Imperial Treasury: Crowns, Jewels and Relics
The regalia of the Holy Roman Empire in the Hofburg
TopicWien- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Languages
- German, English
This private tour of the Imperial Treasury in Vienna's Hofburg shows crowns, jewels and relics spanning more than a thousand years. You stand before the Imperial Crown once worn by the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire.
The Treasury in the Hofburg is one of the most important treasuries in the world. The secular collection displays the regalia of the Holy Roman Empire, above all the Imperial Crown from the 10th century, set with gems and pearls. Next to it lies the Holy Lance, surrounded by countless legends.
Emperor Rudolf II's crown from 1602 later became the crown of the Austrian Empire. From the Burgundian inheritance come splendid robes of the Order of the Golden Fleece. Curiosities like the Ainkhürn, a narwhal tusk once believed to be a unicorn's horn, reveal how people saw the world centuries ago.
Your guide explains the symbolism and power politics behind the objects and tells how the treasures survived wars and crises.
Highlights
- The 10th-century Imperial Crown
- The Holy Lance and its legends
- The Austrian Imperial Crown
- Robes of the Order of the Golden Fleece
- The Ainkhürn, the supposed unicorn horn
The route
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1Swiss Court
Start in the oldest part of the Hofburg.
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2Austrian Imperial Crown
Regalia of the empire from 1804.
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3Imperial Regalia
Crown, orb and Holy Lance.
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4Burgundian Treasury
Robes of the Golden Fleece.
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5Ecclesiastical Treasury
Reliquaries and religious art.
Who this tour is for
For history fans, jewelry lovers and anyone who wants to see Habsburg power up close.
Frequently asked questions
Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees are never included in the tour price. When you book, we are happy to tell you which admissions apply to your group.
How is the price calculated?
This is a private tour for your group only. The price is per group, not per person, which makes it great value for families and friends traveling together.
How long should we plan for the Treasury?
The tour takes about 90 minutes. If you have time afterwards, you are welcome to keep exploring the collection on your own.
