Maria P.United States
Jan was really good and knew exactly what we needed and wanted. He had a lot of information shared that we actually remember because of how he shared it with us . Highly recommended !
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Private tour in Vienna Jan K
Grand Tour of Schönbrunn Imperial Palace & Gardens
4.9
(27) reviews
-
3 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
3 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Jan K.
5.0
Guide rating
125
Reviews
Tours delivered
13 hrs
Avg. response time
Like many before me, I'm an adopted Viennese — drawn to this city by its artistic brilliance and historical grandeur. As an art historian, Vienna felt like a natural calling: a place where history and creativity converge. But beyond its cultural allure, what truly captivated me was Vienna's cosmopolitan spirit and its people's quiet dedication to a balanced, high-quality life. I was born in Oslo in 1988 and raised in some of Norway's most international communities, surrounded by Norwegian, French, English, and Polish. After completing my degree in Art History, I set off to explore the world beyond Norway, chasing inspiration across continents. Over the past decade, I've worked as a professional storyteller, sharing history, art, and culture in major cities across Europe, the U.S., and Canada. Since 2017, Vienna has been my home and base of operations, where I guide and organize tours that give visitors an authentic glimpse into the region's rich history and vibrant culture. In 2025, I also founded Kepinski Studio, a family-run creative salon, studio, and gallery for art, photography, and podcasts. When I'm not sharing Vienna's stories on the streets, you'll find me painting in oils, building a community of creatives at the studio, producing travel content, or heading out of the city for a long, challenging hike through Austria's landscapes. At home, I share my life with two lively caique parrots, Napoleon and Sisi. With a worldly perspective and a passion for teaching through humor and storytelling, I craft tour experiences that bring history, art, and culture to life — leaving a lasting impression on everyone who joins me.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Jan K.
Private and Skip-the-line tour of the great home of one of the most successful families in world history - The Habsburgs
Overview of your Vienna tour
Schönbrunn Palace, Austria's most-visited attraction, was the Habsburgs' grand imperial summer residence. Join me for a fun, immersive walk through Habsburg history. Explore 40 grand rooms of the piano nobile, admiring the Rococo interiors, gilded stucco, and painted ceilings. Learn how one of history's most successful ruling families shaped the course of not just Austria, but the world — and see the very rooms where it happened. Discover the everyday lives of the family that built an empire, from Maria Theresa and her sixteen children to the elderly, heartbroken Franz Joseph, plus the stories of some of history's most powerful, yet forgotten, women. Included is a 30-minute introductory walk through the palace gardens. Rich, in-depth, yet balanced — suited to newcomers and history buffs alike. Tickets: I arrange skip-the-line reservations in advance; €32 per person, paid on-site at check-in. Optional add-ons: Hotel pickup/drop-off by guide and driver
Recent Reviews
Steven M.United States
Jan was fantastic for our Schönbrunn tour — deeply knowledgeable about the palace's history and genuinely enjoyable to spend the morning with. He also pointed us to a great spot for lunch afterward. Highly recommend!
Kristen M.United States
Jan was a pure joy to spend the afternoon with touring Schonbrunn Palace. He was personable and his deep knowledge of the palace's history truly enriched our experience there. I cannot recommend a tour with Jan highly enough!
Nick W.United States
Jan was an amazing tour guide. He met us at our hotel and on the subway ride started his very organized story about the two main timelines of characters we would learn about at Schonbrunn. He was clearly very passionate and knowledgeable about the history of the Hapsburgs - focusing his story on Maria Theresia and also Empress Elisabeth. He expertly wove humor, legend, and facts together throughout our experience. My wife and kids (18,17,14,13) really enjoyed the tour as well. We learned a ton about this fascinating dynasty.
Chuck Y.United States
We had a wonderful Schönbrunn Palace tour with Jan. He was friendly, professional, and made the visit both enjoyable and informative. His passion for Vienna’s history was evident throughout the tour, and he shared many interesting details that we would have otherwise missed. Jan helped make our visit to Schönbrunn a memorable experience. Highly recommended!
James C.United States
Again, we ranked Jan in the top 5 of guides that we had with Tours by Locals and we have had over 100 of them. He really knows and shares brilliantly the history of Austria, is a joy to be with and was very flexible with our schedule. We could not have been happier with our experience with him.
Your Vienna tour itinerary
We meet either at your hotel or at the Schönbrunn Visitors' Centre. The tour follows the "Grand Tour" route through 40 rooms of the piano nobile — the palace's leading, most prestigious floor. We begin in the west wing, in the 19th-century apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth ("Sisi"), taking in their reception, work, sleeping, and dining rooms, among others. From there, we move through the palace's magnificent centerpiece: the Great Gallery and Small Gallery. The second half of the tour explores the east wing, home to some of the palace's most opulent rooms — including the Porcelain Room and the Million Room. We'll see where the monarchy's final abdication was signed, and learn the forgotten story of Napoleon's son, in the very room where he lived. This, and much more, awaits you on this immersive walk through history. We close with a 30-minute introductory walk through the palace gardens, included in the tour.
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Public Transportation / Category: Subway
We will reach the palace by public transportation, which is simple, quick and reliable. Depending on the location of your hotel, we will take the metro U4 and get off the "Schönbrunn" stop.
What's included
Other: State licensed guide
Private Guide
Services: Reservation for Skip-the-line tickets
What's not included
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets: 32 EUR per person, paid as we check-in with our reservation
Meeting location
Vienna, Vienna, Austria
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: I will happily meet you at your hotel and take you to the palace and back by public transportation or by car
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Architecture
City Highlights
Tour reference number
1153649
Languages
English
Norwegian
French
German
PolishActivity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible
Traveller reviews
4.9
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Vienna best suited for?
This private tour is perfect for history enthusiasts and those interested in the grandeur of the Habsburg dynasty. It's also suitable for families with children and travellers with mobility needs, offering an immersive experience through the Schönbrunn Imperial Palace and Gardens.
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Vienna be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?
What languages is this tour offered in?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
3 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
3 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- The remaining balance will automatically be charged to your credit card 30 days before your tour date.