The Palmenhaus is located at the northern edge of the Hofgarten (royal gardens) and contains 1,800 types of plant. The current building was constructed in the 20th century, and every year a special rarity blooms here: the Santa Cruz water lily. This plant comes from the Amazon, and was discovered by the Austrian botanist Thaddäus Haenke in 1801. Its leaves have a diameter of two metres and are to be found on the edge, forming a cake-tin shape. One can even see them grow when the weather is warm and sunny enough, as the leaves will grow 30cm higher every day.

The water lily's flower can reach up to 40cm in height, almost half a metre! it opens only in the late afternoon, is white and has a wodnerful fragrance. At dusk, the flower closes again. On the second day, it turns pink, and on the third, sinks into the water to be replaced by a new flower. This rare spectacle can be seen in the summer months, mainly from June to August or September.

​Due to its delicate nature, we cannot guarantee that you will see the water lily's spectacle. Simply ask in advance.