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Burgenland

Flat as a topographically-challenged pancake, Burgenland is all about the Neusiedler See – a bucolic lake that attracts flocks of splashing holidaymakers and European birds. Away from the water fun, wine is the other main draw here, the region producing some of Austria's finest reds and whites. As far as urban pleasures go, the capital Eisenstadt possesses Burgenland's grandest castle with a strong Haydn association.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Burgenland.

Palace
Schloss Esterházy
Schloss Esterházy, a giant, ochre castle-palace that dominates Esterházyplatz, is by far Eisenstadt’s most compelling attraction. Dating from the 14th century, the Schloss received a baroque makeover and a later one in neoclassical style. Many of the 256 rooms are occupied by the provincial government, but around 25 can be viewed on tours. The regular tour covers about seven rooms, giving you an insight into the history of the palace and the lives of the people who inhabited it.
Castle
Burg Forchtenstein
Straddling a dolomite spur some 20km southwest of Eisenstadt, Burg Forchtenstein is one of Burgenland’s most imposing castles with a grand view from its ramparts. This stronghold was built in the 14th century and enlarged by the Esterházys, who still own it today, in 1635.
Castle
Burg Lockenhaus
Lockenhaus is famous for its castle, or more accurately, for its former resident Elizabeth Bäthory. Better known as the ‘Blood Countess’, she has gone down in history for her reign of terror early in the 17th century, when she reputedly tortured and murdered over 600 mainly peasant girls and women for her own sadistic pleasure. The castle has long been cleansed of such gruesome horrors but still contains the requisite and rather impressive torture chamber, complete with an iron maiden.
Museum
Österreichisches Jüdisches Museum
Situated in the former Judengasse – a street where Eisenstadt’s Jewish population lived in the Middle Ages – this museum has a permanent exhibition illustrating the rituals and lifestyle of Eisenstadt’s Jewish community. Descriptions are in German and Hebrew. Part of the museum is the private synagogue of Samson Wertheimer, who was born in Worms in Germany in 1658 and rose to the position of rabbi in Hungary. He financed the synagogue, and it was one of the few to survive after 1938.
Church
Bergkirche
This unusual, lumpy church, its exterior bedecked in life-size disco-dancing angels and saints, contains the white-marble tomb with Haydn’s remains. It began life as a small chapel and in 1701 was transformed into a bizarre representation of Calvary, the mountain outside Jerusalem upon which Christ is thought to have been crucified. The church is free but you have to pay admission to see the tomb and the view from this high-flying location.
Castle
Burg Güssing
The arresting Burg Güssing rises dramatically over the river and town. The castle, which is a mix of ruins and ongoing renovations, contains plenty of weapons that once belonged to the invading Turks and Hungarians, striking portraits from the 16th century and a tower with 360-degree views. There are also widescreen vistas from the ramparts.
Museum
Freilichtmuseum
A pleasant detour can be had at this museum, 5km west of Güssing, exploring the 30-odd buildings and their traditional furniture and fittings, thatched roofs and chunky beams, which capture the rural culture of Burgenland in the 18th and 19th centuries. Hosts concerts and events over the summer.
Museum
Felsenmuseum
This small museum in the town centre concentrates its displays on the gemstone serpentine and its local mining (it was first mined in the town in the mid-19th century). You'll also find a cool little all-day cafe down by the lake where you can have lunch or dinner.
Church
Katholische Kirche
The church’s tower is a good vantage point for observing storks' nests and the priest doesn't seem to mind. It’s located at the eastern end of Rathausplatz.