Schloss Pöggstall

About the museum

The complex in Pöggstall was built in the 13th century as an early Gothic moated castle. It acquired its present appearance from the late 15th century under Kaspar von Rogendorf, a councillor and chamberlain of Emperor Frederick III: under the Rogendorfs the castle was expanded into one of the most modern Renaissance castles in Central Europe. Particularly rare is the barbican, a round outer ward from 1540 that goes back to a design by Albrecht Dürer and is largely preserved in its original state. After the Rogendorfs the owners changed several times, and in 1986 the municipality of Pöggstall bought the castle.

Since 1988 the province of Lower Austria has shown part of its legal-history collection here, the foundation of which the jurist Hans Liebl bequeathed to the province in 1950. For the Lower Austrian Provincial Exhibition 2017 the castle was extensively renovated; in the process, wall paintings, a Gothic hall and numerous finds came to light that show the building history in a new light.

Since 2018 the redesigned Museum of Legal History has presented, on about 200 square metres, the development of criminal justice up to the 19th century – from punishments of dishonour and corporal punishment to the death penalty. In the rearmost tower lies a torture chamber, the only one in Austria preserved at its original location, which can only be visited on a guided tour. An exhibition in the barbican tells of the building research and the Rogendorfs, and the documentation on the Waldviertel graphic artist Franz Traunfellner, set up by the municipality in 1994, shows prints, paintings and his presses.

Highlights

• Museum of Legal History with objects from the Lower Austrian provincial collections
• The only torture chamber in Austria preserved at its original location (guided tour only)
• Barbican from 1540 after a design by Albrecht Dürer
• Renaissance arcaded courtyard, stone spiral staircase and Gothic Hall
• Documentation on the life and work of Franz Traunfellner
• Children's puzzle rally with treasure hunt

Permanent exhibitions

• Museum für Rechtsgeschichte mit Folterkammer – Objects from the Lower Austrian provincial collections explain the judicial system and penal practice from the 16th to the 19th century, from shame masks to executioners' swords. The originally preserved torture chamber in the tower is part of the tour.
• Schloss Pöggstall – zwischen Region und Kaiserhof – The exhibition in the barbican, created for the 2017 Provincial Exhibition, uses 3D animation and short films to show the building history of the castle and the Rogendorf family.
• Franz Traunfellner – Leben und Werk – Four rooms are devoted to the Waldviertel painter and graphic artist Franz Traunfellner (1913–1986), with prints, paintings, tools and an intaglio press and a lithographic press.

Founded

1988

Operated by

Marktgemeinde Pöggstall

Admission & discounts

The base price covers the Museum of Legal History and the exhibition on the history of the castle without a guided tour. Cultural mediation for 1 person €12, for 2 people €6 each, for 3 people €4 each. One-time free admission with the Niederösterreich-CARD and Kulturpass.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• 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 interior areas of the castle are accessible to wheelchairs and prams, the outdoor areas only partly. The torture chamber is reached via 7 steps and is not accessible.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly

Since 2026 there has been a children's puzzle rally as a treasure hunt through the museum and castle with the kestrel "Rogi": the treasure map is available at the museum ticket office, and there is a certificate after a successful search. Children up to 6 years have free admission.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A1 Westautobahn: exit Melk or Pöchlarn, then on via the B 216 through the Weitental, or exit Ybbs via the B 36 through the Yspertal; Melk and Ybbs are each about 25 km away.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Restaurant "Das Rogendorf" in the barbican (also the museum ticket office) and castle garden; the bistro shop sells, among other things, the plush kestrel "Rogi".

Events & venue rental

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

Rogendorfersaal (145 m²), Kaisersaal, Gothic Hall, arcaded courtyard and bastion garden for weddings, family celebrations and seminars; wedding package for up to 100 people, catering kitchen; overnight stays possible in the Kaisersuite and apartment.

Plan your visit