Burg Liechtenstein

About the museum

Hugo von Liechtenstein, progenitor of the Princely House of Liechtenstein, had the castle built on a rock on the edge of the southern Vienna Woods in the years around 1130 to 1140. With more than 60 per cent of its fabric Romanesque, it is one of the few secular buildings preserved largely in Romanesque form; the portal of the castle chapel is considered a particularly old portal preserved in its original state.

Over the centuries the castle changed hands frequently: the Liechtensteins were followed by, among others, the lords of Stadeck, the Counts of Cilli, administrators appointed by the sovereign and various noble families. Only in 1807 did Prince Johann I buy the lordship back and have Schloss Liechtenstein built opposite; as early as 1812 the princely family set up a museum in the castle and offered guided tours.

Prince Johann II had the complex comprehensively restored between 1883 and 1903. In the 20th century the castle was at times leased to the Lower Austrian scouts and to the municipality of Maria Enzersdorf. It still belongs to the princely house, or rather its Liechtenstein Group. Since 2009 it has been run as a visitor attraction by a private tenant, who has furnished the rooms again with weapons, furniture and other collection pieces.

Highlights

• Romanesque castle chapel with one of the oldest surviving portals in the country
• Furnished castle rooms with weapons, furniture and beamed ceilings
• Small treasury with a replica of Prince Karl of Liechtenstein's princely hat
• Romanesque cistern and garderobe tower (cistern tour)
• View from the Heinrichsturm over the Vienna Basin

Permanent exhibitions

• Burgräume und Sammlungen – The regular tour shows the Romanesque core of the castle with its chapel and the refurnished rooms with weapons, furniture and works of art from the tenant's collections.
• Schatzkammer – Small treasury with a replica of Prince Karl of Liechtenstein's princely hat, ivory carvings and sacred art; accessible only as part of the treasury tour.

Founded

1812

Operated by

Burgverwaltung L. Fasching e.U. (Pächter); Eigentümer: Liechtenstein Gruppe AG

Director

Leopold Fasching (Burgverwaltung)

Admission & discounts

A regular castle tour is included with the NÖ-Card or Vienna PASS (no online booking). Cash and card payment possible.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The visitor rooms can only be reached by stairs; because of the construction and heritage protection, a visit in a wheelchair is not possible. Toilets at the castle.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly: not available

From March to October, every Sunday at 2 pm a children's tour for 6- to 12-year-olds with the mascot "Lichti" and a knight's test (register by Friday). Children under 10 only when accompanied by adults. Pushchairs are not allowed in the tour rooms and can be left at the information desk.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A21: towards Linz exit Gießhübl, towards Vienna exit Hinterbrühl, then follow the signs.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check

Umbrellas, rainwear, rucksacks and larger bags must be left at the ticket desk.

Events & venue rental

Rooms for private celebrations or corporate presentations only with approval from the castle management.

Plan your visit