Liechtenstein Castle Near Vienna: Expectations, Photos, Tips
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Castles are one of the things I always find fascinating about Europe. They’ve been my fantasies after I saw how historic, noble, and magical they are in my favorite movies. ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Merlin’ from 2008 are just two of the movies that sparked my wanderlust for Europe.
In my opinion, Salzburg is undoubtedly the city in Austria to visit if you want to see impressive castles like Hohensalzburg Fortress and Hohenwerfen Fortress.
If you’re staying in Vienna for a few days, however, and also want to see a castle, you could take a day trip to Salzburg or simply visit Liechtenstein Castle. Similar to Laxenburg Castle Park and Kreuzenstein Castle, Liechtenstein Castle is a castle in Lower Austria, right on the outskirts of Vienna. And similar to Melk Abbey, it’s a breeze to get there — you’re looking at less than an hour on public transport from the city! Liechtenstein Castle, along with the two other castles I mentioned, are among the easiest day trips you can take from Vienna.
But, before you go there, let’s chat about what you can look forward to when you visit Liechtenstein Castle. Let’s set your expectations.
Good to know
Not familiar with Liechtenstein Castle? Here are some interesting facts…
- Tracing its roots back to the early twelfth century, Liechtenstein Castle served as the ancestral home of the House of Liechtenstein, which is how it got its name.
- The Liechtenstein Castle, bearing the scars of the 1529 Siege of Vienna, was decimated during the Ottoman onslaught. Yet, it was resurrected by a Liechtenstein Prince who, in 1808, repurchased their ancestral castle that had been pledged to other royals.
- Following its reconstruction, Liechtenstein Castle has emerged as an architectural marvel, showcasing a fusion of Romanesque and Historicism styles. It has also served as the backdrop for films, including the 1993 version of ‘The Three Musketeers’.
- Nowadays, Liechtenstein Castle is considered one of the most beautiful castles (not a palace) in Austria; a must-visit spot in Vienna for wanderers and enthusiasts of history.
Should you visit Liechtenstein Castle? Here’s what I can say…
While Liechtenstein Castle is a time-transporting destination and easily reachable medieval castle from Vienna, it doesn’t necessarily need to be the first thing on your Vienna trip agenda.
It’s worth mentioning that Liechtenstein Castle might not cater to all preferences, and Vienna offers a plethora of other incredible places to explore. For example, you can start exploring Vienna’s Ringstrasse which is lined with architectural marvels. Alternatively, you can wander in the Old Town and discover some interesting little gems. The churches are great places to visit, too, like Stephansdom, Karlskriche, and Peterskirche.
However, I would still recommend a visit, especially for those who haven’t yet savored the distinct ambiance of a medieval castle. Generally, with the experiences that Liechtenstein Castle offers, anyone with an appreciation for culture, history, or perhaps architecture would find a visit to Liechtenstein Castle worthwhile. Anyhow, judging by its appearance, it’s easy to understand why Liechtenstein Castle is a place that every romantic traveler and wanderer will enjoy.
If you’re carrying a Vienna Pass, you can get into Liechtenstein Castle without paying a dime. It’s just another great perk of having this pass!
A glimpse to Liechtenstein Castle (outside and inside)
What’s in the Castle
When you visit Liechtenstein Castle, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine. The moment you pass through the rustic iron gate and climb the old staircase with its wooden handrails, you’re instantly transported back centuries.
As you wander through the rooms filled with antique furniture, you’ll get a sense of what life was like for the dynastic members of the House of Liechtenstein and other ruling families. The animal skins and antlers decorating the castle halls give you a glimpse into the leisure activities of the nobility.
Mannequins dressed in medieval attire help you visualize dukes and princes spending time with their families within the castle walls. And the display of medieval armors and weapons, including cannons, swords, and rifles, as well as arrow slits, conjure up images of the fierce battles that once raged here.
Portraits of the castle’s owners adorn the room walls, and it’s easy to picture them sitting by the castle’s window, their gaze lost in the surrounding wilderness.
Yes— you can also ascend to the higher parts of the castle, where windows and balconies offer breathtaking views.
You can also tour the old kitchen of Liechtenstein Castle. As you see the old kitchenware, you can almost visualize the castle cooks busily preparing a dinner for the family who once called this castle home.
One of the most fascinating discoveries I made at Liechtenstein Castle was a medieval maid’s bed, carved into the wall in the shape of a half-moon. Also, I found a unique painting of the Liechtenstein Castle that included a literal family tree, where each fruit bore the name of a family member.
If you’re experiencing these medieval scenes for the first time, I’ll bet you’ll find the experience unforgettable!
Not to mention—The castle’s romantic appearance and its idyllic location combine to create a vibe straight out of a fairytale. The imposing tower, with its medieval might, took my breath away as I gazed at it from the grassy trail near the castle’s entrance.
