Home
Activities & Places
Esterházy Palace

Esterházy Palace

Save
Share

Details
Reviews
Contact Info

Esterházy Palace: A Baroque Masterpiece in Eisenstadt

Esterházy Palace in Eisenstadt is one of Austria's most important cultural monuments and an outstanding example of baroque architecture. For centuries it was the headquarters of the powerful Esterházy family, which has deep roots in the region. Today the castle serves as a museum, event venue and cultural meeting place and is one of Burgenland's main attractions.

Short info:

Where is the castle? Esterházyplatz 1, 7000 Eisenstadt , Burgenland
How do you get there? By car via the A3 or S31, or by train from Vienna to Eisenstadt
What is there to see? State rooms, Haydn Hall, Wine Museum, Palace Park, guided tours
opening hours? Daily 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (seasonal)
entrance fee? Various ticket options, depending on the exhibition and tour

Esterházy Castle and its History

Esterházy Castle was built in the 13th century, but underwent extensive renovations in the 17th century under Paul I Esterházy, turning it into a magnificent baroque building. The Esterházy family had a significant influence on the history of Burgenland, and the castle still bears witness to their influence and wealth today. The castle is also particularly well-known for its connection to the composer Joseph Haydn, who worked as a conductor at the Esterházy court for over 40 years.

The highlights of the castle

The Haydn Hall:
The magnificent Haydn Hall is without a doubt the heart of the palace. It is considered one of the most beautiful and acoustically best concert halls in the world. The hall is named after Joseph Haydn, who premiered many of his works here. The artistic stucco work and ceiling frescoes that adorn the hall are impressive and give the room a unique atmosphere. Concerts are still held here regularly today, attracting music lovers from all over the world.

The state rooms:
A tour of the palace's state rooms takes you into a world of baroque splendor. The Hall of Mirrors, the magnificent reception room and the princess's former apartment are particularly worth seeing. The lavishly designed ceilings, walls and pieces of furniture reflect the wealth and taste of the time. On a guided tour you can learn a lot about the life and everyday life of the Esterházy family.

The Wine Museum:
A special feature of the castle is the wine museum in the former cellar vault. Burgenland is known for its wine culture, and the museum offers exciting insights into the history of winemaking in the region. You can see historical tools, presses and wine barrels that illustrate the development of winemaking from the past to the present. A tasting of regional wines is also offered and is a highlight for connoisseurs.

The castle park:
The extensive castle park is perfect for relaxing walks. The English-style garden with its old trees, flowerbeds and water features is a green oasis that delights both those interested in history and nature lovers. In summer, cultural events and open-air concerts often take place here.

The exhibition “Haydn Explosive”:
This interactive exhibition is dedicated to the life and work of Joseph Haydn. It offers a modern, multimedia presentation of his work and allows visitors to immerse themselves in the world of the famous composer. What is particularly interesting is the fact that Haydn lived in the immediate vicinity of the castle for many years and wrote his most famous works here.

Special events and festivals

Esterházy Palace is not only a museum, but also a lively venue. Numerous festivals, concerts and cultural events take place here throughout the year. Particularly noteworthy is the annual Haydn Festival, where international artists perform the composer's works in the historic setting of the castle. Weddings, receptions and gala dinners are also regularly held in the castle's magnificent halls.

In summer, the castle park is transformed into an open-air stage and opera performances and classical concerts attract numerous visitors. These events offer the opportunity to experience art and culture in a unique, historic setting.

guided tours and adventure tours

For visitors who want to delve deeper into the history of the castle, there are various tours that provide an insight into the life of the royal family and the cultural heritage of the castle. The themed tours that deal with specific aspects of the castle's history or the life of Joseph Haydn are particularly popular.

There are also special offers for children, such as the interactive "Princely Children" tour, where young visitors can learn more about life in the palace through play. These tours are particularly family-friendly and make the visit an experience for all ages.