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    Castles and Palaces in Austria

    Experience a fairy tale: In Austria, hundreds of castles and palaces promise time travel to the chivalrous Middle Ages, the Renaissance, or the splendid Baroque era, blurring the lines between past and present. Explore these majestic bastions of history and enjoy a journey through time.

    History at Your Fingertips

    Throughout Austria, from the east to the west, centuries-old castles and palaces crown the tops of many hills or rocky precipices. They afford sweeping views and are embedded in picturesque landscapes, surrounded by meadows, fields and dense forests. Whoever sets foot in these imperial buildings and their gardens and parks will glean vivid insights into the lives of the knights, princes, and monarchs of old.

    People in Austria are well aware of the importance of this cultural heritage and invest great care, dedication and diligence to keep it alive. Many of these castles and palaces have been meticulously renovated and made accessible to the public. Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna and Eggenberg Palace in Graz also received special recognition as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

    Visit Austria's castles and palaces and learn all about the glamorous daily life of Habsburgs' dukes, counts and other aristocrats. Today, some of these historic buildings are used as venues for concerts, mediaeval festivals, or summer festivals.

    Keep your eyes peeled because, in Austria, you can expect to stumble across art and culture literally around every corner (or hill)!

    The Preservation of Historical Treasures

    Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) Cityjet at Salzburg
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    Castles and Palaces Promote Sustainability

    The purpose of landmark protection is to ensure the preservation and use of historic buildings.

    Preserving historical buildings contributes to a sustainable future and protects traditional craftsmanship: Centuries-old materials and construction techniques are applied, which demand traditional knowledge and skills. Exposure and access to art and cultural experiences strengthen social sustainability and promote respect.

    UNESCO World Cultural Heritage

    The UNESCO Commission is dedicated to the protection and promotion of the large variety of cultural expressions and provides a valuable contribution to preserving historical treasures. 12 cultural heritage sites have been designated by UNESCO in Austria:

    • the magnificent palace and beautiful gardens of Schönbrunn,
    • the historic city centres of Vienna, Salzburg, Baden and Graz with Eggenberg Palace, 
    • the charming landscapes of the Wachau Valley, Lake Neusiedl, the Danube and the Hallstatt-Dachstein region,
    • and many more

    UNESCO also honours immaterial cultural heritage. This comprises rituals and celebrations, orally passed-on traditions and forms of folk art and crafts, which are especially worth protecting. An example is falconry, a 4000-year-old traditional art and practice of training and flying falcons, still practised at many of Austria's castles and palaces.

    Schönbrunn Castle
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    Interesting Facts on Austria’s Castles and Palaces

    • What is the difference between a castle and a palace?

      The main difference lies in their primary purpose: Castles were built for defence. Their thick walls granted protection from enemy armies and were usually located on top of a hill to provide better views in all directions. Castles are generally much older than palaces – most were built in the Middle Ages.

      Palaces, on the other hand, were primarily built as homes, albeit very ostentatious ones. They had a representative function and reflected the wealth and power of their owners. To that end, palaces were usually designed as ornately and opulently as their owner's finances would allow, with rich furnishings, tall windows, grand ballrooms, and sweeping, artfully designed gardens.

      However, the terms are often used interchangeably.

    • Why are castles and palaces often located on a hill or mountain?

      Castles served as a refuge for the surrounding farmers and villagers in times of crisis. They were often built on mountains or hilltops because these locations were easier to defend. Many palaces, on the other hand, were constructed as residences, and their owners wanted their wealth and social standing to be visible from as far away as possible.

    • Can one stay overnight in castles and palaces?

      Sleep in surroundings fit for a king: The following properties offer fairy-tale nights and glamorous stays at castles, former aristocratic dwellings, and mediaeval fortresses.

      Vienna

      • Schönbrunn Palace
      • Wilhelminenberg Palace


      Burgenland

      • Bernstein Palace
      • Lockenhaus Castle

      Lower Austria

      • Schönau Castle
      • Dürnstein Palace


      Upper Austria

      • Clam Castle
      • Heritage Hotel Hallstatt

      Salzburg

      • Leopoldskron Palace
      • Igelhauser Palace
      • Prielau Palace
      • Fuschl Palace
      • Mittersill Palace


      Styria

      • Kapfenstein Palace
      • Gamlitz Palace
      • Pichlarn Palace


      Carinthia

      • Lerchenhof Palace
      • Seefels Castle
      • Berg Klösterle Palace
      • Velden Lake Palace


      Tirol

      • Fernsteinsee Palace
      • Kühtai Hunting Château
      • Hotel Bergschlössl

      Vorarlberg

      • Hotel Hirschen Schwarzenberg
      • Castle Glopper


      Find more details on overnight stays in castles and palaces.

