Imperial Treasury Hofburg Tickets Vienna

The Imperial Treasury in the Hofburg Swiss Wing

The Imperial Treasury, Kaiserliche Schatzkammer, occupies rooms in the Swiss Wing of the Hofburg, the oldest part of the former imperial palace, close to the Michaelerplatz. It holds some of the most important royal treasures in the world, gathered by the Habsburgs over centuries. If you are searching for Imperial Treasury Vienna tickets, this entry ticket lets you walk through the secular and sacred treasuries at your own pace.

The rooms are arranged by theme and are easy to follow, and the collection is displayed in cases with clear labels. Most visitors need about an hour, and it is a good visit for a rainy day or a short slot between other sights in the centre of Vienna.

The crowns of the Holy Roman Empire and Austria

The most famous objects are the imperial crowns: the medieval crown of the Holy Roman emperors, one of the oldest surviving crowns in Europe, and the Austrian Imperial Crown, made in the early seventeenth century. Alongside them are the orb, sceptre and coronation vestments that formed the regalia of the empire.

Among the sacred objects are the Holy Lance, traditionally linked to early emperors, and reliquaries collected by the dynasty. Is the Imperial Treasury worth visiting? For anyone interested in European history, yes; it is among the finest such collections and the objects are more moving to see in person than in photographs.

Jewels, the Golden Fleece and legendary treasures

The treasury also shows the treasure of the Order of the Golden Fleece and objects from Burgundian court culture, as well as jewellery of Habsburg empresses and princesses, including pieces from Empress Elisabeth's own jewellery. One of the largest cut emeralds in the world and a huge agate bowl once thought to be the Holy Grail draw special attention.

There is also the horn of the unicorn, which was in fact a narwhal tusk, and the cradle of the King of Rome, the son of Napoleon and Marie Louise. These objects show how medieval belief and Baroque wealth met at the imperial court.

Planning your visit: opening days and how to get there

The Imperial Treasury is open most days of the week, and it closes on one day, so check the opening hours for your date. The ticket is for entry only: there is no audio guide included and no live guide, although you may bring your own guide. Visitors under nineteen generally enter through their own category, so choose the right one in the booking panel.

To reach the Imperial Treasury, walk from Stephansplatz or Michaelerplatz along Kohlmarkt to the Hofburg, or take the U3 to Herrengasse. The entrance is in the Swiss Court. The Hofburg also houses the Sisi Museum and the Spanish Riding School, so it fits well into a day around the palace.