Our journey begins in the heart of Vienna, at the Hofburg Palace complex, which for more than six centuries was the seat of power and the center of the Habsburg empire. This huge complex, which was expanded by successive rulers, is the perfect place to begin exploring the Habsburg heritage.

The Hofburg is located in the center of Vienna, at Michaelerplatz 1, 1010 Vienna. The easiest way to get here is by subway, getting off at Herrengasse station (line U3) or by streetcar (lines 1, 2, D and 71). The complex is open daily, and opening hours vary depending on the part of the palace - most attractions are available from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.

At the Hofburg you will find many fascinating attractions that will interest both adults and children. We especially recommend:

1. the Imperial Apartments - here you will see how the last Habsburgs, including the famous Empress Sissi, lived.
2. the Treasury - the place where the crown jewels and other priceless treasures of the dynasty are kept.
3. the Spanish Riding School - the world-famous riding school, where you can see the training of Lipizzan horses.

For families with children, there are special tours and interactive exhibitions that bring history to life in an accessible way. It's worth setting aside at least 3-4 hours to explore the Hofburg's main attractions.

Right next to the Hofburg's main complex is the Neue Burg, or 'New Castle,' which is part of the palace's expansion from the turn of the 20th century. It's an impressive example of Neo-Baroque architecture that now houses several interesting museums:

1. the Ephesos Museum - displaying ancient artifacts from Ephesus.
2. the Collection of Musical Instruments - fascinating for young music lovers.
3. Weapons Museum - which is sure to interest older children and teenagers.

The Neue Burg is located at Heldenplatz, 1010 Vienna, and is easily accessible on foot from the main Hofburg complex. Opening hours are similar to those of the main palace.

When visiting the Hofburg and Neue Burg, be sure to wear comfortable shoes - there's a lot of walking ahead of you! For the little ones, it's a good idea to bring snacks and drinks, although there are many cafes and restaurants in the area. In the summer season, don't forget headgear and sunscreen - part of the tour takes place outdoors.

A visit to the Hofburg and Neue Burg is not only a history lesson, but also an opportunity to admire the magnificent architecture and art. This is the perfect place to start your Habsburg adventure in Austria!

After visiting the heart of imperial Vienna, it's time to move on to the fabulous Habsburg summer residence - Schönbrunn Palace. This impressive palace and garden complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a true gem of Baroque architecture and a place that will delight the whole family.

Schönbrunn Palace is located in the Hietzing district, at Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Vienna. Getting there is very easy - take metro line U4 to 'Schönbrunn' station or take streetcar lines 10 and 60. The palace and gardens are open daily, with opening hours varying according to the season - generally from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in winter and until 6:30 p.m. in summer.

What awaits you at Schönbrunn?

1. palace interiors - you can choose the Imperial Tour (22 chambers) or the Grand Tour (40 chambers). For children, there are special audioguides with age-appropriate stories.

2 The Gardens - a huge park with fountains, sculptures and hidden corners. It's the perfect place for a family picnic or relaxing after a tour.

3. Labyrinth and playground - an attraction that is sure to appeal to children. Here you can spend several hours playing and discovering the secrets of the garden.

4. Schönbrunn Zoo - the oldest zoo in the world, located within the park. This is an additional attraction that requires a separate ticket, but is a great way to spend an afternoon.

5. Glorietta - a pavilion on a hill with a beautiful view of Vienna. It's worth going up here to see the panorama of the city.

6. Palm House - a huge greenhouse with exotic plants, ideal for cooler or rainy days.

When planning your visit, reserve at least half a day for just visiting the palace and gardens, and if you want to visit the zoo, it's worth setting aside a whole day for Schönbrunn. Remember to wear comfortable shoes - you're in for a lot of walking!

For families with children, Schönbrunn offers many amenities:

• Special tours for children with interactive elements
• Strollers available for rent
• Rooms for changing babies
• Cafes and restaurants with children's menus

Ticket prices vary depending on the tour you choose, but consider purchasing a Vienna Pass, which includes admission to Schönbrunn and many other attractions in the city.

Schönbrunn Palace is not only a history lesson, but above all an unforgettable adventure for the whole family. Beautiful interiors, fascinating stories about the life of the imperial family and magnificent gardens will make you feel like you are in a fairy tale. It's a place where history comes alive and every corner hides new discoveries.

To conclude our journey in the footsteps of the Habsburgs, we suggest a trip outside Vienna, to the picturesque Schloss Hof. Located less than an hour's drive from the capital, this Baroque palace offers a completely different experience from the city's mansions and is ideal for a family trip.

Schloss Hof is located in Schloßhof, at Schloßhof 1, 2294 Schloßhof. You can get there from Vienna by train to Marchegg station, and from there by shuttle bus (running in high season) or by cab. You can also go by car - the trip will take about 50 minutes.

The palace is open daily from March to November, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (last entrance at 5:00 pm). During winter (December-February) the palace is closed, but special Christmas and winter events are held.

What awaits you at the Schloss Hof?

1. palace - beautifully restored interiors from the 18th century, showing the life of the aristocracy.

2. Baroque gardens - seven garden terraces with fountains and sculptures, an ideal place for strolling and relaxation.

3. Farmstead - here you can see what life was like in the countryside during the Habsburg era. For children it's a great opportunity to meet farm animals.

4. playground and maze - attractions that are sure to appeal to the youngest.

5. Workshops and shows - numerous events are organized during the season, such as equestrian shows and craft workshops.

Schloss Hof is extremely family-friendly for families with children. It offers:

• Interactive tours tailored to different age groups
• Special educational programs and workshops for children
• Possibility to rent strollers and baby carriers
• Playgrounds and picnic areas

It is advisable to reserve a full day to explore the entire complex. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and, during the summer season, to protect yourself from the sun - a large part of the attractions are located outdoors.

Ticket prices vary, with discounts available for families and children. It's worth checking current prices and special offers on the palace's official website.

The Schloss Hof is not just another palace, but a true experience of life during the Habsburg era. It's a place where history meets nature, offering an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Walking through the gardens, discovering the secrets of the palace or participating in workshops, you will feel the spirit of the old times and better understand what life was like outside the urban hustle and bustle of the imperial capital.

To sum up our journey in the footsteps of the Habsburgs, from the imposing Hofburg to the fairytale Schönbrunn to the idyllic Schloss Hof, we hope we have inspired you to explore Austria's fascinating history. Each of these places offers unique experiences and attractions that will stay in your memory for a long time. Whether you're a lover of history, architecture or simply looking for an interesting place for a family vacation, the Habsburg residences in Austria will certainly not disappoint you. Take this trip back in time and let history come alive before your eyes!