      Stay at one of the many properties part of the "Schlosshotels und Herrenhäuser".

    • Where can I see a falconry show?

      Falconry is the art of hunting with birds of prey. It is based on a relationship of trust between bird and human. During falconry shows, one can see first-hand why this impressive interaction was nominated as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2010:

      Carinthia

      • Landskron Castle
         

      Lower Austria

      • Rosenburg
      • Adlerwarte Kreuzenstein
      • Waldreichs Palace
         

      SalzburgerLand

      • Hohenwerfen Castle
         

      Styria

      • Riegersburg
      • Oberkapfenberg Castle

    How to Best Experience Castles and Palaces

    •                         Area of Schloss Hof Estate / Schloss Hof, Lower Austria
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      Austria's Most Beautiful Palace Gardens

      Austria is home to many impressive castles and palaces with vast parklands. Enjoy the flair of past centuries by ambling through these artfully designed gardens.
      Palace Gardens
    •                         Grafenegg Festival / Grafenegg castle
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      Setting the Stage for Austria’s Palace Festivals

      Every year, Austria boasts a multitude of palace festivals in outstanding locations that contribute significantly to the enjoyment of art and culture.
      Palace Festivals
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      Sleeping in a Palace: Fairy-Tale Nights in Historic Buildings

      Sleep in opulent rooms and under mysterious vaulted ceilings, just like an aristocrat of old.
      Sleeping in a Palace

    Castles As a Setting For Art

    •                         Belvedere Palace
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      Prinz Eugen and the Belvedere Palace

      Prinz Eugen was not only a Field Marshall and diplomat but one of the most important patrons of the arts of his time. His summer residence, the Belvedere, was where he showcased his impressive art collection.
      More on Prince Eugene and the Belvedere Palace
    •                         Ambras Castle / Innsbruck, Schloss Ambras
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      Philippine Welser and the Ambras Palace

      Archduke Ferdinand II. erected Ambras Castle as a refuge for his secret wife, Philippine Welser. The lower castle was specifically built as a museum, making Ambras Castle the first museum in the world.
      More on Philippine Welser and the Ambras Castle

    Discover Castles and Palaces in All of Austria's 9 Provinces

    Vienna's most beautiful castles and palaces

    Schönbrunn Palace

    The palace is one of Europe's most important Baroque estates and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Up until 1918, it was the Imperial Summer Residence and contains the Imperial Apartments as well as the oldest zoo in the world.

    Belvedere Palace

    The former summer residence of Prinz Eugen presents works of art by Klimt, Schiele and Kokoschka amid opulent Baroque splendour.

    Hofburg (Imperial Palace)

    The Hofburg was the imperial residence and the Imperial Centre of Vienna. Today it is one of the largest palace complexes in the world.

    Liechtenstein Palaces

    The Princely House of Liechtenstein, one of Europe's oldest noble families, used to reside in one of Vienna's most lavish palaces. Today, it houses a selection of masterpieces from the private art collection of the Prince von und zu Liechtenstein.

    Burgenland's most beautiful castles and palaces

    Esterházy Palace 

    A 17th-century Baroque residence of the princely family of Esterházy that includes the impressive stately Haydn Hall, which regularly hosts classical concerts.

    Forchtenstein Castle 

    This imposing fortress from the Middle Ages houses 20,000 exhibits and an extensive armoury.

    Bernstein Castle 

    Bernstein Castle in southern Burgenland served as the treasury of the Esterházy princes. The treasures can still be admired today. And, as a hotel, it offers the closest way to live like a medieval knight.

    Lower Austria's most beautiful castles and palaces

    Hof Palace

    Prince Eugene's summer palace "Schloss Hof" was brought back to life as one of the most beautiful Baroque buildings in the world, thanks to a renovation project that began in 2002 and cost more than 30 million Euros. It contains a ballroom, state apartments, and a Baroque garden terrace with pavilions and fountains.

    Kreuzenstein Fortress

    This popular tourist destination near Vienna has mediaeval origins and was rebuilt in the 19th century. Today it attracts visitors with its bird of prey displays.

    Rosenburg Castle

    High above the Kamptal, on a majestic mountain, sits Rosenburg Castle. Birds of prey belonging to the castle's falconry circle above.

    Schallaburg

    The splendid Renaissance palace near Melk has an arcaded courtyard, terracotta decorations, and an exhibition centre.

    Schloss Grafenegg

    Schloss Grafenegg is the most significant testament to Romantic Historicism in Austria. During the summer months, it is open for visitors and stages excellent concerts in the architecturally spectacular Wolkenturm.

