Schloss Grafenegg

About the museum

The origins of Grafenegg go back a long way: around 700 years ago a first settlement arose here, from which a fortified farmstead soon emerged; the origins of the castle itself go back to 1435. Ulrich von Grafeneck (c. 1420–1487) took over the estate and gave the place its name. The present four-wing complex with its striking towers took shape in the early 17th century.

The castle received its defining form in the 19th century. Count August von Breuner-Enckevoirt (1796–1877) had the Vienna cathedral architect Leopold Ernst rebuild the Renaissance castle in the style of Romantic historicism, after an English model, and at the same time had the park newly laid out. Older parts of the building were skilfully incorporated into the neo-Gothic architecture; particularly impressive are the Knights' Hall and the brightly painted castle chapel.

After Soviet administration in the post-war period, Franz Albrecht Metternich-Sándor regained the castle and began the extensive renovation. Today it belongs to the Metternich-Sándor family, who have restored it with the support of the province of Lower Austria. Around the castle, Grafenegg has become an international music festival venue with the open-air stage Wolkenturm and an auditorium; the castle itself can be visited on weekends in summer.

Highlights

• Neo-Gothic Knights' Hall
• Brightly painted castle chapel with Gothic and neo-Gothic elements
• Castle courtyard with Préludes before the summer concerts
• English landscape garden with arboretum, art in the park and composers' trees
• Online 3D tour of the castle

Operated by

Grafenegg Kulturbetriebsgesellschaft m.b.H.

Admission & discounts

Free admission once with the Niederösterreich-CARD (excluding special events), with the Grafenegg Card and for members of the Friends' Circle. The castle park is freely accessible.

Accessibility

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

The castle has only limited accessibility. The visitor car park is accessible, with disabled parking spaces near the main entrance. Wheelchairs available on loan with advance notice at the ticket office. Dogs are not permitted in the castle, including on tours.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

By car from Vienna via the A22 and S5 towards Krems, exit Grafenwörth (approx. 50 minutes); from St. Pölten via the S33 towards Krems, exit Grafenwörth (approx. 25 minutes). Ticket office address: Grafenegg 10.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

Restaurant by Toni Mörwald on the grounds (Thursday to Sunday 10 am–10 pm), picnic pavilion from May to September in fine weather and on concert days, wine lounge in the Old Bull Stable on concert days.

Events & venue rental

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

Castle, castle park, riding school, Old Barn, auditorium and Wolkenturm for seminars, congresses, company events, weddings and private celebrations; enquiries to events@grafenegg.com.

Plan your visit