Imperial breakfast before your castle tour

If you’re planning a visit to Vienna’s iconic Schönbrunn Palace, the Imperial breakfast before your castle tour offers a charming way to start your day. For $38 per person, this 2-hour experience combines a hearty, authentic Viennese breakfast at the Gerstner K.u.K. Hofzuckerbäcker with an insightful exploration of the palace and its surroundings. The tour welcomes a small group of up to 10 participants, ensuring a cozy, personalized feel that makes it perfect for those who appreciate good food and culture in a relaxed setting.

The highlight of this experience is the breakfast at Schönbrunn Palace’s own café, where you’ll enjoy a classic Viennese breakfast that includes organic bread, a Kaiser roll, croissant, homemade bread, and a selection of cheeses and meats. To drink, you get a hot beverage of your choice along with a glass of sparkling wine, making it a memorable start to a day filled with discovery. After breakfast, the tour continues with a walk through the palace’s enchanting gardens and nearby attractions, following in the footsteps of Sisi and Franz.

Key Points

• Price: $38 per person for a combined breakfast and palace tour experience
• Duration: 2 hours, starting at various times (check availability)
• Location: Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna
• Includes: A Maria Theresia breakfast, hot drink, and sparkling wine
• Small group: Limited to 10 participants for a more personal experience
• No palace ticket included: Visitors will need to purchase their own if they plan to enter Schönbrunn Palace afterward

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting your day with Viennese hospitality at Gerstner’s café

The tour begins at Gerstner K.u.K. Hofzuckerbäcker Schloss Schönbrunn, located to the left of the courtyard of Schönbrunn Palace. This historic bakery is renowned for its Viennese coffee house tradition, offering a warm and elegant setting for breakfast. The Maria Theresia breakfast includes a Viennese organic Kaiser roll, croissant, a slice of homemade bread, and a selection of butter or diet margarine, Staud’s jam or honey, plus a soft-boiled organic breakfast egg. The meal also features honey ham, Bergbaron, and Jerome cheese, providing a satisfying taste of traditional Viennese fare.

To complement the meal, you’ll enjoy a hot drink of your choice—be it coffee, tea, or hot chocolate—and a glass of sparkling wine. The atmosphere exudes classic Viennese charm, with attentive service that makes this breakfast feel like a special treat rather than a rushed start. This part of the experience is ideal for those who value local culinary traditions and want to experience an iconic Viennese breakfast setting before heading into the palace.

Exploring Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens

After enjoying your substantial breakfast, the tour guides you through the exterior and surrounding areas of Schönbrunn Palace. While the palace interior is not included in this experience, the gardens, fountains, and surrounding attractions are all part of the walk. You’ll follow in the footsteps of Empress Sisi and Franz Joseph, tracing the historic pathways and scenic vistas that define this grand estate.

The enchanting palace grounds are perfect for a leisurely stroll, with plenty of photo opportunities and insights into the Habsburg dynasty. The garden layout is designed for exploration, offering views of the Orangery, Neptune Fountain, and the Gloriette—a hilltop structure that provides panoramic views over Vienna. The tour’s pacing allows enough time to appreciate the architectural beauty and the historic ambiance without feeling rushed.

Why the small group size enhances the experience

With a maximum of 10 participants, this tour maintains an intimate atmosphere that encourages interaction and personalized attention. The guides are knowledgeable and fluent in German and English, ensuring that your questions about the palace, its history, and Viennese culture are answered thoroughly.

This small-group format also means you can enjoy a more relaxed pace, taking in the sights without the crowds that often accompany larger tours. It’s especially suitable for those who prefer a more personal connection and a less commercialized experience during their visit to Vienna.

The convenience of flexible scheduling and cancellation

The tour offers the flexibility to reserve now and pay later, which is a helpful option for travelers with changing plans. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a risk-free way to plan your morning at Schönbrunn. The activity typically starts at various times throughout the day, so you can choose a slot that best fits your schedule.

The overall experience lasts 2 hours, providing enough time to enjoy the delicious breakfast and explore the palace gardens, without taking up an entire morning or afternoon. The meeting point is conveniently located near the palace, and the tour concludes back at the same spot, simplifying logistics.

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Accessibility and practical tips for visitors

The restaurant closes at 8 pm, so late evening bookings are not available. It’s advisable to inform the tour operator about any food intolerances or dietary restrictions in advance to ensure your breakfast can be tailored to your needs. Since the tour includes walking outdoors and around the garden areas, comfortable footwear is recommended.

While the palace interior is not part of this experience, those interested in visiting inside should plan to purchase tickets separately. This tour is best suited for visitors who want a taste of Viennese culinary culture paired with a casual outdoor exploration of Schönbrunn’s impressive grounds.

Comparing this tour to similar Viennese experiences

Unlike other Vienna experiences that focus solely on palace admission or wine tasting, this activity combines culinary delight with cultural curiosity. The focus on the traditional Viennese breakfast at a historic bakery gives it a distinctive local flavor.

The small group size and personalized service make it stand out, especially for those who enjoy local food traditions and a more relaxed pace. However, it does not include entry into the palace itself, so visitors seeking an interior tour will need to plan separately.

Who will appreciate this experience most?

This tour appeals to food lovers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a laid-back introduction to Vienna’s royal landmarks. It’s particularly suited for travellers who want to combine a delicious breakfast with sightseeing, rather than focusing solely on architecture or art.

Because of its small group format and flexible scheduling, it’s also a good choice for couples or small groups who prefer a more personalized experience. If you’re looking for a relaxing morning that combines culinary tradition with scenic views, this is an excellent option.

Imperial breakfast before your castle tour: final thoughts

The Imperial breakfast at Schönbrunn Palace offers a warm, authentic start to a day exploring Vienna’s most famous royal residence. The delicious Viennese breakfast, served at the historic Gerstner café, is the perfect way to savor local flavors while soaking up the palace’s regal atmosphere.

This activity’s small-group setting and flexible booking options make it a practical choice for travelers who want a personal, relaxed experience. While it doesn’t include interior palace access, the gardens and exterior grounds provide plenty to see and enjoy, especially with the guidance of knowledgeable hosts.

If you value culinary tradition, scenic outdoor walks, and the chance to begin your Vienna visit on a hearty, cultural note, this tour is well worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include entry to Schönbrunn Palace?
No, this experience focuses on the breakfast and outdoor exploration. Visitors who want inside access will need to purchase separate tickets.

What is included in the breakfast?
The Maria Theresia breakfast includes a Viennese organic Kaiser roll, croissant, homemade bread, a soft-boiled organic egg, honey ham, Bergbaron and Jerome cheese, plus butter or margarine, Staud’s jam or honey, a hot drink of your choice, and a glass of sparkling wine.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reservation can be made with the option to pay later for added flexibility.

Is this experience suitable for dietary restrictions?
Yes, it’s recommended to inform the provider immediately if you have any food intolerances or dietary needs, to ensure the breakfast is tailored accordingly.

How long does the whole experience last?
The tour lasts about 2 hours, including breakfast at the café and outdoor exploration of the palace grounds.

What languages are available?
Guides speak German and English, making it accessible for international visitors.

Where does the tour start and end?
The experience begins and ends at Gerstner K.u.K. Hofzuckerbäcker Schloss Schönbrunn, located to the left of the courtyard of Schönbrunn Palace.

Is the group size limited?
Yes, the maximum group size is 10 participants, ensuring a more intimate experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby