Castle-Ticket

Forchtenstein Castle, which once served as the “vault” of the Esterházy princes, holds within its walls many things that were dear to the family: portraits of ancestors and famous personalities, precious treasures made by master craftsmen, memorabilia and wonders of nature as well as military equipment from the time of the Turkish wars. The castle ticket is the key to this world of passion for collecting, family history and wartime memories.

Guidet tours

Forchtenstein Castle, an imposing landmark of Burgenland and one of the oldest museum sites in Europe, long served as a “vault” for exquisite treasures and as a repository for the military equipment of the Esterházy princes. Visit the historic arsenal with its collections spanning more than four centuries. The former arsenal houses weapons and equipment from the 16th century and the Thirty Years' War, such as muskets, cuirasses, balaclavas, pikes, halberds and countless objects from local weapons production: Wooden blanks for rifles, cartridges, hand grenade barrels or cannonballs made from a wide variety of materials. Particularly impressive are cannons and hook rifles, which were not exactly harmless in use.

In addition to impressive militaria, you can also see highlights from other areas of the collection: special rarities and masterpieces from the Kunstkammer, Ottoman spoils and much more. The castle kitchen and bakery of the fortress give an impression of everyday working life in the past. At the end of the tour, take a look into the once vital well, which is around 50 meters deep.

Guided tour times on the opening days:

German: 10.00, 12.00, 14.00 and 16.00

Hungarian: 11.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m.

English: 1.00 p.m.

Esterhazy Treasury

German: 11.30 am and 3.30 pm

Hungarian: 12.30 and 13.30