Liechtenstein Schloss Wilfersdorf

About the museum

In the Middle Ages a Gothic castle stood on the site of today's castle; its foundations were uncovered during the renovation in 2001 and examined by the Federal Monuments Office. In 1436 the lordship of Wilfersdorf passed to Christoph von Liechtenstein; the family made the town the centre of a large estate that also included Mistelbach and Poysdorf.

Prince Gundaker of Liechtenstein had the complex restored and extended at the beginning of the 17th century and lived here until about 1625. The currently reigning line of the princely house goes back to him; his coat of arms is the national coat of arms of the Principality. His son Hartmann and Hartmann's wife Elisabeth Sidonia had 24 children, most of them born in Wilfersdorf. After war damage caused by the Swedes and the Kuruc rebels, Prince Anton Florian had the castle remodelled in the Baroque style at the beginning of the 18th century; around 1801/02 large parts of the main building were demolished again.

Afterwards the castle served as the seat of the district court and estate administration, in 1866 as a Prussian field hospital, and until 2001 as the estate and forestry directorate of the Liechtenstein Foundation. In 2001/02 it was renovated jointly by the municipality and the province of Lower Austria and converted into an exhibition and event centre. Since then Hans Huysza, founder of the Local History Collection established as early as 1984, has built up the Liechtenstein exhibition, which has held the Austrian Museum Seal of Quality since 2020. Today the house is run by the Culture and Tourism Association Liechtenstein Schloss Wilfersdorf.

Highlights

• Replica of the Liechtenstein princely hat
• Computer-assisted family tree of the Liechtenstein princely family
• Model of the castle before the partial demolition around 1801
• Links to the Liechtenstein castles of Lednice and Valtice
• Local history collection with bakery and saddler's workshop

Permanent exhibitions

• Liechtenstein-Ausstellung – The permanent exhibition on the first floor tells the history of the princely house of Liechtenstein and its ties to the Weinviertel and South Moravia, with a family tree, a replica of the princely hat and a model of the castle.
• Heimatkundliche Sammlung – In 16 rooms of a side wing, the local history museum shows everyday life and crafts of earlier times, such as a bakery and a saddler's workshop; currently closed due to renovation.

Founded

2002

Operated by

Kultur- und Tourismusverein Liechtenstein Schloss Wilfersdorf

Admission & discounts

The ticket is valid for the Liechtenstein exhibition, the local history museum and the current temporary exhibition; temporary exhibitions in the Festsaal are also freely accessible on their own. Free admission once a year with the Niederösterreich-CARD. Cash only on site, credit card online.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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 castle rooms are currently not accessible without steps.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Puzzle trail "Ghost Hunt with Willi and Wilma" through the castle and exhibition with a puzzle sheet. Children's birthday parties from age 6 (3 hours, up to 10 children, €125) with dressing up, treasure hunt and crafts; child-friendly tours for school classes. Large playground in the castle park.

Getting there & parking

Starting point of the "Fürstenroute" cycle route and the "Fürstenweg" hiking trail to the Liechtenstein castles in South Moravia.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop. Castle heuriger (wine tavern) and wine shop on selected weekends in the summer season; catering opposite the castle. The Princely Court Winery of Liechtenstein is a few minutes' walk away.

Events & venue rental

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

Festsaal for weddings, talks and seminars (handled by the Wilfersdorf municipal office) as well as the Liechtenstein-Stüberl for up to 60 people for birthdays, weddings and company events.

Plan your visit