Schönbrunn Desert House: exotic plants & animals from the driest regions of the world

Experience a unique journey through the desert landscapes of the world at the Desert House Schönbrunn. Directly opposite the Palm House, next to the Hietzing entrance, you can immerse yourself in the fascinating world of cacti, succulents and exotic desert animals.

What awaits you in the Desert House:

An adventure trail through the deserts of the world

Explore the arid landscapes of Central America, Madagascar and Africa and discover rare plants such as the Fockea from South Africa or the Welwitschia mirabilis from the Namib Desert.

Experience fascinating desert animals up close

Observe black-tailed rattlesnakes, zagros newts and a 70-metre-long glass tube labyrinth with around 50 naked mole rats - one of the most unusual animal species in the world.

Art nouveau building with history

Built in 1904, the Sundial House originally served as a greenhouse and was converted into today's Desert House in 2003 in cooperation with Schönbrunn Zoo and the Federal Gardens.

Learn more about desert ecology & climate change

Find out how plants and animals adapt to extreme conditions and what role humans play in the creation of new desert areas.

Visit the Schönbrunn Desert House and immerse yourself in a world full of fascination, survival artists and exotic landscapes!