Schallaburg

About the museum

The origins of Schallaburg reach back about a thousand years: Count Sieghard X of Schala had a residential castle with a mighty ring wall built on a height south of Melk, whose medieval parts still stand in front of the later castle. In the second half of the 16th century, Hans Wilhelm von Losenstein expanded the complex into a magnificent Renaissance castle following Italian models. The Schallaburg became a center of Protestant faith and the seat of a school.

From this period of prosperity come the two-story arcaded courtyard with around 1,600 terracotta figures – gods, mythical creatures, grotesques and coats of arms – as well as the Renaissance garden. In it, a probably unique shooting range and the foundations of a ball house have been preserved, where a predecessor of tennis was played.

In the first half of the 20th century, the estate fell into decline under the Tinti family's ownership. With the State Treaty of 1955, the complex came to the Austrian Republic; in 1968, the state of Lower Austria purchased it and had it renovated by 1974. With a major Renaissance exhibition in 1974, it began its history as an exhibition center. Since then, Schallaburg has hosted a major cultural-historical exhibition every year; in addition, castle tours, family tours and escape rooms reveal the castle itself.

Highlights

• Arcaded courtyard with around 1,600 terracotta figures
• Renaissance garden with historic shooting range
• Medieval ring wall from the 11th century
• Castle tours and family tours through the castle
• Annual changing major exhibition
• Escape rooms in historic rooms

Founded

1974

Operated by

Schallaburg Kulturbetriebsges.m.b.H. (NÖ Kulturwirtschaft)

Director

Erwin Klissenbauer (operative Geschäftsführung), Gabriele Langer (kaufmännische Geschäftsführung)

Admission & discounts

With the Lower Austria CARD one free admission including tour (not on days with special events). With the Culture Pass ("Hunger for Art & Culture") one free admission.

Accessibility

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

Exhibition, castle garden, restaurant and during events castle cellar and large banquet hall are barrier-free; lifts (90 × 140 cm) to all floors of exhibition rooms. Barrier-free toilets in the courtyard. Two wheelchairs available for free rental at the reception center (please reserve in advance). Disabled parking on parking lot 2; shuttle service for guests with mobility restrictions from parking lot to entrance or into the castle courtyard (registration by email or phone +43 2754 6317-0). Texts in easy language in the exhibition.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly

Family tours through castle and exhibition on weekends and holidays; family children up to 18 participate free. Strollers allowed in exhibition, level differences overcome barrier-free. Escape rooms from 12 years.

Getting there & parking

Highway exits Melk or Loosdorf, then follow signs. From the Danube bike path approx. 15 minutes; bike racks, e-bike charging stations and small bike workshop at the reception center.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Coat check
• Wi-Fi

Schallaburg restaurant with regional cuisine, terrace and seats in the arcaded courtyard; picnicking in outdoor areas allowed. Free WLAN throughout the castle grounds. Larger bags and backpacks must be left at the coat check. Dogs and other pets are not allowed anywhere on the grounds.

Events & venue rental

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

Up to 2,500 guests.

Large banquet hall (up to 250 people for reception), castle cellar with bar (up to 250), arcaded courtyard (up to 250) and castle garden (up to 2,500 people for reception); restaurant for up to 100 people. Weddings, corporate celebrations, seminars and Christmas parties.

Plan your visit