Schloss Hof
Not far from Vienna, in the Lower Austrian Marchfeld region, a magnificent garden complex, splendid palace interiors, and an intact estate farm with around 220 delightful animals come together to form a baroque ensemble of remarkable harmony.
Sightseeing
Schloss Hof – Austria’s largest countryside palace complex welcomes visitors year‑round
IMPERIAL RELAXATION
The magnificent garden, originally laid out following the French model, is today considered one of the most important in Europe. Strolling along the many walkways, visitors are surrounded by the beauty and splendor of the estate: 16 hectares arranged over seven terraces with mythological sculptures, impressive fountain systems, meticulously shaped tree-lined avenues, and 35,000 flowers that bloom in spring or summer displays, depending on the season.
A mysterious labyrinth and a maze with an observation platform also invite visitors year‑round to “take a breath of fresh air” and enjoy leisurely walks. The wide range of themed gardens completes the experience, including the two orangery gardens, the herb garden, the Weinviertel farmhouse garden, the Paradise Garden, the tasting garden, as well as the mixed garden and the rose garden.
AN EXPERIENCE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Schloss Hof also impresses with its manor farm, home to around 220 animals. These include white Baroque donkeys, horses, ponies, camels, llamas, alpacas, sheep, goats, chickens, peacocks, turkeys, European ground squirrels, and Catalan giant donkeys. Visitors can get up close to many of the animals in the petting zoo. On selected dates, carriage rides and pony rides are offered. Younger visitors can enjoy the adventure and water playgrounds.
Interactive experience trails allow visitors to explore the manor farm through two exciting and adventurous circular routes. In the demonstration workshops, live pottery sessions take place on selected dates. There are also a basketry workshop, a distillery, and a wood‑turning workshop. The children’s and family area offers spaces for birthday parties and workshops, as well as a children’s theater and a creative studio.
GASTRONOMY
Located in the heart of the idyllic manor farm and overlooking the petting zoo is the restaurant “Zum weißen Pfau” ( The White Peacock ). In the patisserie, guests can enjoy light snacks or indulge in a traditional Austrian coffee break.
THE PALACE
In 1725, Prince Eugene of Savoy acquired Schloss Hof and had it expanded. In 1755, Maria Theresa purchased the country estate. Major alterations were carried out between 1773 and 1775, when an additional floor was added and the rooms of the first floor were redesigned. The magnificent palace interiors are located on the bel étage . The rooms of the east wing focus extensively on the life and work of the art‑loving military commander Prince Eugene of Savoy. Passing through the Baroque chapel and the Neoclassical ballroom, visitors reach Maria Theresa’s private apartments in the south wing.
SCHLOSS NIEDERWEIDEN
The former hunting lodge of Prince Eugene of Savoy and Maria Theresa - now part of the Schloss Hof site - is a true hidden gem. With its charm reminiscent of a French pleasure palace, it exudes a very special appeal.
Information
Exhibitions
Showcase Europe: Discovering the Banat | from 25 December 2019
The new exhibition focuses on the Banat, an almost forgotten region in the border area of Romania, Hungary, and Serbia. Objects, photographs, and historical travel accounts—based on the regional descriptions compiled for the so‑called Crown Prince’s Work —offer fascinating insights into everyday life in the Banat.
Special Sisi Exhibition | 21 March – 20 November 2020
Crown Prince Rudolf at Schloss Hof
This exhibition provides insight into the life of Crown Prince Rudolf, the only son of Empress Elisabeth. The focus is on his private life, from formative childhood experiences and his political views to his pronounced interest in the natural sciences.
Sisi – Human & Majesty at Schloss Niederweiden
Before this traveling exhibition embarks on its international tour, it will be shown at Schloss Hof. At the hunting lodge Schloss Niederweiden—part of the Schloss Hof site—this extraordinary woman, who remains surrounded by many mysteries, is explored in depth. Alongside previously unseen exhibits, the exhibition also presents the latest scholarly findings.
Further information: www.schlosshof.at