Austrian National Library
Step into a fairy tale at the Austrian National Library's State Hall, a Baroque masterpiece with towering bookshelves and breathtaking frescoes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene atmosphere
Austrian National Library
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a fairy tale at the Austrian National Library's State Hall, a Baroque masterpiece with towering bookshelves and breathtaking frescoes.
"This library was more than a simple library, the arts, sculptures made me in awe of how talented humans were hundred years ago."
🎟️ Book tickets online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
🚶♀️ Allow ample time
Don't rush! Soak in the atmosphere and explore the museums. 1-2 hours is recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The State Hall (Prunksaal)
Hofburg Palace
A jaw-dropping Baroque masterpiece with towering bookshelves, marble statues, and a stunning frescoed ceiling.

Baroque Architecture
State Hall
Admire the intricate details, from the ornate wooden shelves to the grand marble statues and gilded accents.

Globe Museum
Austrian National Library
Explore a remarkable collection of historical globes, offering a unique perspective on cartography and exploration.

Papyrus Museum
Austrian National Library
Discover ancient Egyptian papyri and learn about the history of writing and ancient cultures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Magical Experience
More Than Just Books
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book tickets online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
🚶♀️ Allow ample time
Don't rush! Soak in the atmosphere and explore the museums. 1-2 hours is recommended.
📸 Photography is allowed
Capture the beauty, but be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography.
✨ Look up!
The ceiling frescoes are a highlight; take time to admire Daniel Gran's masterpiece.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book tickets online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
🚶♀️ Allow ample time
Don't rush! Soak in the atmosphere and explore the museums. 1-2 hours is recommended.
📸 Photography is allowed
Capture the beauty, but be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography.
✨ Look up!
The ceiling frescoes are a highlight; take time to admire Daniel Gran's masterpiece.
📚 For book lovers
This is a dream destination! The sheer volume of books and the historical ambiance are captivating.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Austrian National Library's State Hall as one of the most beautiful and magical places they've ever seen, often comparing it to a fairy tale. The Baroque architecture, stunning frescoes, and vast collection of books are major highlights. Some note that the visit can be brief and question the ticket price for those not deeply interested in architecture, while others find it worth every penny.
"Visited it on a unexpectedly free day. It was a delight. A masterpiece by von Erlach (the architect of Karlskirche and Schönbrunn Palace).
However, I'm not sure if it is worth the price on a usual day for everyone as there's not much to see except the architecture itself. It took only 15 minutes for me. But if you're a fan of Baroque architecture, I recommend a visit to the State Hall of Austrian National Library."
陳北辰 Артур
"I’m not even in books, nevertheless this library was more than a simple library, the arts, sculptures made me in awe of how talented humans were hundred years ago.
The cupola with Fresco was my favorite part, I was speechless at how Daniel Gran painted it, considered the size of it plus how delicate it was."
Adrianne Cheung
"Worth any money to see… I have visited many libraries around the world and this is one of the most fabulous. And as a geographer, the globe is absolutely amazing. The paintings even the stairwell are all beautiful. I highly recommend visiting. Danke !"
Joseph Kerski
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Austrian National Library is centrally located in Vienna's Hofburg Palace. You can easily reach it by public transport. Take the U1 or U3 subway line to the 'Stephansplatz' station, or the U3 line to 'Herrengasse'. From there, it's a short walk. Trams 1, 2, D, and J also stop nearby at 'Kärntner Ring, Oper'.
Yes, absolutely! It's very well-connected. The closest U-Bahn stations are Stephansplatz and Herrengasse. Several tram lines also stop within walking distance, making it easy to access from anywhere in Vienna.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk of about 10-15 minutes from St. Stephen's Cathedral through the charming streets of Vienna's city center.
Parking in Vienna's city center can be challenging and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transportation. If you must drive, there are several underground parking garages nearby, such as the one at Albertinaplatz or Freyung.
Many visitors find it easiest to enter through the Hofburg Palace complex and follow signs for the State Hall. The entrance is clearly marked and often has staff to guide you.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for the State Hall is typically around €10. Prices can vary slightly, so it's always best to check the official website for the most current information.
Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance to the State Hall. Many visitors also opt to buy them online in advance to save time, especially during busy periods.
The State Hall generally opens around 10 AM and closes between 5 PM and 7 PM, depending on the season. It's advisable to check the official website for exact opening hours as they can change.
