Artstetten Castle with its characteristic seven towers stands in the middle of an idyllic park in the southern Waldviertel, not far from the Danube. The castle looks back on an eventful history, as it served as the family seat and summer residence of the imperial family and became the final resting place for heir to the throne Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie Duchess of Hohenberg. A museum dedicated to the heir to the throne offers visitors the opportunity to meet one of the most fascinating personalities of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy.
A historic natural palace park to discover
The private natural palace park at Artstetten is one of the most important historical parks in Austria. Here you can stroll through history in the footsteps of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Discoveries such as the idyllic bathing pavilion, the original beginnings of the park landscapes of Emperor Franz I and Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the chestnut avenue laid out according to geomantic guidelines and the rose garden with its "spitting men" await explorers. From May to July in particular, over 1,000 peonies present themselves in their full bloomed splendor.
Culinary delights and opening hours
In the cozy Schloss Café, you can enjoy the Austrian coffee house tradition in an ambience steeped in history. Whether after a visit to an exhibition, a church tour or an excursion: the Schloss Café is always worth a visit. It is open from April 1 to November 1 on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 a.m.; in July and August it is even open every day.
The museum can be visited daily from April 1 to November 1 from 10:00 to 16:30.
