Friedensburg Schlaining

About the museum

The castle above the Tauchen valley was first mentioned in 1271 as Castrum Zloynuk and then belonged to the Counts of Güssing. In the 15th century the lordship passed via Emperor Frederick III to the mercenary leader Andreas Baumkircher, whose conflict with the emperor ended bloodily in the Baumkircher feud. From 1527 the Batthyány family owned the complex and converted the fortified castle into a stately residence; after the execution of the Hungarian prime minister Ludwig Batthyány in 1849 it changed hands again.

The railway pioneer Franz Schmidt and, from 1957, the former federal minister Udo Illig were the next owners; Illig worked to restore the complex. In 1980 the state of Burgenland bought the castle. Since 1982 it has been home to the Austrian Study Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution (ASPR), hence the name Peace Castle.

Today Kultur-Betriebe Burgenland runs the castle as a museum. After the anniversary exhibition marking 100 years of Burgenland (2021–2023), the permanent exhibitions “Burgenland from 1921” show the development of Austria’s youngest federal state across two floors, and in the renovated basement the “Castle Stories” (Burggeschichten) offer hands-on stations. The castle also includes the nearby former synagogue on the Hauptplatz with an exhibition on Jewish life in the region.

Highlights

• One of the best-preserved medieval castles in Austria with a mighty keep
• “Burggeschichten” museum with Andreas Baumkircher’s crossbow and armour as well as hands-on stations
• Exhibition “Burgenland from 1921” on the history of the youngest federal state
• Former synagogue with rabbi’s house and the exhibition “Spurensuche”
• Seat of the Austrian Study Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution

Permanent exhibitions

• Burggeschichten – In the renovated basement the focus is on building history, weaponry and famous residents such as Andreas Baumkircher, Carolus Clusius and the Batthyány family – with multimedia hands-on stations.
• Burgenland ab 1921 – Across two floors, the political, economic and cultural development of Burgenland is told, from customs and cuisine to ethnic groups and tourism.
• Spurensuche. Fragmente jüdischen Lebens im Burgenland – In the former synagogue on the Hauptplatz, objects and life stories commemorate the Jewish population of southern Burgenland expelled in 1938.

Operated by

KBB – Kultur-Betriebe Burgenland GmbH

Admission & discounts

The ticket is valid for the castle with all exhibitions and the former synagogue. Free admission with the Burgenland Card, Steiermark Card and Museumskarte; 25% discount with the Burgenland Family Card. Castles & Palaces combination ticket Southern Burgenland: up to 30% off from the second visit. Participation in “Hunger auf Kunst und Kultur”. Separate prices and tickets apply for “Burg Geflüster” and “Winterwunder”.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Historic, listed complex, only partially accessible. The castle bridge has cobblestones and is only conditionally suitable for wheelchairs; from castle gate 1 there is step-free access to the ticket office, the exhibition rooms can be reached via a lifting platform and lift, transitions with ramps up to 10% gradient. Induction loop at the ticket office, mobile hearing aids on request. Tower not accessible. Registration at +43 3355 2306 requested; an accompanying person is possible after advance booking. Walking aids with rubber tips are permitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly: not available

Children’s tours such as “Wo die Ritter wohnen”, “Anno Dazumal” or “Auf den Spuren der Fledermaus” for kindergarten and school children, some with fixed dates during the holidays. In the “Burggeschichten” museum, hands-on stations invite visitors to swing swords and shoot crossbows. Prams and buggies are not permitted in the exhibition rooms.

Getting there & parking

Groups should register bus trips with Verkehrsbetriebe Burgenland at least three working days in advance.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Boutique restaurant “das Kranich” in the inner castle courtyard (also coffee and cake, children’s offerings), wine tasting at Vinothek Burgenland in the historic wine cellar, castle shop in front of the castle bridge with ticket office, books and regional products.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 180 guests.

Weddings of up to 180 people (civil ceremony in the castle courtyard, church ceremony in the castle chapel), seminars, meetings and congresses in several rooms; handled by the neighbouring Burghotel Schlaining.

Plan your visit