Franzensburg

About the museum

Emperor Franz II/I had Franzensburg built from 1798 on an artificial island in the pond of Laxenburg Palace Park. It never served as residence, but was intended from the beginning as an idealized knight's castle and monument to the Habsburg dynasty, and is considered one of the most impressive examples of Romantic architecture in Austria.

For furnishings, numerous historical building parts were reused from other buildings: wooden ceilings from Zwettl monastery and Rapottenstein Palace, Gothic stained glass from Steyr and over 800-year-old wall coverings from the former 'Capella Speciosa' from Klosterneuburg. Stained glass paintings by Gottlob Samuel Mohn complement the rooms.

Laxenburg Palace Park, a Habsburg country estate with history reaching back to the 13th century, is today managed by Schloss Laxenburg Operating Company, which is half-owned by Lower Austria and Wien Holding. Franzensburg is accessible by tour in season: the museum tour shows 18 historic rooms from dining hall to dungeon; tower and roof tour leads up 165 steps to the High Tower with panoramic view to Vienna and Schneeberg. Access to castle island via bridges or ferry.

Highlights

• Stained glass paintings by Gottlob Samuel Mohn
• Wall coverings from the 'Capella Speciosa' from Klosterneuburg
• 18 historic rooms down to the dungeon
• High Tower with 360-degree view
• Crossing by ferry to castle island

Permanent exhibition

• Prunkräume der Franzensburg – Tour through 18 historically furnished rooms with reused ceilings, stained glass and wall coverings from Austrian monasteries and castles, from dining hall to dungeon.

Operated by

Schloss Laxenburg Betriebsgesellschaft mbH

Admission & discounts

Tour prices in addition to park admission. ICOM cards not accepted at Franzensburg. With Lower Austria CARD one-time park admission and one tour free.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• 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

Museum tour: ground floor accessible by wheelchair (partially narrow doors and passages); first floor only via spiral staircase. Tower and roof tour (165 steps) not wheelchair-friendly. Accessible toilet on Franzensburg with Euro key; disabled parking at park main entrance P1. Assistance dogs with card free.

Kids & families

Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 7+

• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Playground / play area

Tours recommended for history-interested children from about 7; tower and roof tour particularly popular with families. Strollers can be left in entrance area. Large playground, boat rental and bummel train in palace park.

Getting there & parking

Franzensburg in middle of palace park: from all entrances approx. 30 minutes walk or bummel train, to castle island via bridges or ferry. By car via A2 (Wiener Neudorf exit) or A3 (Münchendorf exit). Cycling in park not allowed, bicycle parking at all entrances.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café Meierei on Franzensburg (early April to end October); museum shop in castle courtyard with tickets, souvenirs and small snacks; pond buffer at boat rental. Dogs not allowed in Franzensburg.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

Civil and non-religious weddings at outdoor locations in palace park, including lawn beside Franzensburg; chapel in Old Palace (up to 70 people) as bad weather alternative.

Plan your visit