Not to worry if you can’t pronounce it, this exotic name literally translates to the Vienna Zoo. It’s called ‘Schönbrunn’ because of its location on the grounds of the famous summer residence Schönbrunn Palace, which is an attraction in its own right. This zoo is in fact the oldest in the world, and started out as the private imperial menagerie of his Majesty Franz Stephan I. Having just married an Empress and new in Vienna, he wanted to bring his exotic collection of animals along with him in this new environment. Those were the days when exotic animals brought back from the New World held a fascination with royal folk in Europe, with many private menageries being started in many courts. Many of the menageries were abruptly disassembled after the death of the founding monarch, but the Schönbrunn one managed to endure.

Today, it is a scientifically administered zoo that combines modern and technological elements with its original baroque architecture to improve the experience of the current visitor. You can still find the bright yellow pavilion set up by Franz Stephan at the center of the zoo surrounded by animal enclosures, the way its first architect intended. It’s the most wonderful combination of history and modernity in a single place.