Schloss Orth an der Donau – Nationalparkzentrum und Museum

About the museum

The castle in Orth an der Donau goes back to a medieval moated castle from the 12th century. Later it served Crown Prince Rudolf as a hunting lodge. Around 1550, under court architect Johann Tscherte, a three-story hollow-spindle spiral staircase was built. It is the last surviving one of four originally identical staircases and was made publicly accessible again for the 2022 Lower Austrian State Exhibition.

The building has been used as a museum since 1950. After conversion and renovation it reopened in 2005 and has since housed the information point and visitor center of the Donau-Auen National Park. On the third floor, the museumORTH of the municipality presents the cultural history of the village, with a focus on life along the Danube – conceived as the village's "photo album" for all generations.

On the second floor, the national park exhibition "Im Fluss" takes visitors through the world of the Danube floodplains: it shows how the river shapes its landscape, how the national park came into being and what research lies behind it. Outside, the Schlossinsel invites visitors on a walk through floodplain habitats, with a ground squirrel enclosure, European pond turtles, snakes, amphibians and a walk-in underwater observation station. In the observation tower, changing exhibitions and live images from nest boxes can be seen.

Highlights

• National park exhibition "Im Fluss" on the world of the Danube floodplains
• Schlossinsel adventure area with an underwater observation station
• Ground squirrel enclosure and European pond turtles
• museumORTH on the cultural history of the Danube village
• Renaissance spiral staircase from around 1550

Permanent exhibitions

• Im Fluss. Die Wissenswelt der Donau-Auen – National park exhibition on the second floor about the river, its landscape and habitats, the history of the protected area, and current research.
• Auerlebnisgelände Schlossinsel – Walk through floodplain habitats with animal enclosures, an underwater observation station, aquatic plants and play areas for children.
• museumORTH – Local museum on the third floor covering the cultural history of the region and life on the Danube.

Operated by

Nationalpark Donau-Auen GmbH

Admission & discounts

Prices 2026, admission without a guided tour. Discounts with the Ö1 Club, "Hunger auf Kunst und Kultur" Niederösterreich, Familienland*Pass, Jugend:karte NÖ, Burgenland Family Card, Kinderaktivcard Wien, Emy Kinder-Club, and for guests of the Marchfelder Schlösserreich (with a ticket from a castle already visited). The NÖ-CARD is accepted.

Accessibility

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

The "Im Fluss" exhibition, event area, museumORTH, shop, national park lounge and toilets are wheelchair-accessible throughout; most of the Schlossinsel is as well. The observation tower is not accessible. On the Schlossinsel there are tactile overview maps, rotating information panels with 3D animal models, and audio texts in easy language. Dogs are not permitted anywhere on the grounds.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

The Schlossinsel has several play areas. Offerings include family weekends, holiday programs, project days and children's birthday parties.

Getting there & parking

By car, follow the B3 to Orth an der Donau.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Information point with booking service and shop in the foyer; national park lounge in the foyer, picnic area in the Turnierhof courtyard.

Events & venue rental

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

Up to 180 guests.

Foyer, seminar room, banquet hall and wedding room for celebrations, lectures and seminars.

Plan your visit