Desert House Skip-the-Line Ticket at Schönbrunn Zoo

Your visit to the Desert House

Begin your desert adventure in Vienna

With your skip-the-line ticket, enter the unique Desert House next to Schönbrunn Zoo for a journey through the world’s arid ecosystems. Leave the crowds behind as you discover a climate-controlled oasis filled with the dramatic plant and animal life of deserts. Start at the aquarium where Garra rufa, also known as ‘nibble fish,’ greet you with a gentle touch—don’t be surprised if they tickle your fingers with their famous spa-like nibbles. These fish are one of the house’s most popular residents, fascinating for both their behaviour and ecological significance.

Explore a living desert landscape

Wander pathways winding through a miniature desert environment, home to striking cacti and succulent plants that exhibit the resilience needed to thrive in extreme drought. See living fossils like the bearded lizard and marvel at the famous Welwitschia mirabilis, a plant species that has survived millennia of desert climates. The botanic displays offer a snapshot of evolution and adaptation, showing why these species are regarded as ‘living treasures’ of the plant kingdom.

Meet amazing desert animals

Spot a range of fascinating animals, from tiny Kaiser's spotted newts to venomous black-tailed rattlesnakes and even the elusive Gila monster. The highlight for many is the colony of naked mole rats that scurry through an intricate glass-tube labyrinth, offering a glimpse into their busy underground world. You’ll also discover chirping red fodies and radiated tortoises, demonstrating the incredible biodiversity adapted to life in the desert.

Interactive experiences and educational exhibits

The Desert House is designed for learning and fun. Interactive signage explains the survival tactics that allow plants and animals to endure harsh temperatures. Enjoy hands-on displays and catch live feedings or talks, available at select times, for an engaging educational experience. The Desert House helps both adults and children understand the wonders and fragility of desert ecosystems.

Desert secrets around every corner

Displays trace the journey of desert life across continents—from the vibrant species of Central America to the unique flora and fauna of Madagascar. Rare cuttings from the world’s oldest recorded pot plant and carefully preserved fossils highlight the history and endurance of desert species.

Plan your visit with ease

The Desert House is fully accessible, with wheelchair and stroller access throughout. Public disabled toilets are available, and guide dogs are welcome at the venue. Note that the Desert House sits beside but is separate from the Schönbrunn Zoo. Children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Book your Desert House Skip-the-Line Ticket at Schönbrunn Zoo tickets now!