Burgruine Falkenstein

About the museum

Falkenstein Castle was built around the middle of the 11th century under Emperor Henry III as a border fortress in the north of what is now the Weinviertel. It was meant to secure the land against incursions from Bohemia and Hungary; its first lords held the complex as a fief of the Babenbergs.

For centuries Falkenstein remained the property of the territorial prince, granted as a fief or pledge, until the lordship passed into private hands in 1571. During the Thirty Years’ War Swedish troops occupied the castle in 1645 but did not destroy it. Only towards the end of the 17th century did its gradual decline into a ruin begin.

Under the present owner, Georg Thurn-Vrints, the ruin was reopened to visitors; an association founded for the purpose looks after its preservation. The listed complex is repeatedly the scene of archaeological excavations under the supervision of the Federal Monuments Office.

In a surviving vault from the 13th century, finds and an information board tell of everyday medieval life. A second small museum, the “Täufergwölb” (Anabaptist Vault), was created in 2012 together with the Hutterite historical society and is devoted to a special chapter of the castle’s history, the Anabaptist movement; a replica of a wooden galley in the first castle courtyard refers to the fate of the Anabaptists who were condemned to serve as galley slaves.

Highlights

• Wide views over the northern Weinviertel
• 13th-century vault with finds on life in the Middle Ages
• “Täufergwölb” – small museum on the Anabaptist movement
• Replica of a historic wooden galley in the first castle courtyard
• Natural cave in the limestone rock

Permanent exhibitions

• Burggwölb – Leben im Mittelalter – Small museum in a surviving 13th-century vault that illustrates everyday medieval life with finds from the castle and an information board.
• Täufergwölb – Exhibition on the history of the Anabaptists at Falkenstein, designed together with the Hutterite historical society and complemented by a replica of a wooden galley in the castle courtyard.

Founded

1050

Operated by

Verein zur Erhaltung der Burgruine Falkenstein

Admission & discounts

Cash only (Czech crowns also accepted).

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Experience tour “Children’s Life in the Middle Ages” for children aged 5 and over: short tour, writing with a quill and ink including seals, a small snack and games in the tournament courtyard (only for groups of 10 or more by prior booking).

Getting there & parking

In the northern Weinviertel, reachable by car via the A5 motorway; about one hour’s drive from Vienna.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

Castle courtyard for weddings and wedding celebrations; wedding table, wedding arch and benches for 100 people, electricity, water, lighting and toilets available.

Plan your visit