Castles & Palaces

About 40 kilometers south of Salzburg, the majestic Hohenwerfen Fortress towers high above the town of Werfen on a tall, wooded cliff. During your tour, discover the castle chapel, the dungeon, and the old weapons collection. The Austrian Falconry Museum is located here. An absolute must-see during a visit to Hohenwerfen Castle is the birds of prey flight demonstration. Experience the flying skills of falcons, vultures, eagles, and other native birds of prey up close in the lower courtyard during the flight demonstrations. Feel the power of the wings of these majestic animals, and marvel at the elegant flight maneuvers of these lightning-fast hunters. The falconers of Hohenwerfen Castle, who wear historical costumes during the demonstrations, offer fascinating insights into the centuries-old art of falconry, which is preserved at the historic State Falconry Center. Falconry has been a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2012.

Forchtenstein Castle is one of Burgenland’s most significant landmarks, with origins dating back to around 1300. The castle is owned by the Esterházy Private Foundation and showcases the history and treasures of this ancient noble family. The historic complex houses one of the largest private collections of weapons in Central Europe. The inner courtyard features the largest Secco murals north of the Alps in terms of surface area. The rarities and treasures of the so-called treasure chamber, which Paul I Esterházy began collecting in the second half of the 17th century, are truly impressive. Originally, the rooms of the treasury were accessible only through a secret and secure entrance and were protected from unauthorized access by keys distributed to various individuals. The treasury has been open to the public only since 2005. The Esterházy Treasury is Europe’s last Baroque art and curiosity cabinet still located at its original site.

Hochosterwitz Castle is known for its unique fortifications. In the Middle Ages, the castle served as a refuge for the local population. The gates protecting the access route were essential to the castle’s defensive strength. Their clever design made the castle impregnable, as an attacker had to capture gate after gate while constantly being exposed to defensive fire from all sides - an impressive example of medieval military architecture. Today’s visitors can reach the fortress on the 150-meter-high limestone cliff either on foot through these historic 14 gates or more comfortably by elevator. The castle houses an impressive armory and a collection of weapons that demonstrate the castle’s former military power and strategic importance. In addition, it features an exquisite collection of Renaissance paintings that reflect the artistic and cultural flourishing of that era.

Kufstein Fortress is the impressive landmark of the city of Kufstein, the “Pearl of Tyrol,” and ranks among the most imposing medieval structures in Tyrol. It sits atop a rugged rocky bastion high above the Inn River. First mentioned in a document in 1205, it has weathered the storms of the centuries largely unscathed. A famous attraction is the Heroes’ Organ in the fortress’s so-called “Citizens’ Tower,” which, with its 4,307 pipes, is the largest open-air organ in the world. It is played daily at 12:00 p.m. in memory of the victims of both world wars. The organ music can be heard throughout the city. The fortress offers an exciting and varied program for guests of all ages, with a special highlight being the interactive tour of the fortress grounds, designed specifically for the whole family.

Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens are among the most impressive and best-preserved Baroque complexes in Europe. In 1996, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Under Maria Theresa, Schönbrunn Palace became the imperial summer residence in the mid-18th century and the glittering center of court life. Experience the originally furnished imperial state and living quarters and gain insights into the rooms from the time of Maria Theresa, the private apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), and the Marie Antoinette Room. The impressive gardens have remained virtually untouched in their 18th-century layout, and all garden areas, including the zoo founded in 1752, the fountains, sculptures, monuments, and garden buildings, still feature the integral elements of Baroque design.

Esterházy Palace in Eisenstadt is one of Austria’s most beautiful Baroque palaces and offers a fascinating glimpse into the once-glamorous life at the court of the Princes of Esterházy. Explore the magnificent rooms and marvel at the art-historically significant treasures from the princes’ historic collection. The life and work of Joseph Haydn, who served the Esterházy family as court Kapellmeister and composer from 1761 to 1803, are vividly presented in a permanent exhibition. Concerts are held regularly in the Haydn Hall, one of the most beautiful concert halls in the world, known for its excellent acoustics and adorned with ornate frescoes. The palace also houses Austria’s largest wine museum, featuring over 700 exhibits.

Picturesquely situated on a tiny island in Lake Traunsee, Ort Palace, originally a moated castle, is one of the oldest structures in the Salzkammergut. The legend of the giant Erla, ruler of the elves, dwarves, and all the treasures of the Salzkammergut, and his hopeless love for the Traunsee mermaid Blondchen, is just one of the romantic tales woven around the castle. On your tour, take in the triangular inner courtyard with its two-story Baroque colonnades, the castle chapel, and the castle tower. A late-Gothic staircase leads from the courtyard to the upper rooms of the complex. And don’t miss the exhibition on Arnold Schönberg, one of the most significant composers of the early 20th century, who often spent his summer vacations at Lake Traunsee and created the first twelve-tone composition in music history here.

Picturesquely situated on a tiny island in Lake Traunsee, Ort Palace, originally a moated castle, is one of the oldest structures in the Salzkammergut. The legend of the giant Erla, ruler of the elves, dwarves, and all the treasures of the Salzkammergut, and his hopeless love for the Traunsee mermaid Blondchen, is just one of the romantic tales woven around the castle. On your tour, take in the triangular inner courtyard with its two-story Baroque colonnades, the castle chapel, and the castle tower. A late-Gothic staircase leads from the courtyard to the upper rooms of the complex. And don’t miss the exhibition on Arnold Schönberg, one of the most significant composers of the early 20th century, who often spent his summer vacations at Lake Traunsee and created the first twelve-tone composition in music history here.