The tour of the castle starts from the Blue Staircase, which was originally occupied by the dining room of the hunting lodge, and transformed into a grand staircase when the building became an imperial summer residence. If you choose the so-called "Imperial Tour”, be aware that the itinerary includes only the 19th-century apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Elizabeth, as well as the state rooms and ballrooms. Alternatively, you can opt for the "Grand Tour", which also includes the 18th-century rooms from the time of Maria Theresa.
Now press pause, and press play again when you reach the first room you come to, featuring a herringbone parquet floor.
From here there is a splendid view of the Great Imperial Courtyard. On the walls of the room, you can see portraits of the Habsburgs most closely associated with Schönbrunn's history. After a peek at the neighboring Aides-de-Camp Room, subsequently redecorated, move on through the Guards Room.
Now press pause, and press play again when you reach the room with the billiard table.
The next three rooms were used for imperial audiences. The first is the Billiard Room, a sort of waiting room where military personnel would linger at the baize, among the large paintings. This is followed by the opulent Walnut Room, featuring fine wood paneling and Rococo decoration. Finally, you’ll come to the simply furnished Franz Joseph’s Study, adorned exclusively with private paintings and some family portraits, including those of his beloved wife Sissi.
To conclude the tour of the wing of the building occupied by the apartment of the indefatigable, austere emperor, head to his Bedroom, where he died at the age of 86: the only real luxury here is the adjoining toilet, installed in 1899 in "English style", i.e. with a revolutionary mechanical flush!
An interesting fact: Franz Joseph's life was anything but relaxed: he woke up every day at four a.m., and after his ablutions and prayers, he literally never moved from his desk in the study, where he did his daily paperwork or held his twice-weekly audiences, as many as a hundred in half a day! He also had breakfast and lunch here, served by a trusted assistant whose room was just behind the study. What can I say? This exemplary governor remained in office for an impressive 68 years!
