The Habsburgs in Austria
A dynasty writes history

The Habsburgs were one of Europe’s most influential ruling dynasties. For over 600 years, they shaped the history of Austria as emperors, kings and archdukes – including as rulers of the Holy Roman Empire, the Austrian Empire and later Austria-Hungary. Their story begins in the Middle Ages and ends with the fall of the monarchy in 1918.

They are known for their far-reaching marriage diplomacy, their magnificent residences, and their pivotal role in European politics – from Emperor Maximilian I to Franz Joseph I and Elisabeth (“Sisi”). Their legacy lives on in grand palaces and monasteries, as well as in the key turning points of European history.

There were a total of 18 emperors from the House of Habsburg. Fifteen ruled the Holy Roman Empire and four were emperors of Austria. Since Franz I held both titles, he is often counted only once. The Habsburg imperial line stretches from Frederick III in 1452 to Charles I, who abdicated in 1918.

The Habsburg Empire encompassed vast parts of Central and Southeast Europe – including today’s Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and areas of Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Italy, Serbia and Montenegro.

For a short time, they even held a colony in China. The empire’s ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversity reflected its immense reach.

Most members of the Habsburg dynasty are buried in the Imperial Crypt (Kapuzinergruft) in Vienna. Since 1633, more than 140 Habsburgs have been laid to rest there – including Maria Theresa, Emperor Franz I Stephan, Franz Joseph I, Empress Elisabeth and Crown Prince Rudolf.

A unique burial tradition set them apart: bodies were interred in the Imperial Crypt, hearts placed in the Herzgruft of the Augustinian Church, and entrails in the crypt of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. This practice continued until 1878.

Exceptions include Emperor Charles I, buried in exile on Madeira, with his heart in Muri Abbey, Switzerland. Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie were buried at Artstetten Castle.

Over the centuries, the Habsburgs resided in many places – depending on the political era, strategic needs and personal preferences.

The family originated from Habsburg Castle in what is now the Swiss canton of Aargau. From there, they extended their power across much of Europe. As their influence grew, Vienna became the political and cultural heart of the Habsburg realm. The Hofburg Palace served as their main residence for centuries, while Schönbrunn Palace was their summer retreat.

Other cities also gained importance, such as Innsbruck under Duke Frederick IV in the 15th century, and Prague, which became an imperial centre under Rudolf II. During the Dual Monarchy, Budapest and Pressburg (now Bratislava) also served as royal residences.

Among their favoured summer retreats was the Kaiservilla in Bad Ischl, where Emperor Franz Joseph I spent many summers.

The Habsburgs lived across a wide network of castles and palaces – from medieval fortresses to baroque splendour – all bearing witness to their legacy.

The end of the Habsburg monarchy was set in motion by the assassination in Sarajevo on 28 June 1914. The murder of heir to the throne Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife by a Serbian nationalist led to Austria-Hungary’s declaration of war on Serbia – the beginning of the First World War.

The downfall was driven by military defeat, internal unrest and political upheaval. The multi-ethnic empire crumbled from within as various nationalities demanded independence and formed their own states. Social hardship, strikes, hunger and unrest added to the collapse. The army disintegrated, and the empire was exhausted.

On 3 November 1918, an armistice was signed. Emperor Charles I renounced participation in government affairs on 11 November. On 12 November 1918, the Republic was declared – bringing over 640 years of Habsburg rule to an end.

Innsbruck was a key location for the Habsburgs – strategically, politically and culturally. Situated at vital Alpine crossings, the city became a bridge between the northern hereditary lands and the southern territories under Emperor Maximilian I. Its position on important trade and military routes made it essential for control and expansion.

Maximilian made Innsbruck a royal residence, commissioning symbolic buildings such as the Golden Roof and the Court Church with its monumental cenotaph and “Black Men” statues. He also had a personal connection to the region, enjoying the Tirol landscape for hunting and tournaments.

Maria Theresa was not officially an empress in the sense of holding the title of Holy Roman Emperor, as women were barred from that role. However, from 1745, she was referred to as “empress” as the wife of Emperor Franz I Stephan.

In reality, she was the dominant political figure: as Archduchess of Austria and Queen of Hungary and Bohemia, she ruled the Habsburg monarchy. Her authority, reformist drive and lasting influence made her one of the most significant female rulers in European history.