How busy is the Imperial Crypt?
The Kaisergruft is a classic stop on guided walking tours of the Inner City, between the Hofburg and St Stephen's Cathedral, and that's what shapes the crowds. The vaults are low, narrow and connected in a line, so a single tour group can fill the Maria Theresa Vault, and you'll queue to get past the most famous sarcophagi. The ticket desk itself rarely has much of a line.
Crowds by time of day
Crowds by day and time
From the typical weekly visitor pattern for Imperial Crypt, based on Google’s popular-times data.
Least busy time
Sunday, 10 am-1 pm
Busiest time
Saturday, 12-6 pm
📍 Live crowd check
See how busy Imperial Crypt is right now, plus today’s hourly forecast.
Imperial Crypt tickets and prices
Tickets are sold at the entrance and online through the official shop (shop.kaisergruft.com). Children under 6 have historically been free; ask at the desk about children's and family rates, which aren't listed on the current price page.
Old prices online
Many blogs still quote €7.50-8 for entry. Those prices are long out of date; the current adult price is €15.
Do you need skip-the-line tickets?
No fast-track ticket exists, and the desk queue is short. The real problem is congestion inside, which timing solves:
- Arrive at 10 am, before the first walking tours.
- Or go after 4 pm, with plenty of time before the 5:30 pm last entry.
- If a group is in the Maria Theresa Vault, carry on and come back. The route is short, and groups move through in a few minutes.
- Book the guided tour if you want the stories. The crypt has few labels, and the tour explains the symbolism of each sarcophagus.
What to see, vault by vault
The crypt is divided into ten vaults. The Habsburgs were buried here for centuries; the last burial took place recently, and the crypt is now full.
Founders' Vault
The simplest and oldest part, holding the founders of the crypt, Emperor Matthias and Empress Anna.
Maria Theresa Vault
The highlight: the huge Baroque double sarcophagus of Maria Theresa and her husband Franz I Stephan, by the sculptor Balthasar Ferdinand Moll, showing the couple sitting up to face each other. Nearby, and in deliberate contrast, is the plain sarcophagus of their son Joseph II, who rejected pomp.
Franz Joseph Vault
The busiest corner: Emperor Franz Joseph, the last emperor buried here, lies between Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) and their son Crown Prince Rudolf. There are three steps down to this vault.
The newer vault and the crypt chapel
Later burials include Empress Zita, wife of the last emperor, and Otto von Habsburg with his wife Regina.
Where are the hearts?
The Habsburg tradition split burials three ways: bodies in the Kaisergruft, hearts in the Heart Crypt of the Augustinian Church (by the Hofburg), and other organs beneath St Stephen's Cathedral.
Tips by visitor type
Sisi fans
Combine the crypt with the Sisi Museum in the Hofburg, a 5-minute walk away. Sisi Museum guide.
Short on time
30 minutes is enough for the Maria Theresa and Franz Joseph vaults.
Families
Children often find the skulls and crowns on the Baroque sarcophagi fascinating. It's a quiet, respectful place, so keep it short with young kids.
Accessibility
The main entrance has no steps, with 90 cm doors and a lift. All rooms are step-free except three steps to Franz Joseph's tomb and the crypt chapel. There's an accessible toilet, and assistance dogs are allowed. Tours for visually impaired visitors can be arranged in advance.
Holiday hours
Hours can change for church services and events; the official site publishes holiday times separately.
Getting there and nearby
Tegetthoffstraße 2, Neuer Markt, in the 1st district. Stephansplatz (U1, U3) and Karlsplatz (U1, U2, U4) are each about 5-10 minutes' walk.
- Hofburg and the Imperial Treasury, about 5 minutes. Hofburg guide, Treasury guide.
- St Stephen's Cathedral, about 5 minutes. Guide.
- Albertina and the Augustinian Church (the Heart Crypt), about 5 minutes.
See today's crowd forecast for the Imperial Crypt.
FAQs
How much does the Imperial Crypt cost?
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€15 for adults, with a reduced rate of about €12-13. Entry with a guided tour is €21.
What are the Imperial Crypt opening hours?
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Daily from 10 am to 6 pm, with last entry at 5:30 pm. Hours are shorter on 1-2 November, 24 and 31 December and 1 January.
Is Empress Sisi buried in the Imperial Crypt?
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Yes. Elisabeth lies in the Franz Joseph Vault beside her husband, Emperor Franz Joseph, and their son, Crown Prince Rudolf.
How many Habsburgs are buried in the Imperial Crypt?
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About 150, including 12 emperors.
Do I need to book the Imperial Crypt in advance?
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No. Tickets are sold at the door with little queue, though you can buy online from the official shop.
Heading to Imperial Crypt?
See how busy it is right now and the quietest hours for your date, then walk in when the line is short.
Check live crowds →Sources
How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 10 November 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
