Imperial breakfast before your castle tour

If you’re visiting Vienna and want to combine a taste of royal elegance with sightseeing, the “Imperial Breakfast Before Your Castle Tour” offers a delightful way to kick off your day. For just $38 per person, you get a hearty, authentic Viennese breakfast at the historic Gerstner K.u.K. Hofzuckerbäcker right near Schönbrunn Palace, followed by a guided tour of this enchanting UNESCO World Heritage site.

What we love about this experience is how it balances culinary tradition with culture. Sipping on excellent coffee and sparkling wine in a cozy, historic café creates a special atmosphere — a true taste of Vienna’s famed hospitality. The breakfast is substantial and thoughtfully prepared, setting you up for a full day of exploration.

A possible drawback is that this experience doesn’t include entry tickets to Schönbrunn Palace, so you’ll need to purchase those separately. Also, if you’re not a breakfast enthusiast or prefer to explore on your own schedule, this may feel a bit structured.

This tour suits travelers who want an authentic, relaxed start to their day, especially those who appreciate good food paired with cultural experiences. It’s perfect for first-timers eager to combine their culinary curiosity with sightseeing.

Key Points

• Authentic Viennese breakfast served at a historic palace café.
• Combines culinary tradition with guided sightseeing.
• Includes a glass of sparkling wine and hot drink, elevating the experience.
• Small group setting for a more intimate and personalized experience.
• Does not include palace tickets, so plan accordingly.
• Overall value for those wanting a relaxed, flavorful start to Vienna.

What to Expect from This Experience

Starting your morning at the Gerstner K.u.K. Hofzuckerbäcker is like stepping into a piece of Vienna’s royal past. Located conveniently to the left of Schönbrunn Palace’s cour d’honneur, the café exudes historic charm and is renowned for its Viennese coffee house tradition.

The Breakfast Itself

You’ll be greeted with Maria Theresia’s Breakfast, a hearty spread that includes a Viennese organic Kaiser roll, a croissant, and a slice of homemade bread. Toppings like butter or diet margarine, Staud’s jam or honey, plus a soft-boiled organic breakfast egg, make for a well-rounded meal.

Meats and cheeses—honey leg ham, Bergbaron cheese, and Jerome cheese—add savory layers. We enjoyed the thoughtful presentation, with warm bread and quality ingredients that value traditional Viennese baking. The hot drink of your choice, be it coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, complements the meal, and the inclusion of a glass of sparkling wine adds a celebratory touch.

Atmosphere and Service

Guests consistently remark on the friendly service and the cozy ambiance of the café. The staff at Gerstner, known as K.u.K. Court Confectioners, pride themselves on their hospitality, making sure you’re well taken care of. The atmosphere is relaxed yet sophisticated, perfect for starting your day on a leisurely note.

The Transition to Schönbrunn Palace

Post-breakfast, you’ll be ready to explore. While the breakfast provides fuel for walking and sightseeing, it’s important to remember that tickets to Schönbrunn Palace are not included. You can purchase those separately, which gives you flexibility depending on your interest in the palace’s interior and gardens.

The tour of Schönbrunn is described as an “exciting discovery,” where you’ll follow in the footsteps of Empress Sisi and Franz Joseph. The experience promises a blend of history, architecture, and lush gardens, making it a comprehensive cultural outing.

What Makes the Tour Stand Out?

From reviews, it’s clear that this experience appeals to those who enjoy comprehensive, immersive mornings. The combination of local food culture with palace exploration offers a layered understanding of Vienna’s imperial past.

Some guests have shared that the small group size (limited to 10 participants) creates a more intimate, memorable experience—allowing for easier interaction and personalized attention.

Considerations

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, which may be tight if you plan to see the interiors of Schönbrunn Palace in detail. Since palace tickets are sold separately, some travelers might opt to upgrade their experience with a guided palace tour or audio guide for a more in-depth visit.

The Authentic Viennese Coffee House Experience

Gerstner’s storied history as the K.u.K. Court Confectioner is woven into the breakfast experience. Guests often comment on how the Viennese coffee house tradition shines through in the quality of the hot drinks and the welcoming atmosphere.

If you’re a lover of good coffee and pastries, you’ll appreciate the careful selection of beverages and the cozy setting. The inclusion of sparkling wine is a nice touch, elevating the breakfast into a slightly more luxurious affair.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Check the availability and starting times ahead of booking, as times can vary.
• Remember, palace tickets are not included; plan to purchase those separately if you want full access.
• Inform the provider immediately of any food intolerances or dietary preferences when booking.
• The experience ends back at the café, so it’s easy to continue exploring Schönbrunn afterward.
• The restaurant closes at 8 pm, so plan your day accordingly if you want to combine other evening activities.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At $38 per person, this experience offers good value if you’re eager to combine a traditional Viennese breakfast with a visit to Schönbrunn Palace. The quality of the breakfast, the cozy setting, and the small-group format make it a worthwhile start for those who want both culinary and culture.

While the cost doesn’t include palace tickets, the experience itself feels like a luxurious, authentic introduction to Vienna’s imperial charm. For travelers who prioritize local food experiences and want to avoid rushed, large-group tours, this breakfast and palace exploration combo is quite appealing.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for food lovers interested in Viennese cuisine, history buffs wanting a cultural primer, and first-time visitors who appreciate comfort and hospitality. It’s also suitable for couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers seeking a relaxed, refined start to their day in Vienna.

Those wanting a more comprehensive visit to Schönbrunn Palace might want to supplement this tour with an interior tour or additional tickets, but for a delightful morning that combines taste and tradition, it’s a standout choice.

The Sum Up

The Imperial Breakfast Before Your Castle Tour offers a fantastic blend of culinary delight and cultural discovery. Starting your day at Gerstner, with its historic ambiance and classic Viennese fare, sets a warm, inviting tone for exploring Schönbrunn Palace and gardens. The small group size and personalized service add to the overall charm, making this a memorable experience for those who enjoy a well-rounded, authentic taste of Vienna.

While it doesn’t include palace entry, the value lies in the quality of the breakfast and the intimate atmosphere, perfect for travelers who want an authentic start to their sightseeing day. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a foodie, or simply seeking a special way to experience Vienna, this tour offers a lovely blend of flavors and sights that will enrich your visit.

FAQ

Is the breakfast served at Schönbrunn Palace?
No, the breakfast is at Gerstner K.u.K. Hofzuckerbäcker, located near the palace, before your tour.

Are palace tickets included?
No, you need to purchase Schönbrunn Palace tickets separately.

What’s included in the breakfast?
You get Maria Theresia’s Breakfast, which includes bread, rolls, jam, honey, eggs, ham, cheeses, a hot drink, and a glass of sparkling wine.

Can I choose my hot drink?
Yes, you can select your preferred hot beverage from the options available.

Is this experience suitable for vegetarians?
It depends on your dietary preferences; the breakfast includes ham and cheese, but you might request vegetarian options when booking.

How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts approximately 2 hours, starting at a time you select during booking.

Is the group size small?
Yes, limited to 10 participants, which allows for a more personal experience.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended, especially since you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for walking and a bit of sitting in the café. No specific dress code is required.