Carnival of the Animals

Old Austrian animals at Schloss Hof in Lower Austria: Noriker horses, white donkeys, peacocks, Lipizzans, alpacas and camels at the Meierhof in Marchfeld

Animal moving in at the castle: Camels, white donkeys, peacocks and Lipizzans populate the baroque Meierhof in Lower Austria. The focus is on old Austrian and rare pet breeds.

White baroque donkeys, peacocks, Noriker horses, alpacas, Sulmtaler chickens can camels inhabit the Meierhof. More than 200 old Austrian and rare pets are at home at Schloss Hof palace, where Maria Theresa’s children played.

Celebrate like the royal children

Magnificent animal parades, colourful family celebrations with horse and donkeys or celebrating birthdays like a royal child – small castle guests especially feel at home in the midst of the large animal crowd at the Meierhof. In spring, however, visitors are primarily drawn to the young animals: Then, among other things, small four-horned goats and the lambs of the racket and spectacled sheep romp across the meadows.

Living History

Schloss Hof palace was established around 1720 as a country and hunting seat for Prince Eugene. In the second half of the 18th century, Empress Maria Theresa bought the plot. She spent many summer months with her family and court here. This courtly spirit still blows through the palace complex today.