Eisenstadt

Burgenland, Austria

Austria Burgenland

Eisenstadt

Eisenstadt, the small and charming capital of Burgenland, is characterized by baroque splendor and a deep connection to music. The magnificent Esterházy Palace and the Bergkirche, home to the Haydn Mausoleum, evoke the glorious era of the Esterházy princes and Joseph Haydn, who lived and composed here for over 40 years. The surrounding vineyards invite you to enjoy leisurely walks and delightful wine tastings, while the nearby Leitha Mountains offer an array of cycling and hiking trails.

Top Highlights of Eisenstadt

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Esterházy Palace

Eisenstadt, Burgenland, Austria

In the Austrian town of Eisenstadt stands the magnificent Esterházy Palace, which has its roots in a Gothic castle from the 13th century. Owned by the Esterházy family since 1622, the estate was initially transformed into a Baroque palace and took on its current neoclassical form in the early 19th century.

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Esterházy Park

Eisenstadt, Burgenland, Austria

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Bergkirche

Eisenstadt, Burgenland, Austria

The majestic Bergkirche Eisenstadt, also known as the Haydn Church, stands west of the Calvary Hill and holds a special musical legacy. Originally planned as a pilgrimage church by Paul Esterházy in the early 18th century, the construction was completed only in 1803 under the rule of the Esterházys.

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Landesmuseum Burgenland

Eisenstadt, Burgenland, Austria

closed till 2026

Eisenstadt Cathedral

Eisenstadt, Burgenland, Austria

As a Gothic hall church with its distinctive double-tower facade, St. Martin's Cathedral has shaped the skyline of Eisenstadt since the 16th century. Originally designed as a fortified church, the building was rebuilt after a fire in the late 16th century and was elevated to the cathedral of the Diocese of Eisenstadt in 1960.

Haydn-Home

Eisenstadt, Burgenland, Austria

In the historic center of Eisenstadt, you will discover the Haydn House, where the famous composer Joseph Haydn lived and worked from 1766 to 1778. This two-story building, dating back to the 16th century, features a light gray Baroque facade and now houses a fascinating museum that offers you an authentic glimpse into Haydn's world through original furniture and wall paintings.

Kultur Kongress Zentrum

Eisenstadt, Burgenland, Austria

Raiffeisen Jubilee Tower

Eisenstadt, Burgenland, Austria

The "Raiffeisen Jubilee Tower" is an observation tower in the Burgenland city of Eisenstadt. It is located above the Gloriette at an elevation of 356 m and on the southeast slope of the 484 m high Sonnenberg, the highest mountain of the Leitha Mountains.

Gloriette

Eisenstadt, Burgenland, Austria

High above Esterházy Castle stands the Gloriette of Eisenstadt - a temple-like structure from the early 19th century, designed by the French architect Charles de Moreau on behalf of Prince Nikolaus II. Esterházy. This neoclassical building, with its four Ionic columns, is located about a kilometer from the castle and offers you an impressive view of the region from its elevated position.

Leopoldinentempel

Eisenstadt, Burgenland, Austria

In the eastern part of the Esterházy Castle park, you will find the elegant Leopoldine Temple, which was built between 1818 and 1819 over a pond with a grotto and cascades. This neoclassical round building is surrounded by 19 columns with palmette capitals and features a flat dome.

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Best Activities

Esterházy Palace & Park

Once the seat of the illustrious Esterházy family, Eisenstadt still bears their distinctive legacy. At its heart lies Esterházy Palace, a baroque masterpiece that captivates with its ornate state rooms, including the renowned Haydn Hall. The palace offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of the 18th century’s most powerful noble families.

Afterward, enjoy a peaceful walk through the Esterházy Park. Originally designed as a baroque garden, it was later transformed into a picturesque English landscape park. Meander along idyllic pathways, discover romantic grottoes, pass by the Leopoldine Temple, and visit the charming orangery.

Bergkirche

Another must-see is the Bergkirche, an impressive baroque pilgrimage church. Here, you'll find the mausoleum of Joseph Haydn, the musical genius who spent much of his life in Eisenstadt.

Haydn Trail in Eisenstadt

The Haydn Trail guides you to key locations tied to the life and work of composer Joseph Haydn. This circular route features 10 stops, including the Haydn Church, Haydn House, and Esterházy Palace. Each stop reveals insights into Haydn’s life and his enduring legacy. This trail is a great way to get to know the city. (Map of the Haydn Trail)

Old Town

Eisenstadt’s historic Old Town is quite compact, yet far from ordinary. As you wander through the cobblestone streets, you'll discover cozy cafés, wine taverns, and beautifully preserved townhouses that give the city its distinctive character.

Excursions near Eisenstadt

If you’re seeking a bit more nature, the Neusiedler See is just a short drive away. This popular steppe lake is a haven for cyclists, birdwatchers, and water sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re sailing, cycling, or simply enjoying the serene surroundings, it’s an ideal destination for a day trip.

For those eager to explore the countryside, the Leitha Cycle Path B11 is an excellent choice. The route takes you through picturesque landscapes, perfect for a leisurely bike ride. Along the way, stop at local Heurigen taverns to savor regional wines and authentic Burgenland hospitality.

Wine lovers will also appreciate a tasting tour at the nearby wineries. The region is renowned for its white wines, especially Welschriesling and Grüner Veltliner. Many winemakers offer guided tours and tastings, providing a deeper insight into the art of winemaking.

Travel Information

Best Travel Time

The ideal time to visit Eisenstadt is between May and September, when the weather is pleasant, and numerous events enliven the city. However, these months also attract the most visitors, particularly in May, July, and August.

Getting There

Location

Eisenstadt lies at the southern foothills of the Leitha Mountains, approximately 60 km south of Vienna and just 12 km from the Hungarian border.

By Public Transport

Eisenstadt is conveniently connected to Vienna by train. Several trains, typically running hourly, depart daily from Vienna’s Hauptbahnhof. The fastest connection via Regional Express (REX 65) takes about 1 hour.

Alternatively, the Regional Bus 200 provides a direct route from Vienna Hauptbahnhof to Eisenstadt. The journey takes roughly 75 minutes, or just 60 minutes for direct connections.

By Car

Driving from Vienna to Eisenstadt takes approximately 45 minutes, covering a distance of about 60 kilometers.

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Events

Eisenstadt offers a diverse lineup of events throughout the year:

HERBSTGOLD – Festival in Eisenstadt: Held annually in September at Esterházy Palace, this festival features a rich program spanning classical, jazz, and world music, attracting visitors from near and far.
Concert Series at Esterházy Palace: Known for its exceptional concerts, Esterházy Palace will host world-class artists in 2024, including Sir Simon Rattle, András Schiff, and Julia Hagen. The program includes works by Joseph Haydn alongside contemporary compositions.
Christmas Markets: The festive Christmas market in the pedestrian zone offers an array of handicrafts and local delicacies. Additional markets at Esterházy Palace and Forchtenstein Castle provide a magical holiday experience with their enchanting historic settings.
New Year’s Eve at Schlossplatz: Ring in the New Year with Burgenland’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration, set against the stunning backdrop of Esterházy Palace. Live music, delicious food, and a spectacular fireworks display make for an unforgettable start to the year.
Cultural Congress Center Eisenstadt: This versatile venue hosts a variety of events, from concerts to theater performances, ensuring a vibrant cultural experience for every taste.