Güssing is best known for its Güssing Castle, perched atop an extinct volcano and celebrated as the oldest castle in Burgenland. From this vantage point, you can take in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The region, framed by idyllic vineyards, tranquil nature reserves, and picturesque villages, is perfect for hiking, cycling, and indulging in culinary discoveries. Moreover, Güssing has gained recognition as a pioneer city in renewable energy.
Interesting: With its innovative approach, Güssing has established itself as a model region for energy self-sufficiency.
Top Highlights of Güssing
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Güssing Castle
Güssing, Burgenland, Austria
Majestically, Güssing Castle, the oldest preserved castle in Burgenland, sits atop a steep porphyry cone in the heart of the town. Since its first mention in 1157 under King Géza II. of Hungary, it has experienced a tumultuous history, ranging from the wooden fortification of Count Wolfer to becoming the cultural center of the Batthyány family in the 16th century.
Kastell Batthyány
Güssing, Burgenland, Austria
In the heart of Güssing stands the impressive Batthyány Castle, built in 1761 by Count Ludwig Ernst Batthyány as a more comfortable replacement for the medieval Güssing Castle. The multi-story building, with its distinctive hook-shaped layout, captivates with its glassed-in arcades on the east and north sides and is still inhabited by the Batthyány family today.
Batthyány-Familiengruft
Güssing, Burgenland, Austria
Beneath the Basilica of the Visitation of Mary in Güssing lies Austria's largest family crypt, where 153 members of the prominent Hungarian noble family Batthyány have found their final resting place. The cross-shaped structure was commissioned by Adam I. Batthyány in the mid-17th century, and he and his wife Aurora were buried in the crypt chapel. The neoclassical main portal, featuring a mourning angel, dates back to 1829 when Prince Philipp Batthyány-Strattmann had the crypt extensively renovated. Particularly impressive is the ornate sarcophagus created by Balthasar Ferdinand Moll for Karl Josef Batthyány—the same artist who designed many coffins in the Imperial Crypt in Vienna.
Schloss Draskovich
Güssing, Burgenland, Austria
On the slopes of the Schlossberg in Güssing stands the best-preserved classical castle in Burgenland. This impressive two-story building was started in the 18th century by the Batthyány family as a summer residence and completed in 1804.
Franciscan Monastery Güssing
Güssing, Burgenland, Austria
High above the town of Güssing stands the Franciscan monastery founded by Count Adam I. Batthyány in the 17th century, which was elevated to a Basilica minor in 2013. In the impressive crypt, the second-largest burial site in Austria after the Imperial Crypt in Vienna, the Batthyány family continues to hold burials to this day.
Güssing Parish Church (St. Jacobs Church)
Güssing, Burgenland, Austria
The Roman Catholic "Parish Church of Güssing" is located in the town of Güssing in the eponymous district in Burgenland. It is dedicated to Saint James and is therefore also known as the "Jakobikirche" or "Jakobuskirche." The sacred building, which belongs to the Güssing deanery in the Diocese of Eisenstadt, is a protected monument. Originating in the 9th century, it is one of the oldest still-preserved cultural monuments in Burgenland. Although nominally a parish church, it is primarily used today as a cemetery church. The majority of the services are held in the nearby Basilica of Güssing.
Kastell Güssing
Güssing, Burgenland, Austria
The "Güssing Castle" is a castle building located in the town of Güssing in the eponymous district in Burgenland. It is owned by the former noble family Batthyány and is a protected monument. Built in the 17th century, the castle was formerly the seat of the district administration of Güssing and is now used as a residential and office property.
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Location
Güssing is located in southern Burgenland, near the Hungarian border, nestled in the valley of the Strem River at an elevation of 229 meters. Surrounded by gentle hills and lush forests, this small town provides an almost cinematic setting – highlighted by the striking Güssing Castle, perched dramatically on an extinct volcano and visible from miles away.
Best Activities
Visit the Castle and the Churches
The Güssing Castle is undoubtedly the heart of the town. As the oldest castle in Burgenland, it recounts tales of power and glory, of the Batthyány family, who ruled the region for centuries, and of the wars it endured. Today, you can wander through its historic halls, delve into its fascinating past, and enjoy sweeping views of the landscape from the castle tower. Afterward, take a well-deserved break at the castle restaurant – the combination of the view and regional delicacies is truly unforgettable.
Directly below the castle, you'll discover the Franciscan Monastery with its baroque Basilica of the Visitation of Mary, a tranquil haven that holds one of the largest family crypts in Austria.
Further down in the valley, the modest yet charming Church of St. James stands as a treasure from the year 1200, peacefully situated amidst a serene cemetery.
Nature and Recreation
For nature lovers, the Weinidylle Nature Park offers an abundance of hiking and cycling trails meandering through picturesque vineyards and tranquil forests. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the Güssing Fish Ponds, a protected Ramsar site and a haven for rare species. Here, you can immerse yourself in nature’s beauty while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Excursions and Culinary Delights
A short drive away, the charming village of Heiligenbrunn awaits, renowned for its historic wine cellars and the distinctive Uhudler wine. In this delightful spot, you can savor the true essence of Burgenland with every sip and bite.
Travel Info
Best Time to Visit
Güssing in southern Burgenland enjoys a temperate continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The average annual high temperature is 13°C, peaking at 25°C in July and dropping to lows around 1°C in January.
The best time to visit is from May to September, when temperatures range from a pleasant 19°C to 25°C. For hiking or cycling, the months of May, June, and September are particularly ideal.
Getting There
By Bus
The Verkehrsbetriebe Burgenland GmbH provides bus connections to Güssing.
By Car
From Vienna: Take the A2 southbound and exit at Lafnitztal. Follow the B57 for about 30 minutes to reach Güssing.
From Graz: Head north on the A2 and exit at Ilz/Fürstenfeld. From there, continue about 30 minutes to Güssing.
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Events
The modern Güssing Cultural Center offers a vibrant contrast to the town’s historic setting, regularly hosting theater performances, concerts, and exhibitions. Summer is an especially exciting time, as the old castle transforms into a stage. Whether for a play or a concert, the unique backdrop is an experience in itself. If you're visiting in September, don't miss the Musical Güssing – an annual highlight of the region's cultural calendar.
