Schmetterlinghaus (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Schmetterlinghaus?
What makes it 69% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 enjoy discounted entry, emergence cases, and simple activity sheets, but 30 °C humidity, narrow gravel paths, and no play or rest area may exhaust them quickly.
Positives:
- Educational experience: Children learn butterfly life cycles through clear, kid-friendly displays.
- Central location: Just 200 m from the Vienna State Opera, easy to combine with nearby sights.
Challenges:
- Warm and humid: The 26–35 °C heat and high humidity can tire kids; bring water and plan short rests.
- Narrow paths: Gravel walkways feel tight when busy; go early or late to avoid peak crowds.
What is Schmetterlinghaus?
- An Art Nouveau glass palm house integrated into Vienna’s imperial Hofburg complex
- A tropical butterfly house maintaining a rainforest microclimate for hundreds of free-flying species
- A botanical conservatory showcasing exotic tropical plants beneath an intricate iron-and-glass framework
What is so special about Schmetterlinghaus for with kids?
- Explore a real tropical habitat at steady indoor temperature
- See hundreds of free-flying butterflies up close
- Learn butterfly stages on large, interactive panels
- Turn the visit into a fun scavenger hunt for kids
- Quick 2–3 hour visit fits young children’s attention spans
- Located steps from the Vienna State Opera
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows families to explore butterflies, interactive panels, and a photo hunt without rushing younger children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Schmetterlinghaus
Interactive life-cycle panels:
Follow illustrated panels showing egg→caterpillar→pupa→butterfly.
Tip: Start at the entrance panels and let each child point out life stages as you go.
Butterfly feeding station:
Watch butterflies feed on fruit at low tables.
Tip: Stand at child height to see butterflies land up close; go early to avoid crowds.
Photo scavenger hunt:
Give kids a checklist of butterfly colors and features to find.
Tip: Print or draw a simple list before visiting and reward each ticked box.
Wooden upper walkway:
Climb the bridge for butterflies overhead and better photos.
Tip: Hold hands on the stairs and use this view for close-up shots of wings.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Schmetterlinghaus
- Visit at opening: Arrive when the house opens to see feeding stations before other visitors arrive.
- Use a scavenger checklist: Download or draw a simple color/shape list to guide kids through the house.
- Combine with Palmenhaus Café: After your visit, walk next door for a snack in the glass-roofed café separated from the butterflies.
Reviews of Schmetterlinghaus
Dtown
Really nice visit. It's quite small and very crowded (we went on a Monday morning). 10 euro entry which is a little expensive. Recommend getting a ticket for the natural history museum which includes free entry to the Schmetterlinghaus.
Ben Levin
Extremely nice place in the center of Vienna. It is right nearby Hofburn palace. It is very warm inside so it is a nice heaven from the cold weather. It has tropical atmosphere inside, both from the heat, the humidity and the scenery. It has many free butterflies roaming around, some of them are really big. They are patient and you can easily take photos of them. Recommended!
eleanna top
A wonderful experience that combines both nature, plants and a mini waterfall with the butterflies and fish. It is very family friendly, but to be honest I enjoyed a lot as an adult. Keep in mind that is warm inside so leave your jackets at the lockers/hangers.
moshik e.
A butterfly habitat is located opposite the Burggarten. Entrance fee 10 euros per person. A spectacularly beautiful complex designed as a tropical garden with abundant vegetation and waterfalls. Butterflies of various colors fly in the air (at first it is a bit difficult to notice them) You can go up the stairs to the bridge from where you can see and admire their beauty You can stay there as long...
Іванна Михайлюк
We visited Schmetterlinghaus on a Sunday — an interesting and beautiful place, though with a few things to keep in mind. It was quite crowded, and the butterfly area itself isn’t very large, so there can be some congestion and a bit of pushing around. The atmosphere inside is tropical — warm and humid — so it’s nice that there’s a coat rack area where you can leave your outerwear before entering. ...
When is the best time to visit Schmetterlinghaus (Vienna, Austria)?
The house stays 26–35 °C with ~80% humidity year-round. In summer, wear light clothes. In winter, visit midday for the brightest light and most active butterflies.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 adult tickets (€9.50 each) | EUR 19 |
| 2 child tickets (3–12 yrs, €5 each) | EUR 10 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 29 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Schmetterlinghaus
Address: Hofburg, Burggarten Palmenhaus, Schmetterlinghaus, 1010 Wien, Austria
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About Schmetterlinghaus
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+43 1 533857010 BEST nearby Activities
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