Inside Schönbrunn Palace Park in Vienna, the Desert House recreates dry-climate habitats with cacti, succulents and other plants adapted to arid conditions. Tortoises and lizards share the exhibit, and a glass tunnel gives a closer look at desert mole rats. The building was designed for overwintering botanical specimens from Australia and South Africa. It is a compact stop, best paired with nearby attractions such as the Palm House or Schönbrunn Zoo rather than planned as a visit on its own.
A greenhouse built for botanical specimens
The Desert House is in the Sundial House, a building commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph I and built in 1904. Architect Alfons Custodis designed it to shelter botanical specimens from Australia and South Africa through the winter.
Today, the greenhouse presents plants and animals associated with arid environments. Cacti and succulents sit alongside other drought-adapted species. The building’s glass structure gives the collection a distinct setting within Schönbrunn Palace Park.
Plants and animals of dry habitats
The exhibit brings desert plants together with animals including tortoises, lizards and small rodents. A particularly unusual feature is the 70-metre glass tube labyrinth, where you can see desert mole rats. Among the plants, look for Fockea, an offspring of the oldest pulpy potted plant in the world.
The collection is compact, so a slower walk gives you more time to notice the different plant forms and the animals. A giant tortoise is another highlight. At the entrance, a small-fish aquarium lets visitors place a hand in the water.
Pair it with nearby Schönbrunn stops
The Desert House is within the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, close to Schönbrunn Zoo. It fits naturally into a visit that also includes the Palm House or the zoo. Combined tickets covering several attractions are available, and one visitor account notes that Desert House admission was included with a Palm House ticket; check the current ticket terms before planning around that arrangement.
The exhibit is small and can feel warm inside. In summer, outdoor areas may also be open to explore. Some exhibit descriptions may be in German, so a translation tool can help with the written information.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is the Desert House in Vienna?
It is in Schönbrunn Palace Park, in the Sundial House, near Schönbrunn Zoo.
What can you see at the Desert House?
The collection includes cacti, succulents and other dry-climate plants, along with tortoises, lizards and small rodents. A glass tunnel houses desert mole rats.
Can you combine the Desert House with other Schönbrunn attractions?
Combined tickets covering other attractions are available. Check the current ticket terms to confirm which sites are included.
