Artstetten Castle

Artstetten Castle with its characteristic seven towers stands in the middle of an idyllic park in the southern Waldviertel, not far from the Danube. The castle looks back on an eventful history, as it served as the family seat and summer residence of the imperial family and became the final resting place for heir to the throne Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie Duchess of Hohenberg. A museum dedicated to the heir to the throne offers visitors the opportunity to meet one of the most fascinating personalities of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy.

A historic natural palace park to discover

The private natural palace park at Artstetten is one of the most important historical parks in Austria. Here you can stroll through history in the footsteps of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Discoveries such as the idyllic bathing pavilion, the original beginnings of the park landscapes of Emperor Franz I and Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the chestnut avenue laid out according to geomantic guidelines and the rose garden with its "spitting men" await explorers. From May to July in particular, over 1,000 peonies present themselves in their full bloomed splendor.

Culinary delights and opening hours

In the cozy Schloss Café, you can enjoy the Austrian coffee house tradition in an ambience steeped in history. Whether after a visit to an exhibition, a church tour or an excursion: the Schloss Café is always worth a visit. It is open from April 1 to November 1 on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 a.m.; in July and August it is even open every day.

"Noble snacking"

Old, rare fruit and garden plants with "aristocratic names" have found a new home in the former farm garden in order to awaken interest in these old varieties and pass on knowledge about them. Visitors will soon be able to taste the "Kaiser Wilhelm apple" or a "Countess of Paris" pear on site or purchase jams, juices and brandies made from these fruits in the store.

May to September: Collecting tours through the museum

Collector's tours from May to September every Saturday, Sunday & public holiday at 11:00 a.m.
July & August additionally Tuesday & Friday at 11:00 a.m.
Guided tour of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand Museum

May to October: The special guided tour "Dienstboten-G'schichten"

every Thu & Sat & Sun at 2:30 pm / July & August additionally on Mon at 2:30 pm
A journey through time - Archduke Franz Ferdinand's former valet Emanuel "Emane" Rak talks about his eventful life, personal physician Dr. Victor Eisenmenger reports on Franz Ferdinand's illness, Duchess Sophie's chambermaid Elise "Eluska" Fiala talks about her life, and governess Leontine "Mademoiselle" de Vathaire tests her etiquette skills - lively insights into history and everyday life.

More about the events: www.schloss-artstetten.at

Artstetten Castle is one of the treasures of the Nibelungengau. All other treasures full of enjoyment, variety and the best views can be discovered at www.nibelungengau.at!