    Laxenburg Castle

    Surrounded by moats and equipped with numerous ancillary buildings, the mediaeval "Old Castle" lies amid expansive gardens. As you wander the park, you'll discover additional buildings, such as the Franzensburg water castle.

    Upper Austria's most beautiful castles and palaces

    Clam Castle

    It was built in 1149 by Otto von Machland, who owned all of Upper Austria at the time. Today it houses a museum and a stage for international contemporary concerts. One can also stay overnight in the castle's suites.

    The Kaiservilla

    The Neoclassical villa in Bad Ischl was gifted to Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Sisi as a wedding present and served as their summer residence for many years.

    Greinburg Castle

    The Renaissance castle overlooking the Danube is the oldest residential castle in Austria. Today you will find several exhibition rooms and a maritime museum.

    SalzburgerLand's most beautiful castles and palaces

    Fortress Hohensalzburg

    Fortress Hohensalzburg is the landmark of the town of Salzburg and one of the largest surviving fortresses in central Europe. It also houses the world's oldest barrel organ still in use. It is operated three times a day.

    Mirabell Palace

    Built in 1606, Mirabell Palace boasts beautiful palace gardens in the heart of Salzburg. It has always been associated with romance: Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich built Mirabell Palace and its pleasure grounds for his mistress, Salome Alt. Palace and gardens feature prominently in the musical "The Sound of Music. "Today, the marble hall is said to be one of the most beautiful wedding locations in the world.

    Hellbrunn Palace

    Built in 1615, Hellbrunn Palace sits on 60 beautiful acres of land in Salzburg and is most famous for the trick fountains located throughout the vast gardens.

    Hohenwerfen Fortress

    This tall, jutting rock offers a gusty view of the surrounding mountains. The province's falconry centre, the dashing weaponry, the museums, and the dark corners all encourage visitors to investigate the mighty walls from within.

    Styria's most beautiful castles and palaces

    Eggenberg Palace

    This Baroque palace in Graz is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Graz - Historical Centre” and houses the pre- and early-history collections of the Universalmuseum Joanneum.

    Riegersburg Castle

    Riegersburg Castle is perched on top of an extinct volcano amidst the rolling hills of South-Eastern Styria. The castle and its three museums can be reached via a glass elevator, on foot through seven castle gates, or by crossing a Via Ferrata.

    Fortress of Deutschlandsberg

    The Mediaeval castle houses a hotel, an award-winning restaurant, and a renowned archaeological museum.

    Carinthia's most beautiful castles and palaces

    Hochosterwitz Castle

    Hochosterwitz Castle was built on a limestone rock that rises 150 m (492 ft) above the valley, allowing visitors a spectacular view of the neighbouring mountains, hills, and countryside.

    Landskron Castle

    The beautiful ruins of Landskron Castle can be found near Villach. Attractions include a bird of prey exhibition, an eagle show, a "Monkey Mountain" with free-roaming monkeys, and a gourmet restaurant.

    Burgruine Finkenstein

    The castle ruins Finkenstein above Lake Faaker See feature an event venue which holds 1000 people and provides. spectacular scenic views.

    Tirol's most beautiful castles and palaces

    Schloss Ambras

    At Ambras Castle, you’ll find not only the Habsburg Portrait Gallery with over 200 paintings and one of the most substantial glass collections worldwide, but the Chamber of Arts and Wonders of Archduke Ferdinand II., which was already regarded as especially noteworthy in the 16th century.

    Hofburg Innsbruck

    At the Imperial Palace in Innsbruck, the newly renovated Imperial Appartements sparkle as brightly as they did in the 18th century. The highlight is the Kaiserin-Elisabeth-Appartement, with five rooms designed in different colours.

    Kufstein Fortress

    The landmark of Kufstein houses the largest open-air organ in the world. It holds 4.948 pipes and is played daily at noon commemorating all victims of war. The fortress hosts regular cultural events and can be comfortably reached by panorama cable car.

    Tratzberg Palace

    Tratzberg Palace is one of the most beautiful late Gothic, early Renaissance palaces in Europe. In addition to exciting tours, visitors can experience the nearest thing to actual time travel into the past with the help of Virtual Reality Goggles.

    Vorarlberg's most beautiful castles and palaces

    Schattenburg in Feldkirch

    Schattenburg Castle in Feldkirch holds one of the most important weaponry collections in Austria. During the summer months, concerts are held in the great hall.

    Palast Hohenems

    In 1755, the palace library yielded one of the most important German literary treasures, the manuscript of the Nibelungenlied. The rectangular palace, with its impressive courtyard, is regarded as one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings around Lake Constance.

    Castle Glopper

    Also called Burg Neu-Ems, this erstwhile Mediaeval high-altitude castle was converted into a 5-star hotel in 2018.

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