More Pictures of the Castle
To give you more ideas of what else you can expect in Liechtenstein Castle, take a look at the pictures of the interesting things and beautiful parts of the castle below.
What to Expect?
Visiting Liechtenstein Castle can be a unique experience, but there are aspects that could be improved. For instance, wouldn’t it be great to explore the castle at your own pace? Currently, you can only enter the castle as part of a guided tour. This is because the castle is privately owned.
The tour itself only covers a small portion of the castle, lasting about an hour and visiting just 5 to 6 rooms. It can get a little stressful, particularly if you’re not comfortable with large tour groups. These groups can get quite large, especially during peak season. However, don’t worry about the group size becoming overwhelming. If a group is too large, it’s split into smaller groups, each with its own guide.
During the tour, you’ll learn that the castle was plundered after World War II. As a result, it may not be as packed with exhibits as other European castles. On the bright side, there are still many time-transporting objects inside. And most importantly, the tour guides are very knowledgeable and fluent in both English and German. They’re eager to answer any questions you might have, ensuring an informative visit. Very professional. So, don’t hesitate to ask questions and make the most of your visit to Liechtenstein Castle!
Just so you know, there are more ways to check out Liechtenstein Castle. You can do a night tour of the castle or splurge a bit on the Grand tour. It’s a bit pricier, but it lets you see more of the castle, like the tower, treasury, and the fireplace room. You can snag your tickets online. Check out the resources section of this post for the link.
Visitor’s Information
How long is the visit
A laid-back trip to Liechtenstein Castle from Vienna typically takes about half a day, or four hours. This includes the tour inside the castle, the travel time to and from the castle, a meal or snack at the castle’s restaurant, and a short hike for a better view of the castle’s exterior.
If you’re driving, you could potentially reduce the trip to three hours by eliminating the time spent on ticket purchases and waiting for public transportation. For those using public transportation, it’s recommended to check the tour schedules on the Liechtenstein Castle’s official website (linked at the resources section of this post).
By checking the tour schedules on the Liechtenstein Castle’s official website, you can align it with the bus and train departure times from Vienna. This way, you can plan your journey in such a manner that you arrive just in time for the tour, thereby reducing the time spent waiting for the next tour to start.
Getting there
Getting to Liechtenstein Castle from Vienna is a breeze, especially if you’re driving. You can expect to arrive in about 25 to 30 minutes if you’re starting from the city center or the Ring Road. The castle has parking, but keep in mind it can fill up during peak times. The lot is a short 8 to 10-minute walk from the castle.
If you’re taking public transit, it’s a two-step journey that ideally takes around 30 minutes. However, if you’re new to the system or if the schedules don’t line up perfectly, it could take up to an hour. Here’s how you do it:
First, catch a train from the city’s main station to the town of Mödling. Once you arrive at Mödling’s main station, look for the 262 buses. Hop on one and get off at the castle’s driveway on Johannesstrasse (or Maria Enzersdorf Siedlungsstraße). From there, it’s just a quick 5 to 8-minute hike up to Liechtenstein Castle.
When you’re ready to head back to Vienna, just reverse the journey. And if you have some time, consider exploring Mödling. It’s a charming medieval town with beautiful churches and mural-painted houses, reminiscent of those in Tirol and Bavaria.
Resources
And that’s all you need to know about visiting Liechtenstein Castle from Vienna. I hope I’ve sparked some ideas about what to expect at the castle and how to get there. If you’re looking for more details like practical info or other ways to experience the castle, the links below are a great place to start.
- Official website of Liechtenstein Castle
- Liechtenstein Castle Practical Information
- Vienna Pass (covers the entry to the Liechtenstein Castle)
Planning a day trip from Vienna? You must be spending a few days in the city. If you haven’t secured accommodations yet, here’s where you can find the best hotel deals in the city. This hotel search and booking platform features a map, which will certainly assist you in quickly finding a hotel in the most convenient location. This is an affiliate link, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you book a hotel through it. It’s a fantastic way to support WanderInEurope, enabling us to continue creating more guides like this that may also be of help to you in the future. Thank you!
Beyond Liechtenstein Castle and the other day trip destinations I’ve mentioned, the Danube Tower is another spot worth visiting outside the historic center. It’s a must-see if you’re after panoramic views of Vienna.
But before you head out on a day trip, make sure you’ve taken the time to visit the city’s magnificent palaces. I love their stunning artistic interiors. These include the Habsburg’s Summer Residence — Schonbrunn Palace with its picturesque spots; the Habsburg’s Winter Residence, or Hofburg; and Belvedere Palace, home to notable artworks. These three palaces are among the places where you can truly witness the undeniable beauty of Vienna.
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