Posted by The Butterfly House (Schmetterlinghaus) and the Palm House (Palmenhaus) are two of Vienna’s most unusual and relaxing attractions. Located next to each other near the Hofburg Imperial Palace and the Burggarten, they offer a green, tropical contrast to Vienna’s classical architecture and museums.
This very detailed English travel guide explains what you can expect at both attractions, how to plan your visit, ticket and timing tips, and how to combine them with other major sights in Vienna. The article is written in a clear, factual style and optimized for long-term SEO.
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Location: Burggarten & Hofburg area
Both attractions are located in the Burggarten, a historic park directly behind the Hofburg Imperial Palace.
- Central Vienna, 1st district
- Short walk from the State Opera
- Easy to combine with city walks
The location makes them ideal stops during a Vienna city walk or after visiting the Hofburg.
Architectural background
Both the Palm House and the Butterfly House are housed in historic glass-and-iron structures from the early 20th century.
- Art Nouveau design elements
- Large glass façades
- Originally built as imperial greenhouses
The Palm House remains closest to its original purpose, while the Butterfly House adapts the space for a living tropical ecosystem.
The Butterfly House Vienna (Schmetterlinghaus)
What is the Butterfly House?
The Butterfly House is a tropical greenhouse where hundreds of butterflies fly freely among exotic plants. Visitors walk through a warm, humid environment designed to resemble a rainforest.
Butterflies come from tropical regions around the world and include:
- Blue morpho butterflies
- Large swallowtails
- Colorful Asian and South American species
For a dedicated overview, see the detailed guide:
Butterfly House Vienna
What to expect inside
The interior is lush and dense, with:
- Waterfalls and small streams
- Tropical flowers and plants
- Butterflies at very close range
Butterflies may land on visitors, but touching them is not allowed.
Best time to visit
- Late morning: butterflies are most active
- Weekdays: fewer visitors
- All year: indoor tropical climate
The Butterfly House is especially popular with families and on rainy days.
Photography tips
- No flash photography
- Fast shutter speed recommended
- Bright clothing may attract butterflies
The Palm House Vienna (Palmenhaus)
What is the Palm House?
The Palm House is one of Vienna’s most impressive historic greenhouses. It focuses on plant collections rather than animals and offers a calmer, more spacious atmosphere.
Main plant collections
- Large palm species
- Tropical and subtropical plants
- Seasonal flowering displays
- Desert and Mediterranean sections
The high ceilings and open structure make it feel airy and elegant.
Why visit the Palm House?
- Interest in botany
- Historic architecture
- Quiet escape from busy museums
Many visitors combine the Palm House with nearby museums such as the
Kunsthistorisches Museum or the
Natural History Museum.
Butterfly House vs. Palm House
| Feature | Butterfly House | Palm House |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Live butterflies | Exotic plants |
| Atmosphere | Warm, humid, lively | Spacious, calm |
| Best for | Families, photographers | Botany & architecture fans |
How long should you plan?
- Butterfly House: 45–90 minutes
- Palm House: 60–90 minutes
- Combined visit: around 2–3 hours
Afterwards, consider a break at the nearby Naschmarkt or a traditional café.
Tickets and practical information
Tickets are usually sold separately. Combination tickets may be available at certain times.
If you plan extensive sightseeing, check whether the
Vienna Pass covers related attractions.
Getting there
The attractions are easy to reach using Vienna’s public transport system.
Useful planning resources:
Combine with other Vienna highlights
Accommodation nearby
Hotels in Vienna (Booking.com)
Find hotels near Burggarten, Hofburg, and Vienna’s historic center:
Who should visit?
- Families with children
- Nature and photography lovers
- Visitors looking for indoor attractions
- Travelers wanting a break from classical museums
Conclusion
The Butterfly House and Palm House in Vienna offer a refreshing and peaceful counterpoint to the city’s imperial sights. Whether you are surrounded by free-flying butterflies or towering palm trees in a historic greenhouse, both attractions add a unique natural dimension to a Vienna city trip.
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