Fürstlich Starhemberg'sches Familien- und Stadtmuseum Eferding

About the museum

The castle in Eferding is documented since 1255 and is probably even older, since the Bishops of Passau had a centre of lordship here. Around 1416 the Counts of Schaunberg moved their residence here from Schaunberg Castle and built the north wing, today the oldest part of the complex. For centuries the castle has belonged to the princely Starhemberg family; Georg Adam I had the south and west wings remodelled in the Neoclassical style in 1785.

Since 1962 the Old Castle has housed two museums: the Fürstlich Starhemberg'sches Familienmuseum and the Stadtmuseum Eferding. The tour in the north wing begins with the family history and leads through six state rooms with paintings, weapons, porcelain, uniforms, trophies and furniture. The centrepiece is the Hall of Ancestors with over 50 life-size portraits of the family.

The Guild Hall is devoted to the civic life of the town, which was under manorial rule until 1848, with guild banners, chests and craftsmen's tools; a copy of the 1222 town charter attests to Eferding's great age. Among the special features are the simple table at which Mozart is said to have once composed "The Magic Flute", as well as a Renaissance tiled stove from 1580 in the Porcelain Hall. The Schaunberger Hall recalls the former lords of the town and shows finds from prehistory and Roman times.

Highlights

• Hall of Ancestors with over 50 life-size family portraits
• Porcelain Hall with Renaissance tiled stove from 1580
• Table at which Mozart is said to have composed "The Magic Flute"
• Armoury with the telescope from the Turkish siege of 1683
• Guild Hall and copy of Eferding's 1222 town charter

Permanent exhibitions

• Fürstlich Starhemberg'sches Familienmuseum – Tour through six state rooms, including the Hall of Ancestors, Porcelain Hall, Costume Hall and Armoury, on the history of the princely house.
• Stadtmuseum Eferding – Guild Hall on the civic life of the town until 1848 and the Schaunberger Hall with finds from prehistory and Roman times.

Founded

1962

Operated by

Fürst Starhemberg (Starhemberg'sche Familienstiftung) und Stadtgemeinde Eferding

Director

Alexander Friedrich, BEd (Leitender Museumskustos)

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The castle is in the centre of Eferding at Kirchenplatz 1.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

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

Several castle rooms (including the Hall of Ancestors, Knights' Hall and salons) can be rented for receptions, seminars, weddings and celebrations; enquiries to the Fürst Starhemberg'sche Familienstiftung. Annual castle Advent market.

Plan your visit