,500 plant species from around the world. It offers a wonderful, less-structured contrast to the formal Baroque gardens you just walked through. It’s a favorite spot for locals to escape the city noise. Wander through the arboretum or explore the tropical greenhouses to conclude your independent exploration of Vienna's green and golden heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

The full circuit takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. This includes time to appreciate the architecture, stroll through the tiered gardens, and visit the Botanical Garden, but does not include time spent inside the museums.