Rebuilt in 1725 into a hunting lodge and country seat for the military commander Prince Eugene of Savoy, in 1755 the ensemble was purchased by Maria Theresa, who had it remodelled into the largest rural palace and estate in the Habsburg Monarchy. Down to the present day, the complex has always been characterised by three main areas, making Schloss Hof into a Baroque synthesis of the arts.
THE PALACE
The State Rooms on the first floor are accessed via the staircase. The tour starts in the North Wing with Prince Eugene’s former residential apartment, which was remodelled for Emperor Joseph II. The rooms in the East Wing look over the resplendent gardens and are devoted to an in-depth view of the life and career of the art lover and military commander Prince Eugene of Savoy. Finally the tour leads via the Baroque chapel and the neoclassical banqueting hall to Maria Theresa’s quarters in the South Wing.
Each room has its own unique fascination and conjures up all the joie de vivre of the eighteenth century.
THE GARDENS
The unique Baroque gardens extend on seven terraces descending gently down to the River March, inviting visitors to a leisurely stroll along luxuriously blooming flower beds, fountains and artistic stone sculptures.
THE ESTATE FARM
One of the largest Baroque estate farms in Central Europe provides an idyllic setting for numerous theme gardens, including the herb garden, the “Nasch” – “snack” – Garden and the Weinviertel Garten; it is also a home for many domestic breeds of animals of old Austrian tradition, now very rare. The popular Children’s and Family World focuses its activities at the weekends and in the school holidays on baking, do-it-yourself handicrafts and cultural programmes for children. Two adventure trails are designed as exciting interactive tours, taking guests, young and old, on a fun time trip, also giving them an experience of life from the perspective of a stable lad or maidservant.
TIP:Schloss Niederweiden – Prince Eugene of Savoy’s private residential jewel
Schloss Niederweiden is a genuine insider’s tip and only three kilometres away from Schloss Hof. It possesses a very special fascination, radiating all the joie de vivre of a French chateau de plaisir and the charm of a stately villa in Upper Italy. Delicate Chinese murals adorn the walls of the banqueting hall, meanwhile, the annexed Game Kitchen welcomes with rustic Baroque cosiness and intimacy. Schloss Niederweiden is only open during summer season from March until November.
SPECIAL EXHIBITION 2024: „Imperial Weddings" | 9 March - 3 November 2024
Love and Marriage | at Schloss Hof Estate
Habsburg weddings were rarely love matches, but the foundation for the continuiation of the dynasty.
Cause for Celebration | at Schloss Niederweiden
Weddings in the Imperial House were characterised by the ultimate in pomp and circumstance. The elaborately celebrated and choreographed festivities frequently smokescreened human destinies.
Alternative Route:
Until 31st of Decemer 2023: VOR Bus-Line 543 – public transport connection to: Bad Deutsch Altenburg Station AND Marchegg Station. Hourly service possible
VOR Bus-Line 540 from Vienna to Schloß Hof
Find more information and timetables here: www.schlosshof.at
