The Belvedere Gardens

The Belvedere Gardens are a breathtaking stretch of Baroque landscaping that connects the Upper and Lower Belvedere Palaces in Vienna.

Designed in the French formal style, these gardens are filled with symmetry and sculptures, making them as much a part of the palace experience as the buildings themselves.

Visitors can explore winding paths lined with trimmed hedges, sparkling fountains, and statues, all while enjoying panoramic views of Vienna’s skyline.

Belvedere Palace welcomes thousands daily, so booking your tickets in advance is a smart move. The Upper Belvedere ticket includes Klimt’s The Kiss, while the Lower Belvedere ticket grants access to temporary exhibitions. Modern art lovers? Book Belvedere 21. Want to learn more? Join a guided tour for expert insights and stories.

A Brief History of the Belvedere Gardens

The gardens were commissioned by Prince Eugene of Savoy in the early 18th century and brought to life by Dominique Girard, a student of Versailles’ famed landscape architect André Le Nôtre.

Girard’s design reflected Prince Eugene’s prestige and his taste for French sophistication.The gardens weren’t just decorative, they were a symbol of power and artistic sensibility.

Over the centuries, they have been carefully restored and maintained to reflect the original Baroque plan.

Key Highlights of the Belvedere Gardens

From spring tulips to autumn leaves, the Belvedere Gardens change with the seasons.
Baroque gardening traditions are kept alive through carefully maintained hedges, rare plant species, and ornamental trees.

The changing colors and textures make each visit feel unique.

Garden Layout and Design

The gardens are organized across three main levels, each with its own features and charm:

• Upper Parterre: Closest to the Upper Belvedere, this section boasts sweeping floral patterns and elevated city views.
  
• Lower Parterre: Features decorative fountains, ornamental staircases, and symmetrical lawns.
  
• Privy Garden (Kammergarten): Once reserved for Prince Eugene’s private use, this intimate walled garden offers peaceful corners and seasonal blooms.
  

The gardens are designed along a central axis, guiding your eyes and your steps toward the next palace. 

Wide paths make navigation easy and accessible, and alternative routes are available for visitors with mobility aids, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience comfortably.

Entry is free of charge, and the gardens are open daily from 6.30 am until sunset, inviting both tourists and locals to enjoy the outdoors without a ticket.

A walk through the gardens takes 30 to 60 minutes, but many stay longer to rest on benches placed throughout the space or to soak in the calm.

Scenic Views and Photo Spots

Few places in Vienna offer such cinematically framed views. From the Upper Belvedere terrace, you can look down the garden’s central axis, straight through to the Lower Belvedere and the rooftops of Vienna.

This formal layout was designed with symmetry in mind, offering picture-perfect backdrops from nearly every angle.Sunset is especially beautiful, golden light spills over the statues, domes, and fountains, making it a favorite time for photographers.

Even casual visitors will find themselves reaching for their phones to capture the beauty.