Burgruine Aggstein

About the museum

Burg Aggstein, approximately 150 meters long, sits on a rock spur about 300 meters above the right bank of the Danube in the Wachau. Its oldest walls today are dated around 1200; for long it was associated with the Kuenringers, a powerful ministerial family with several castles in the region. After repeated sieges, only foundations remained from this early period at the so-called Bürgl.

In the 15th century Jörg Scheck vom Wald rebuilt the destroyed castle. Large parts of the palace, women's tower and Gothic chapel date to him, as does the rock prison known as 'Rosengärtlein', around which legends still swirl today. In 1529 Ottoman troops burned the castle; from 1606 Anna von Polheim-Parz renewed it in Renaissance style, but after her death it fell into disrepair.

First consolidation work on the ruin began in the 19th century, further work from 1930. Comprehensive revitalization in 2003 restored walkways, viewpoints and the knights' hall. Today the castle ruin offers tours, audio tours for adults and children, and events such as castle advent.

Highlights

• Rock prison 'Rosengärtlein'
• Gothic castle chapel
• Hochburg and women's tower with view into Danube valley
• Knights' hall
• Audio tour for adults and children

Founded

1181

Operated by

Schlossgut Schönbühel Aggstein AG

Admission & discounts

With Lower Austria CARD free admission once per year (not for groups and special events like medieval fair or castle advent).

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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

Castle courtyard, well courtyard, tavern, knights' hall and toilets accessible by wheelchair; due to slightly rising gravel path, companion recommended. Hochburg with chapel, women's tower and viewpoints only via wooden stairs. Reduced admission for people with limited mobility.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children's audio tour for 5- to 12-year-olds, fairy tale tours (recommended from 5 years), outdoor escape room and riddle walk; birthday parties with children's menu. High chairs in tavern.

Getting there & parking

By car via A1 (Melk exit) and B33 toward Schönbühel to Aggstein, from Vienna alternatively via A22/S5 to Mautern and B33 toward Melk. Travel also possible by Danube ship or bicycle.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Castle tavern in castle courtyard with regional and medieval cuisine (hot kitchen 11–17; in March, April and October 2026 closed Monday and Tuesday); castle café in souvenir shop before castle. Dogs on leash welcome (not at castle advent).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 200 guests.

Knights' hall (approx. 200 m², depending on seating 70–200 people) with gallery for seminars; castle chapel for church weddings; children's parties and knight feasts.

Plan your visit