How to Pick a Crown. A Private Themed Tour of the Imperial Treasury (Kaiserliche Schatzkammer) / Tickets included

Vienna , Austria

How to Pick a Crown. A Private Themed Tour of the Imperial Treasury (Kaiserliche Schatzkammer) / Tickets included

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

On this tour we will see the crown of the Holy Roman Empire of the German nation, the cradle of the Napoleon II, the horn of a unicorn and the robes of the members of the Order of the Golden Fleece. Each of these artefacts will tell us important and very fascinating things about ourselves.

For example why crowns were invented in the first place, what Russian oligarchs and Roman patricians have in common and what medieval laws are similar to recommendations of fashionable magazines.

We will analyse the symbolism of the crown of the Austrian Empire and see where the unhappy Emperor Maximilian of Mexico went wrong. We will understand what the sceptre was at the beginning of his historical career and we will see evidence that the historical cosplay was not invented by fans of J.R.R. Tolkien at all. And, of course, we won't miss the religious relics - The Veil of Veronica, the tooth of John the Baptist and fragments of the True Cross.

Each of these museum regalia embody values and ideas about the hierarchy of society, and many of them are based on our subconscious attitudes. See for yourself during our interactive tour of the Imperial Treasury.

Available options

Standard

What's included

Professional Art Historian guide

Entry/Admission - Imperial Treasury Vienna

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

One of the most important collection of historical artifacts in Europe including the regalia of the Holy Roman Empire.

Stop 2

One of the most important collection of historical artifacts in Europe including the regalia of the Holy Roman Empire.

Available languages

Guide guide

DE RU EN

Important information

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Public transportation options are available nearby

Wheelchair accessible

Confirmation will be received at time of booking

Infant seats unavailable

Infants must not sit on laps

Not stroller accessible

Not suitable for pets

Please come punctually to the meeting point in front of the main entrance of the Imperial Treasury. There is one entrance and you meet your guide at left side of the gate next to the Museums sign and before you pass through the glass door. The exact information with photos of the meeting point and your museum guide you will get with an extra file. Use the contact details on your confirmation/voucher if you have any question or have any difficulties to find the meeting point or your guide.

This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Wheelchair accessible

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

Meeting point

Imperial Treasury / Kaiserliche Schatzkammer Wien

Important notes

About Vienna

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is renowned for its rich imperial history, vibrant arts scene, and stunning architecture. Known as the 'City of Music', it has been home to legendary composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. The city's elegant cafes, grand palaces, and world-class museums make it a cultural treasure trove.

Top Attractions

Schönbrunn Palace

A former imperial summer residence, Schönbrunn Palace is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. The palace and its gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours €18 for Imperial Tour, €24 for Grand Tour

St. Stephen's Cathedral

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, St. Stephen's Cathedral is a symbol of Vienna. The cathedral's multi-colored tile roof is iconic.

Religious/Architecture 1-2 hours Free entry, €6 for tower climb, €7 for treasury

Belvedere Palace

A historic building complex with two Baroque palaces, the Belvedere houses the largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including 'The Kiss'.

Historical/Art/Museum 2-3 hours €16 for Upper Belvedere, €14 for Lower Belvedere

Vienna State Opera

One of the world's leading opera houses, the Vienna State Opera offers performances of opera, ballet, and concerts.

Cultural/Entertainment 2-4 hours (performance length) €10-200 depending on performance and seat

Hofburg Palace

The former imperial palace, Hofburg Palace is now home to several museums, the Austrian National Library, and the Spanish Riding School.

Historical/Museum 2-3 hours €14 for Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments, €20 for Silver Collection

Must-Try Local Dishes

Wiener Schnitzel

A thin, breaded, and fried veal cutlet, traditionally served with lemon and potato salad or dumplings.

Dinner Contains gluten and dairy

Tafelspitz

Boiled beef, usually served with root vegetables, apple sauce, and horseradish.

Dinner Gluten-free, dairy-free

Sachertorte

A famous chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam, covered in dark chocolate glaze.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy

Apfelstrudel

A thin pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, and sugar, often served with vanilla sauce or ice cream.

Dessert Contains gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Vienna Woods Cycling along the Danube Kayaking on the Danube Coffee house hopping Spa day at a luxury hotel Strolling through Schönbrunn Palace Gardens Visiting museums and galleries Attending opera or concert performances

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Vienna for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city hosts numerous festivals and cultural events during these months.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: German
Widely spoken: English, Austro-Bavarian dialect
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken elsewhere

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Vienna is a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any major city, petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services

Getting there

By air

Vienna International Airport • 18 km from city center

By train

Vienna Hauptbahnhof (Main Station), Vienna Westbahnhof

By bus

Vienna International Bus Terminal, Erdberg Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Vienna's metro system is efficient and user-friendly, with four lines (U1, U2, U3, U4).

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Innere Stadt Leopoldstadt Wieden Hietzing

Day trips

Bratislava

80 km (50 miles) • Full day

The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava is a charming city with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Salzburg

300 km (186 miles) • Full day or overnight

The birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg is a beautiful city with a rich musical heritage, stunning architecture, and scenic surroundings.

Hallstatt

200 km (124 miles) • Full day or overnight

A picturesque lakeside village in the Austrian Alps, Hallstatt is known for its stunning natural beauty and historic salt mines.

Festivals

Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen) • May to June Vienna Opera Ball (Wiener Opernball) • Late February or early March Vienna Christmas Markets (Wiener Christkindlmarkt) • Late November to December 26

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Purchase a Vienna Pass for unlimited transport and attractions, saving time and money
Explore the city's coffee house culture and try traditional pastries like Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel
Take a day trip to nearby cities like Bratislava or Salzburg for a change of pace
Use public transport or walk to explore the city, as driving can be challenging and expensive