The Upper Belvedere (Oberes Belvedere) is a masterpiece of Viennese Baroque, built as the summer palace of Prince Eugene of Savoy, designed by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt and completed in 1723. Today it holds the permanent collection of the Belvedere museum, home to the world's largest Gustav Klimt collection — including the iconic 'The Kiss' (Der Kuss, 1907/08) — alongside Schiele, Kokoschka, Monet, van Gogh, and eight centuries of medieval and Baroque art. It is also where the Austrian State Treaty was signed in the Marble Hall on 15 May 1955, restoring the country's post-war independence. In 2026 the palace keeps extended summer hours, and its formal French-style Baroque gardens sloping toward the Lower Belvedere offer the celebrated 'Canaletto view' across the Vienna skyline.
The original 'The Kiss' (Der Kuss) in the first-floor Klimt gallery — Klimt's shimmering gold-leaf masterpiece seen in person
Viennese Modernism from Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka, plus French Impressionists such as Monet and van Gogh
The Marble Hall where the State Treaty was signed, with Carlone's ceiling frescoes and the ornate Baroque staircase
The Sala Terrena entrance hall, its vaulted ceiling carried by four dramatic Atlas (atlantes) pillars
The three-tiered French Baroque garden between the Upper and Lower Belvedere, with fountains, statuary, and a sweeping panorama of Vienna
Good to know
RulesEntry uses timed-slot tickets. The Upper Belvedere with Klimt's 'The Kiss' sells out in peak season, so reserve a date and time in advance on the official website.
CautionMany look-alike resale sites (belvederepalace.at, schlossbelvedere.com, etc.) add markups. Buy only from the official belvedere.at to avoid inflated prices.
RulesThe Upper Belvedere, Lower Belvedere, and Orangery need separate tickets; check for combination options if visiting several. Large backpacks and luggage must be left at the cloakroom.
SafetyPickpocketing is common around the Hauptbahnhof and on trams and the U1 metro. Keep bags in front of you and split up passport, cash, and cards.
SeasonJuly–August is the busiest period; early morning or the last two hours before closing are calmer. The gardens are at their best in summer and early autumn.
MannersThe area in front of 'The Kiss' is always crowded. Flash and tripods are prohibited — don't monopolize the spot, and move on after viewing so others can enjoy it.
Practical info
Tram D stops at 'Schloss Belvedere' right by the Upper Belvedere's main gate; trams 18 and O and the S-Bahn serve 'Quartier Belvedere', and U1 'Südtiroler Platz/Hauptbahnhof' is about a 15-minute walk. The permanent collection opens daily, but hours and prices vary by day and season, so confirm the latest on the official site before your visit (extended summer hours 09:00–19:00 run 15 July–31 August 2026).
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