Grafenegg Castle

A historic castle next to a futuristic open-air stage in a landscaped park, a 19th century riding school next to a modern concert hall and much more await you in Grafenegg.

The slender turret on the courtyard side of Grafenegg Castle represents the late Gothic construction phase. The Renaissance period also had a lasting influence on the development of the castle, which in the first half of the 17th century was already a four-winged complex with two towering towers. A moat and four ramparts provided impressive protection. A chapel was built on the east side. This gave Grafenegg the shape that is still partially preserved today. The garden pavilion, where parties were celebrated and plays were performed, is a reminder of the Baroque period.

Following the example of English castles, a complex in the style of romantic historicism was to be built. The result was Grafenegg Castle as we know it today as a landmark: with its towering tower, grandiose facades, stylish staircases, atmospheric arcades and the beautiful chapel, which still houses an altar from the 15th century.

Today, the castle is an ensemble of 19th century English neo-Gothic style elements and 17th century components.

Grafenegg Castle Park

Historic landscape garden with modern influences

300 years of park history, rare plants from all over the world and contemporary works of art: the 32-hectare Grafenegg Castle Park offers historical, botanical and modern features in an impressive setting. It also provides a wonderful setting for outdoor parties, picnics or events in the pavilion.

The history
In the middle of the 17th century, a baroque star garden with a magnificent avenue of lime trees was first created in Grafenegg. The planting was strictly symmetrical and artificial - typical of gardens from the Baroque period.
The renovation of the palace in the mid-19th century also saw the transformation of the palace park into an arboretum - a collection of trees from all over the world was created, with 193 different conifers alone.
At the beginning of the First World War, the park became overgrown. It was only in more recent history that maintenance measures began and a revitalization project was launched in 2008. A walk through the park today reveals 300 years of park history.

Composer trees
Since 2007, each composer in residence at the Grafenegg Festival has planted a tree of their choice in the castle park. The collection of trees from all over the world, which began in the mid-19th century, is still being expanded every year with the composers' trees.

Garden pavilion
The pavilion was also renovated as part of the revitalization of the palace park. The former theater house, a late baroque building from the 18th century, now shines in new splendor and is used for events of all kinds - e.g. for private celebrations, civil weddings or lectures.

Art in the park
Since 2007, the Auditorium and the Wolkenturm (open-air stage) of the Grafenegg Festival have been architectural focal points in the park. In general, a new place for art and culture has been created in the park in recent years. Further outdoor sculptures have been erected and are freely accessible to the public. The "Wolke 7" interval bar is also impressive, inviting guests to enjoy a glass of wine or other refreshments before the concert, during the interval or on a leisurely stroll through the park.

Public arrival and departure

Bus/train
You can take the train from Vienna Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof, Spittelau or Heiligenstadt to Wagram-Grafenegg station. This is 2km from the Excursion destinations.
Cab
Cab Fries Krems: 02732/858 83 or 0664/210 33 55
Rittner Taxi KG: 02732/208