Burgenland

castles

Originally called "The Land of four Castles" Vierburgenland, most of them are now in Hungary. It is not that they moved there by themselves, but in the political confusion of this area, a lot of unification, reunification and division took place, and that's where things stand now: a land of castles Burgenland with only few of them. But still there are some which are worthwhile to visit.

The Castles were originally built as some sort of defence against the Osmanic and Magyar threat from the east. The "Road of Castles" Schlösserstrasse (http://www.schloesserstrasse.com/) starts in mid-Burgenland and goes right down to the most southern place in eastern Styria. By the way, don't be confused: the name of the castle is almost always the name of the corresponding village, minus "Burg" or "Schloss".

Ordered north to south:

Burg Bernstein

13th century

In this small castle in Bernstein, which was owned by families like Batthyány and Almásy, you will find a small hotel (http://www.culture.privat...), a restaurant and a nice garden, which is open to visitors. The Castle is very ancient with big rooms and a knight's hall. Hotel: phone: +43 (0 3354 6382, mail: [email protected])

Burg Lockenhaus

13th century

A stronghold and knight's castle located in Lockenhaus, with knight's saloon, frescos and a subterranean apsis hall. The knight's hall is regularly used for chamber music festivals and big stylish weddings. The hotel (http://www.tiscover.com/b...) has ancient apartments, a wedding suite, a tavern and other features. phone: Tel: +43 (0 2616 2394 or +43 0 2616 2321, mail: [email protected])

Burg Schlaining

13th century

The Austrian Study Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution (http://www.aspr.ac.at/) is located here, as well as the European Museum of Peace. In the village Stadtschlaining you will find a medieval heart, churches, and a synagogue.In the castle Burg Schlaining (http://www.burg-schlaining.at) you will find remarkable medieval architecture, a knight's saloon, pomposity saloons and a chapel. Castle: phone: +43 (0 3355 2201-30, opening times Apr 11-Oct 31, Tu–Su 9AM–6PM, closed M)

Schloss Burgau

14th century

This former water castle in Burgau Styria has, among others, also been in the property of family Batthyàny. It is suitable for concerts, theater, weddings and other festivities. There are also exhibitions of modern art taking place. You can expect theater events and concerts in summer. Kulturkreis Schloss Burgau: phone: +43 (0 3383 2111 mail: [email protected])

Burg Güssing

12th century

The oldest castle in Burgenland, built around 1157 on an extinct volcano, served as a defence castle against threats from the east. It features an ancestors gallery, cultural items of the renaissance and barock, a restaurant with atmospheric music events and an excellent vinotheque. In summer, the Burgspiele (http://come.to/burgspiele) take place, which is open-air theater with the picturesque background of the castle itself.

You can visit Burg Güssing with an elevator.

Riegersburg

11th / 17th century

Originally built in the eleventh century, the styrian Riegersburg in the similarly called village has its today face from a renewal in the 17th century. It is layn in eastern Styria, on a 482m high extinct volcano. The Riegersburg features three kilometers of defence walls, eleven bastions and five entries on a 15 hectare big rock plateau. The castle was part of the styrian eastern defence against the osmanic and magyar threats. The Riegersburg, referred to as the strongest fortress of Christianity, with its impressive quality of fortification, remained untaken throughout the history. Since 1822, the castles is owned by baronial family Liechtenstein and is one of the best conserved medieval castles in Europe. Prinz Liechtenstein’sche Gutsverwaltung: phone: +43 (0 3153 8346 or +43 0 3153 82131, [email protected] web: (http://www.veste-riegersb...) or (http://www.riegersburg.com); opening times: Apr-Oct daily 9AM-5PM)

Currently, there are two exhibitions:

Sagenhafte Riegersburg & Legendäre Frauen - "Fabulous Riegersburg and Legendary Women" Hexenmuseum - "Museum of Witchcraft"

You can visit the Riegersburg with an elevator.