Location: Bernstein, Burgenland Map
Constructed: 1199
Official site
Email: burgbernstein@netway.at
Bernstein Castle, known in German as Burg Bernstein and in Hungarian as Borostyánkő vára, is a historic fortress located in the municipality of Bernstein im Burgenland, in the southeastern Austrian state of Burgenland. Perched at an elevation of 615 meters (2,018 feet) above sea level on a wooded hill, it overlooks the surrounding landscapes of Central Burgenland, the Great Hungarian Plain, and southern Styria. First documented in the 13th century, the castle originated as a medieval defensive structure, possibly with roots tracing back to the 9th century when the area was part of the archbishopric of Salzburg. Over the centuries, it has evolved from a Gothic stronghold into a Baroque residence and, since 1953, a boutique hotel and restaurant owned by the Almásy family. The castle's resilience through sieges, explosions, and ownership changes makes it a symbol of Burgenland's turbulent history, blending medieval fortification with romantic, family-run hospitality. It is also notably linked to László Almásy, the explorer whose life inspired the Oscar-winning film The English Patient (1997).
The history of Bernstein Castle spans over a millennium, marked by
strategic importance, multiple conquests, and adaptations to changing
times. Archaeological and historical evidence suggests the site's
origins date to around 860, when the region was under the archbishopric
of Salzburg. A Slavic-named hamlet nearby, Grodnau (meaning "the village
belonging to the castle"), indicates an early fortification. By 1199,
the castle had become part of the Kingdom of Hungary. In 1236, King Béla
IV of Hungary conquered it and granted it to Count Ivan von Güns (Henry
I Kőszegi) as compensation. By 1260, it gained infamy as a hideout for
robber knights, making the area unsafe for travelers.
In 1336, after
the defeat of the counts of Güssing and Bernstein by Charles Robert of
Anjou, the castle reverted to the Hungarian crown. It was awarded to the
Kanizsai family in 1388 and briefly held by Matthias Corvinus in 1482.
In 1445, Emperor Frederick III pawned it to the Königsberg family, who
added a second ring of walls and began renovations. The castle withstood
major sieges: unsuccessful Turkish attacks from 1529 to 1532, prompting
the addition of bastions, and a prolonged siege in 1604 by a combined
force of Hungarians, Turks, and Tatars under Stephen Bocskay. A pivotal
event occurred in 1617 when a lightning strike ignited the gunpowder
storeroom, causing an explosion that destroyed much of the Gothic
interior. Ludwig von Königsberg rebuilt it in Baroque style, but
financial strain led Ehrenreich Christoph von Königsberg to sell it in
1644 to Count Ádám Batthyány.
The Batthyány family, whose coat of
arms features a pelican, held the castle through further trials,
including a 1704 siege after the Turkish wars, defended by widow
Eleonore Batthyány. In 1864, Gustav Batthyány sold it to his steward
Edward O'Egan, whose heirs transferred it to Eduard von Almásy in 1892.
The Almásy family modernized it with electricity and plumbing,
relocating from Hungary. During World War II, operations were
interrupted, but since 1922 (with post-war resumption), the family has
hosted guests. The castle's last conquest by a hostile army was in 1445;
it has resisted all subsequent attacks, been neglected, burned, and
rebuilt multiple times.
Bernstein Castle exemplifies architectural evolution from a medieval
fortress to a Baroque residence. Built on solid rock in the 12th
century, its initial Gothic design included a keep, towers, and stone
walls for defense against invaders. Between 1529 and 1532, following
Turkish threats, a ring of bastions was added, transforming it into a
fortified refuge. The 1617 explosion necessitated a major rebuild under
Ludwig von Königsberg, who converted the inner Gothic core into Baroque
style, eliminating the keep and towers for a more residential layout.
By the 17th century, as defensive needs waned with new warfare tactics,
the surrounding structures were repurposed into a natural garden—the
oldest of its kind in Burgenland—featuring idyllic landscapes and hidden
spots. The castle's exterior retains its imposing, fortress-like
appearance with thick walls, crevices, and frescoes, while the interior
blends historical elements like wood paneling and stone bricks with
modern integrations. A standout feature is the Renaissance banquet hall,
built in the 17th century, with unique stucco work serving as the
castle's heart. The overall structure, enthroned above forests, is the
highest castle in Burgenland, offering commanding views.
The interiors of Bernstein Castle preserve a tangible sense of history, with every element—wood, light, warmth, and family heirlooms—evoking centuries of stories. The 9 guest rooms, integrated carefully to meet modern standards, feature authentic historical decor, including antique furnishings and an open fireplace. The Renaissance banquet hall stands out with its elaborate stucco decorations and capacity for events. Other notable spaces include the Prinzessin-Salon and areas adorned with frescoes and Batthyány family symbols. The castle also houses artifacts tied to the Almásy family, such as items related to László Almásy, whose adventures in the Sahara and role in World War II add a layer of intrigue. Guided tours highlight these features, including biology and history walks through the grounds.
Bernstein Castle holds profound cultural and historical significance as one of Burgenland's oldest fortresses, embodying the region's medieval past, Hungarian-Austrian border dynamics, and resilience against invasions. Its ownership transitions reflect broader European power shifts, from Hungarian kings to Habsburg emperors and noble families. The castle's association with the Almásy family, particularly László (whose life inspired The English Patient), adds literary and cinematic fame, drawing visitors interested in adventure tales. As a conserved national monument, it represents adaptive heritage preservation, turning a once-militaristic site into a peaceful retreat. It contributes to Burgenland's tourism, showcasing idyllic landscapes and authentic Austrian history amid forests and plains.
Today, Bernstein Castle functions primarily as a family-run boutique hotel, open from May to October, offering 9 rooms with rates including breakfast, afternoon coffee/cake, and candlelight dinners featuring a private "Almásy" wine selection. It provides a secluded, romantic experience with splendid gardens for strolls and event spaces like the banquet hall. Guided tours, focusing on history and the grounds, are available from May 1 to October 6, Wednesday through Sunday (and holidays) at 11 a.m. The castle is accessible by car, located in a small village with nearby attractions like a mineralogical museum. Advance booking is recommended via the official website (www.burgbernstein.at), where English details are available. Photography is generally permitted, but respect for the private residence and hotel operations is expected.