Burg Forchtenstein

Introducing Burg Forchtenstein

Straddling a dolomite spur some 20km southwest of Eisenstadt, Burg Forchtenstein (02626-812 12; www.burg-forchtenstein.at, in German; Melinda Esterházy-Platz 1; guided tour of castle & arsenal adult/student & child/family €7/6/20, treasury €9/8/27; 10am-6pm Apr-Oct) is another of Burgenland’s imposing castles. This stronghold was built in the 14th century and enlarged by the Esterházys (who still own it today) in 1635. Apart from a grand view from its ramparts, the castle’s highlights include an impressive collection of armour and weapons, portraits of regal Esterházys in the Ahnengalerie (Ancestoral Gallery; adult/student & child/family €6/5/18) and spoils from the Turkish wars (the castle curators will proudly tell you Forchtenstein was the only castle in the area not to fall to the Turks). Its Schatzkammer (treasury) contains a rich collection of jewellery and porcelain.