Schloss Hof

About the museum

Prince Eugen of Savoy acquired a four-winged castle from the 17th century in the Marchfeld in 1725 and had it expanded into a magnificent country residence. The ensemble of castle, terraced baroque garden and stables that survives to this day was created; a year later, the adjacent hunting lodge Niederweiden was added.

In 1755, Maria Theresa bought both castles and gave them to her husband Franz Stephan. In the years 1773 to 1775, she had the castle raised by one story and the rooms of the upper floor redesigned. In the castle chapel, her daughter Marie Christine was married. Under Emperor Franz Joseph, the complex later passed to the military administration.

Today Schloß Schönbrunn Culture and Operations Co. Ltd operates the more than 70 hectare complex, Austria's largest country estate complex. The garden was reconstructed over about 15 years following the model of the 18th century to the last terrace. The castle shows state rooms as well as a permanent presentation of Prince Eugen's life, campaigns and collecting passion; the stables with rare livestock breeds, theme gardens, craft workshops and water experience trail are especially for families.

Highlights

• State rooms and emperor's apartment
• Prince Eugen exhibition in five rooms
• Baroque garden on seven terraces with maze
• Stables with rare livestock breeds like white baroque donkeys
• Water experience trail and scooter course

Permanent exhibitions

• Prunkräume von Schloss Hof – Apartments from the 18th century with precious furniture, textiles and chandeliers, illustrating life at the country estate of Prince Eugen and Maria Theresa.
• Prinz-Eugen-Ausstellung – Five rooms in the east wing are devoted to the general, his myth and his collecting passion for plants, animals, books and art.

Founded

1726

Operated by

Schloß Schönbrunn Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.H. (Schönbrunn Group)

Admission & discounts

Seasonal price changes possible. Vienna City Card: 22.50 € (time slot ticket online). Lower Austria CARD: free admission once per CARD season (tours for surcharge, not for evening events). There is no separate ticket for the garden.

Accessibility

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

Main entrance step-free, ramps (10% gradient) to castle, exhibition rooms step-free with lift; paths mostly gravel. In the garden, 3rd and 5th terraces only accessible via steps, viewing platform with Euro-Key lift. Accessible toilets, among others, in cashier area, castle and café Arkadenhof; disabled parking spaces approx. 200 m from entrance. Free wheelchair rental by prior registration, braille booklets and tactile maps at cashier. Service and therapy dogs with ID allowed.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Stables with petting zoo and approx. 260 animals, water experience trail, scooter course and ball mill; experience trails with tasks, children's tours for 3- to 10-year-olds (Sundays), puppet and magic shows as well as children's and family world in the bakery building. Birthday parties bookable; children's meals with puzzle and coloring cards in the restaurant.

Getting there & parking

By car via airport motorway A4 (exit Fischamend), B9 toward Hainburg and B49. Carnuntum–Schloss Hof–Bratislava cycling route; Nextbike station at Schloss Hof. Osttor near the cycling and pedestrian bridge of Freedom open weekends.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Lockers

Restaurant Kräutergarten in stables (daily, admission ticket only), Café Arkadenhof in castle courtyard and bistro in stables (Sat, Sun, public holiday); shops Greißlerei and Meierhof-Shop 'Kontor'. Lockers in cashier courtyard and castle. Dogs and other pets not allowed.

Events & venue rental

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

Rooms in castle, historic riding hall, barn, orangeries, Prince Eugen Hall, garden terraces and castle chapel for corporate events, celebrations, seminars and birthday parties; civil weddings in festival hall, billiard room or garden (up to 150 guests), church weddings in chapel (up to 60 people).

Plan your visit