Forchtenstein castle
Eastern Austria is usually called a „castle country” because of the many beautiful castles Eastern Austria posess’. The fortress, on the eastern slope of the Rosaliengebirge hills in Burgenland, overlooks the Hungarian plains from a position so invincible that the Turks failed to seize it during their invasions between 1529 and 1683. The original building today known as the Forchtenstein castle, has walls up to 40 feet (12 meters) thick and was built in the 14th Century by the counts of Mattersdorf. The Esterházy family acquired the Forchstenstein castle in 1622 and gradually enlarged it, turning it into an armory that now has the largest collection of weapons in Central Europe.
Spring is a pleasant time to visit the Rosaliengebirge, since the many fruit orchards are in full bloom at this time of year. Summer tends to be hot (as in most of Central Europe), while autumn is known as the fruit-picking season.
Opening times 2017
6. January – 31. March
Special wintertour (german only) at 11.00 am, 1.00 and 15.00 pm
1. April – 31. October
open daily from 10 am to 6 pm
3. November – 17. December
Special wintertour (german only) at 11.00 am, 1.00 and 15.00 pm