Located approximately one hour east from Vienna in Lower Austria, the baroque castle Schloss Hof represents Austria’s largest country castle complex. Spreading across 50 hectares, the site functions as both a museum and working farm, providing insights into 18th-century aristocratic life and traditional Austrian farming practices.
What Is the History of Schlosshof?
The history of Schlosshof begins in the medieval period, though the current baroque structure dates to the early 18th century. The estate was originally a smaller castle before being acquired by Prince Eugene of Savoy (1663-1736) in 1726. Prince Eugene, one of the Habsburg Empire's most successful military commanders, had previously commissioned Vienna’s Belvedere Palace as his private residence. One of Europe's most celebrated military commanders, Prince Eugene of Savoy served as the Habsburg Empire's greatest general.
He is known for his decisive victories against the Ottoman Empire and his role in the War of Spanish Succession. Apart from being a military strategist Prince Eugene was also a patron of arts and agriculture. His vision for Schloss Hof reflected his sophisticated tastes and progressive ideas about estate management.
At Schloss Hof, he transformed the property into an elaborate baroque residence and model farm estate. After his death in 1736, the property passed to Empress Maria Theresa, who gave it to her daughter-in-law, Empress Maria Ludovica. The estate experienced periods of decline, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries. By the late 20th century, much of the original baroque interior had been lost and the buildings required extensive restoration. The comprehensive renovation project completed in 2005 reconstructed the state rooms and gardens based on historical records and archaeological evidence.
Who Owns Schloss Hof?
Schloss Hof is currently owned and operated by Schönbrunn Group, a subsidiary of the Austrian Federal Government. The estate was transferred to state ownership and has been managed as a public cultural institution since its major restoration project was completed in the early 2000s. Between 1999 and 2005 the Austrian government invested approximately 30 million euros in the comprehensive renovation and reconstruction of the castle and grounds.
The Castle Interiors
The reconstructed state apartments display period-appropriate furnishings, decorative arts, and architectural details representative of early 18th-century aristocratic residences. In fact, the Imperial Apartments as you see them today largely reflect the taste of Empress Maria Theresa, who had the interiors changed when she took over the castle. In the first few rooms, visitors learn about the history and construction of Schloss Hof, as well as about the life, achievements and vast social networks of Prince Eugene of Savoy.
Among the most splendid rooms are the pink gaming room featuring colourful upholstered furniture and fine gaming tables with wooden inlays. Vibrant joyful patterns and flowery designs dominate the walls and furniture of bed rooms and various lounges. The rooms are furnished with a combination of original pieces and historically accurate reproductions. Another highlight of the interior tour is the small baroque chapel that spans across two storeys and features a breathtaking vaulted ceiling.
As you wander across the immaculately restored interiors it becomes clear that the restoration work was based on extensive historical research, including architectural surveys and period documentation. Throughout the castle, information panels provide context about the rooms' functions, the restoration process, and daily life during Prince Eugene's era. The interior tour typically takes 45-60 minutes and includes approximately 20 rooms. To visit the castle from Vienna, consider using a good private guide and transfer.
The Farm Estate
The estate operates as a working farm that demonstrates both historical and contemporary agricultural practices. When strolling across the compounds you will discover a small distillery room in the corner of a picturesque courtyard, featuring an original distillery apparatus. Next to the stables, a few original horse carriages are displayed next to a wall packed with mechanical tools. Nearby, a fully equipped farm kitchen provides insight into how food was processed and prepared 250 years ago.
Other than farm related buildings the compound opens access to several beautifully maintained vegetable gardens, orchards, and livestock areas that show how such estates functioned economically in the 18th century. Educational displays explain historical farming techniques, crop rotation methods, and the role of agriculture in supporting aristocratic households. The farm buildings have been restored to house these educational exhibits while maintaining their functional character. Seasonal activities may include planting, harvesting, and food processing demonstrations.
Lipizzaner Horses
Little known to the pubic, Schlosshof’s estate houses a breeding and training facility for Lipizzaner horses, the white stallions associated with the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. Visitors can observe these horses in pastures and stables, and occasionally witness training sessions. The baroque-style stables were part of the original 18th-century estate design. Information about the Lipizzaner breeding program, training methods, and the horses' historical significance is available through displays near the stables. The horses are typically visible throughout the day, though training demonstrations may have specific schedules that vary seasonally.
Gardens and Peacocks
The baroque garden complex features geometric parterre gardens, fountains, and terraced landscapes typical of 18th-century estate design. The gardens serve both ornamental and practical purposes, including areas for vegetable cultivation and fruit trees. Peacocks roam freely throughout the garden areas and can often be seen displaying their tail feathers. The garden layout includes both formal sections near the castle and more utilitarian areas that demonstrate the integration of decorative and productive landscaping. Seasonal plantings change throughout the year, with spring and summer offering the most diverse displays.
Animal Enclosures and Children's Facilities
The estate includes enclosures housing various domestic animals typical of traditional Austrian farms, including goats, sheep, cattle, and poultry. These animals are part of both the educational program and the working farm operations. The enclosures are designed to allow visitor observation while maintaining appropriate animal welfare standards. A playground area provides recreational facilities for children, featuring traditional wooden equipment designed to complement the historical setting. The playground is located within sight of the main visitor areas, allowing supervision while children play. Additional family-oriented activities may be available seasonally.
Onsite Restaurant
Housed in restored historic buildings the estate’s Restaurant Kräutergarten serves excellent Austrian regional cuisine. The menu includes both traditional dishes and contemporary options, with some ingredients sourced from the estate's own production. Offering both indoor seating and an outdoor terrace with views of the gardens the ‘Kräutergarten’ is certainly a good option for lunch and dinner.
Practical Information
Address: Schloss Hof 1, 2294 Schlosshof, Austria
Opening Times: The estate typically operates daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the main season (April through October), with reduced winter hours from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Specific opening times and seasonal closures should be confirmed through the official website before visiting.
Ticket Information: Standard admission tickets provide access to the castle interiors, gardens, farm areas, and animal enclosures. Adult tickets are generally priced around €16-18. For a more personalised experience and easy transfer from Vienna skip-the-line private tours and transfers are available.
Other ways to travel to Schloss Hof from Vienna: By car: Take the A4 motorway east from Vienna toward the airport, exit at Fischamend, then follow the B9 toward Hainburg. The journey is approximately 60 kilometers and takes about one hour under normal conditions. Parking is available on-site.
By public transport: Take the S7 S-Bahn line from Vienna to Wolfsthal station, then connect to regional bus service to Schlosshof. During peak season, direct bus services from Vienna may be available. The total journey time by public transport is typically 90-120 minutes.
