Forchtenstein Castle
Melinda-Esterházy-Platz 1, Forchtenstein, Burgenland, 7212
Standing defiantly on the Rosalien hills, Forchtenstein Castle has a formidable air that helped deter the Ottoman Turks during wars in the 16th and 18th centuries. But the castle’s imposing exterior gives way to elaborate interiors steeped in history; frescoes, wartime plunders, armory, and artwork are among the curiosities that draw visitors across its drawbridge.
The basics
Forchtenstein Castle is open for guided tours and independent visits, both of which you can book online or buy on the day. Car-free travelers in nearby Vienna or Eisenstadt could consider private day trips with flexible itineraries to combine Forchtenstein Castle with nearby sites. With a private driver and transport just for your group, these excursions offer a great way to get around, enabling visits to both Forchtenstein and Esterházy Palace in a day.
Things to know before you go
Entry is free to holders of the Vienna Pass or the Burgenland Card.
Aim to spend half a day at Forchtenstein Castle; this is enough time for a tour, independent browsing, and a visit to the café.
Tours are in English or German, or sometimes a mix of both.
Amenities include restrooms, a gift shop, and a café-restaurant.
The castle’s exhibition area is only accessible via stairs, so the attraction is unsuitable for wheelchair users.
How to get there
Public transport users can take a train to Mattersburg or a bus to Sieggraben Fischergasse, just south of Mattersburg. From here, it’s a 10-minute taxi ride up the hill to Forchtenstein Castle. If you have transport, you can drive from Vienna in around an hour, or from Eisenstadt in 30 minutes. There is a free parking lot nearby.
When to get there
Forchtenstein Castle is open daily (except Tuesdays) year-round from mid-morning until late afternoon. There are different timings for the guided tours between the peak months (April to October) and the off-peak months, so it’s a good idea to check directly with the attraction before you go.
The Esterházy family in Burgenland
The Esterházy family have long been prominent in these parts as influential landowners with links to the powerful Habsburgs. The Esterházys added Forchtenstein Castle to their estates in the 17th century and restored the then-crumbling fortress to its former glory. For those curious about the family, other top Esterházy-owned picks nearby include Esterházy Palace in Eisenstadt and the St. Margarethen Quarry, an open-air opera venue.
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