Location: Forchtenstein, Burgenland Map
Constructed: 15th century
Open: 8am- 12pm, 1-4pm daily Apr- Oct
weekdays Mar- Nov
Tel. (02626) 81212
Official site
Forchtenstein Castle (Burg Forchtenstein) is a formidable medieval fortress located in the municipality of Forchtenstein in northern Burgenland, Austria, perched atop a steep dolomite rock at 511 meters (1,676 feet) above sea level in the foothills of the Rosaliengebirge mountain range. Coordinates are approximately 47°42′36″N 16°19′50″E. Built in the early 15th century (with some sources citing the 14th century), it is renowned for its impregnable defenses, having never been captured during conflicts like the Turkish Wars, and for serving as the secure treasury of the influential Esterházy family. The castle overlooks the Wulkatal valley and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Rosalia mountains. Today, it functions as a museum showcasing one of Europe's largest private armories and a treasury of art and curiosities, attracting visitors interested in military history, baroque opulence, and family-friendly activities. It remains privately owned by the Esterházy family and draws around 100,000 visitors annually, blending historical preservation with modern tourism.
The castle's origins date to the early 15th century, when it was
constructed by the Lords of Mattersburg, who later adopted the name
Lords of Forchtenstein. The initial structure included a 50-meter-high
(164-foot) keep, designed for defense on the rocky outcrop. By around
1450, the Forchtenstein line died out without a male heir, leading to
the castle's transfer to the House of Habsburg, which owned it for about
170 years. During this period, it was leased to various counts, such as
those of Weissbriach and Hardegg, but saw minimal alterations.
A
major turning point came in 1622, when Emperor Ferdinand II granted the
castle to Nikolaus Esterházy, founder of the western Hungarian branch of
the Esterházy family, elevating him to the rank of count. Nikolaus
initiated extensive fortifications from 1630 to 1634 under builder
Simone Retacco, followed by further work in 1643 with Domenico Carlone,
employing Italian craftsmen. His son, Paul Esterházy, continued
expansions in the late 17th century, also with Carlone, transforming it
into a baroque stronghold. In the 18th century, architect Ferdinand
Mödlhammer extended the structure, raising the roof truss and renovating
interiors.
The castle's strategic importance shone during the Turkish
Wars, where it remained unconquered and served as a secure repository
for the Esterházy family's treasures, archives, weapons, and
curiosities. Its hidden vault, accessible only via a secret passage
requiring two keys (one held by the prince, one by the treasurer),
protected valuables through turbulent times, including World War II,
when it remained undiscovered. Following the 1921 separation of Austria
and Hungary, the family's financial records stayed at Forchtenstein,
while personal archives moved to Budapest. The Esterházy family has
retained ownership to the present day, preserving it as a symbol of
their legacy.
Forchtenstein Castle exemplifies a blend of medieval fortification
and baroque grandeur, built directly on the rock for natural defense.
The core includes the 50-meter-high keep and the "Black Tower,"
originally lined with black rock (now removed), featuring a
12-meter-deep (39-foot) pit used as a prison. Materials like Kaiserstein
limestone were used for portals, fountains, and cannonballs during
17th-century renovations. The structure encompasses multiple courtyards,
towers, and fortified walls, with 18th-century additions enhancing the
baroque elements.
Key features include:
Armory (Arsenal): One
of Europe's largest private collections, with over 15,000 weapons and
armor from the 30 Years' War, Napoleonic era, and Ottoman conflicts,
including bows, arrows, quivers, and bridles.
Treasury and Silver
Furniture: A secret chamber with jewels, art, historical documents, and
a unique collection of silver items like chairs, chandeliers, clocks,
and tables—once rivaling Versailles.
Ancestors' Gallery: Imaginative
portraits of supposed forebears, including fictional figures like
Charlemagne and Vlad Tepes (Dracula).
Cabinet of Curiosities: Exotic
items, chronometers, machines, stuffed animals, and faked "monsters"
like a dragon (made from stuffed creatures) and a unicorn horn.
Coat
of Arms Wall: A genealogical monument tracing the Esterházy lineage.
Other Areas: Baroque rooms like the Prince's Room, bakery, kitchen, and
an Ottoman tent; a crocodile display at the entrance historically
deterred intruders.
Adjacent is the Reptilienzoo Forchtenstein, a
reptile zoo with caimans, snakes, and lizards, adding a modern
attraction.
Still owned by the Esterházy family, Forchtenstein Castle operates as a cultural heritage site and museum under the Esterházy Privatstiftung foundation. It hosts exhibitions, guided tours, and events, including family-oriented activities like treasure hunts, knight stories, crafts, fire shows, and magic performances. The site is used for private events, such as weddings and corporate gatherings, and features the Grenadier restaurant serving Austrian cuisine with Esterházy wines. Ongoing preservation ensures its historical integrity, with no major recent structural changes noted as of 2025.
As of 2025, the castle is open year-round with seasonal variations:
April to September, daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (last entry 5:00
p.m.); October to March, weekends, public holidays, and bridge days from
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last entry 4:00 p.m.). Ticket prices start at
€12–€19 for adults (exact figures vary; free with
Niederösterreich-Card), €8.50–€10 for children (6–15) and students, and
reduced rates for seniors/pupils; reptile zoo add-on is €8.50 for
children, €14.50 for adults. Tickets include access to exhibitions and
audio guides in multiple languages (e.g., German, English, Hungarian).
Guided tours (about 60 minutes) are available in German and Hungarian;
private English tours can be arranged via email (e.g.,
barbara.cacao@vienna-unwrapped.com or the official site). Family tours
with interactive elements occur twice daily at 10:00 a.m. and noon. The
castle is partially wheelchair and stroller accessible, with a café,
parking, and suitability for inclement weather.
Accessibility: From
Vienna, drive ~1 hour via A23 and A3 highways to the Forchtenstein exit.
By public transport, take the Railjet from Vienna Central to Graz,
switch at Wiener Neustadt to the Sopron train, alight at Mattersburg,
then a 12-minute taxi ride. Private day tours from Vienna (starting
~€490) include the castle, wineries, and Lake Neusiedl.
Tips:
Allocate 2–3 hours; visit weekends for reptile feeding (check Covid
restrictions); wear comfortable shoes for the uphill path; book tours in
advance via https://esterhazy.at/en/forchtenstein-castle. Combine with
nearby attractions like the reptile zoo or Esterházy Palace in
Eisenstadt.
Forchtenstein's unconquered status underscores its engineering prowess, making it a rare intact fortress in a region scarred by invasions. Its collections highlight the Esterházy's eccentricity, with faked genealogies and curiosities reflecting baroque whimsy. The armory and treasury provide unparalleled insights into European military and artistic history, while the reptile zoo adds a quirky modern twist. As a living testament to 600 years of Austrian-Hungarian nobility, it connects visitors to the Esterházy legacy, offering both educational depth and scenic allure in Burgenland's rolling hills.