Castles and ruins in Burgenland

Burgenland’s landscape is defined by its strategic border history, resulting in a dense collection of fortifications and aristocratic residences. This list features medieval strongholds like Forchtenstein Castle, once an Esterházy treasury, and the hilltop ruins of Landsee. It also includes Baroque and Neoclassical estates such as Schloss Halbturn and the Esterházy Palace in Eisenstadt. From the moated Schloss Lackenbach to the fortified Güssing Castle, these sites showcase the architectural evolution from defensive bastions to lavish summer residences of the Batthyány and Esterházy families.

Castles and Ruins — Map

Helmuth Furch / Public domain

A

Forchtenstein Castle

Forchtenstein Castle is a castle built in the Late Middle Ages near the municipality of Forchtenstein in northern Burgenland, Austria.

Jayapura / CC BY 1.0

B

Esterházy Palace

14th century palace with distinctive Baroque and Neoclassical features. Take a guided tour through its lavish interior.

Herzi Pinki / CC BY-SA 3.0 at

C

Güssing Castle

Güssing Castle is a castle in southern Burgenland, Austria. On June 30, 1524, the castle was acquired by the Batthyány family, which retains…

Steindy / CC BY-SA 2.0 de

D

Burgau, Styria

Burgau is a municipality in the district of Hartberg-Fürstenfeld in Styria, Austria.

Steindy / CC BY-SA 2.0 de

E

Bernstein Castle

Bernstein Castle is a historical building in Bernstein im Burgenland, Austria, first mentioned in the 13th century.

Zeitblick / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Schloss Rotenturm

A 19th-century historicist country palace featuring neo-Renaissance elements. It is considered one of the most significant manor houses of its style in Burgenland.

Helmuth Furch / Public domain

G

Schloss Rohrau

Schloss Rohrau is a castle in the town of Rohrau in Lower Austria, bordering on Burgenland.

Bwag / CC BY-SA 4.0

H

Burg Schlaining

Burg Schlaining is a castle in Stadtschlaining in the Austrian state of Burgenland. Burg Schlaining is 378 metres above sea level.

Steindy / CC BY-SA 2.0 de

I

Schloss Lackenbach

A 16th-century Renaissance moated castle and one of the oldest residences of the Esterházy family. It currently houses a museum focused on nature and local history.

Josef Moser / CC BY-SA 3.0

J

Burgruine Landsee

Burgruine Landsee is a ruined castle located in the middle of the Austrian state of Burgenland, east of the village of Landsee in the Markt…

Ferdinand Schlanitz / CC-BY-SA-3.0

K

Schloss Kobersdorf

A Renaissance-style castle with medieval origins, known for its well-preserved inner courtyard. It serves as the primary venue for the annual Kobersdorf Castle Games theater festival.

HaSt / CC BY-SA 4.0

L

Schloss Tabor

Located in the Raab Nature Park near the borders of Hungary and Slovenia, this 15th-century fortification now hosts opera performances and cultural exhibitions.

M

Schloss Halbturn

Built in 1711 by Lucas von Hildebrandt, this Baroque palace served as a summer residence for the imperial family. It features a notable ceiling fresco by Franz Anton Maulbertsch.

E.mil.mil / CC BY-SA 3.0 at

N

Schloss Eberau

One of Austria's largest medieval moated castle complexes. Located in the Güssing district, the private estate is primarily viewed from the exterior.

Carnaubo / CC BY-SA 3.0

O

Schloss Draßburg

A Baroque palace complex featuring a French-style garden. The estate historically belonged to several noble families, including the Zichy and Nádasdy lines.

Helmuth Furch / Public domain

P

Schloss Königshof

A former administrative center for Heiligenkreuz Abbey’s Hungarian estates. The site has historical roots dating back to Roman times and medieval monastic management.

Ufoao / CC BY-SA 3.0 at

Q

Schloss Jormannsdorf

A 16th-century Renaissance castle near Bad Tatzmannsdorf. The building features a late-Gothic chapel and has historically served as a recovery home and educational facility.

Christian Pirkl / CC BY-SA 4.0

R

Ödes Schloss

The ruins of a medieval hilltop castle situated above the Faludi Valley. Only wall fragments and foundations remain of this former defensive site near Rechnitz.

Philipp7423 / CC BY-SA 4.0

S

Schloss Batthyány

A late Baroque palace in Pinkafeld that served as a residence for the Batthyány family. It now houses a vocational school and local historical collections.

Other Lists

Burgenland's Crown Jewels: Must-See Attractions Historic Churches and Religious Sites Nature's Vistas and Wonders Regional Cuisine & Wineries