While time slots aren't always mandatory, some reviews suggest that timed entry would improve the visitor experience due to crowds. Booking in advance is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or groups is usually available on the official website. It's worth checking if you qualify for any reduced rates.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The undisputed highlight is the magnificent State Hall (Prunksaal), a breathtaking Baroque hall filled with ancient books, statues, and stunning frescoes.
Most visitors spend about 15-30 minutes admiring the State Hall. If you plan to visit the Papyrus Museum or Globe Museum, allow an additional hour or more.
Yes, photography is generally permitted inside the State Hall, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the delicate artworks and books.
While not always explicitly advertised, you might find information about guided tours on the official website or inquire at the ticket counter. Some visitors have found tours helpful.
The State Hall is a prime example of Baroque architecture, designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. It features grand scale, ornate decoration, and dramatic use of light and shadow.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly within the State Hall itself. However, the Hofburg Palace complex and the surrounding city center of Vienna offer numerous cafes and restaurants.
You'll find plenty of options within a short walk. Consider cafes in the Graben or Kohlmarkt areas for traditional Viennese coffee house experiences, or explore restaurants around Stephansplatz.
It's generally not permitted to consume food or drinks inside the exhibition areas of the library to preserve the historical artifacts.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire State Hall is incredibly photogenic! Focus on the grand scale of the bookshelves, the intricate ceiling frescoes, and the marble statues. The central aisle offers a great perspective.
Yes, it can be challenging to get unobstructed shots when it's crowded. Visiting during off-peak hours or being patient can help you capture better photos.
Given the lighting, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod (if allowed and practical) can be beneficial. Many visitors use their smartphones effectively.
Many visitors aim for wide-angle shots that capture the full grandeur of the hall, including the ceiling. Close-ups of the statues and book spines also make for interesting details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the visual spectacle of the hall and perhaps pointing out the statues. If your children have an interest in history or books, they might appreciate the grandeur. The Globe Museum could also be a point of interest, offering a more tangible connection to geography. Keep the visit relatively short to maintain their attention.
📚 Book Lovers & Academia
Beyond the State Hall, explore the Papyrus Museum for ancient texts and the Globe Museum for historical cartography. The library's deep historical roots and its role as a repository of knowledge make it a profoundly inspiring place for anyone passionate about literature, history, or research.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for wide-angle shots to capture the full grandeur of the hall. Pay attention to the details: the marble statues, the intricate carvings on the bookshelves, and the vibrant colors of the frescoes. Visiting during off-peak hours will significantly improve your chances of getting clear, unobstructed shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magnificent State Hall (Prunksaal)
Dominating the space are four large marble globes and numerous statues of historical figures, adding to the sense of grandeur and intellectual pursuit. However, the true showstopper is the magnificent ceiling fresco by Daniel Gran. This intricate Baroque artwork depicts allegorical scenes and is considered one of the most beautiful frescoes in Austria. The combination of the architecture, the books, and the art creates an unforgettable visual experience, often compared to scenes from fairy tales like 'Beauty and the Beast'.
While the State Hall is the primary attraction, it's important to remember that this is a working library. Visitors are expected to be respectful of the space and its contents. The experience is often described as magical and dreamlike, a testament to the enduring power of knowledge and art.
Beyond the State Hall: Museums and Collections
The Globe Museum is a unique highlight, boasting one of the world's largest collections of historical globes. These intricate celestial and terrestrial spheres offer a fascinating glimpse into how our understanding of the world and the cosmos evolved over centuries. As a geographer, you'll find this collection particularly amazing.
Another significant collection is the Papyrus Museum, which showcases ancient Egyptian papyri, offering insights into the daily lives, religious beliefs, and administrative practices of ancient civilizations. Exploring these ancient texts provides a tangible connection to the distant past.
Historical Significance and Origins
During the Habsburg era, the library was not just a place for scholarly research but also a symbol of imperial prestige. Emperors like Charles VI commissioned grand architectural projects to house and display their collections, ensuring the library's status as a cultural treasure. The library's collections were significantly expanded through acquisitions, donations, and the confiscation of monastic libraries during the Enlightenment.
Today, the Austrian National Library is one of the largest libraries in the world, holding over 12 million items. It continues to be a vital center for research and a custodian of invaluable historical and cultural heritage, preserving centuries of knowledge for future generations.
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