Forchtenstein Castle
Forchtenstein, Austria
The Esterházy family’s treasure castle on the slopes of the Rosalia hills, with an armoury and a cabinet of curiosities.
Forchtenstein Castle lies in northern Burgenland, south of Mattersburg above the Wulka valley, at about 511 metres. It was built in the Middle Ages by the Lords of Mattersdorf (Mattersburg); sources differ on the date, naming around 1320 and the early 15th century. A keep about 50 metres high forms its core. Around 1450 the family died out in the male line, and the Habsburgs then held the castle for about 170 years.
In 1622 Emperor Ferdinand II handed it to Nikolaus Esterházy, who had it expanded into a fortress with Italian builders from the 1630s. The treasury is famous: it could only be reached through a secret passage and a door with two keys, one held by the prince and one by the treasurer. The castle served the Esterházys as treasury and archive and still belongs to the family.
For road trippers: according to Vienna Tourism, from November to December the castle is only open on a guided tour (Monday, Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm), and from April to October without a mandatory tour from 10 am to 5 pm. Check times beforehand (as of October 2026).
- Nearest town
- Forchtenstein, Austria
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 47.7106, 16.3317
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Austria: Vignette needed for motorways. Vehicles over 3.5 t need a GO-Box for distance-based tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping Stellplatz Wiener NeustadtMotorhome stopover14 km from Forchtenstein Castle · 5 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityFree
- Mobilheimplatz NeufelderseeCampsite18 km from Forchtenstein CastleElectricity
- Holiday-Fun-CampingCampsite18 km from Forchtenstein CastleTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Szt. Kristóf KempingCampsite24 km from Forchtenstein CastleTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Stellplatz KrumbachMotorhome stopover24 km from Forchtenstein CastleMotorhomesElectricityDogs allowedFree
- Zeltplatz Hohe Wand Blick-CampCampsite24 km from Forchtenstein CastleTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in Austria · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Forchtenstein Castle?
Forchtenstein Castle is in Forchtenstein, Austria, at GPS 47.7106, 16.3317. It is about 13 km from Wiener Neustadt.
Can you camp near Forchtenstein Castle?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping Stellplatz Wiener Neustadt, about 14 km away; within 25 km there are 7 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Forchtenstein Castle?
Forchtenstein Castle is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Burgenland: Lake Neusiedl and the Seewinkel.
What is there to see near Forchtenstein Castle?
Places worth a stop nearby: Sopron Old Town (20 km), Esterházy Palace (21 km), Neusiedler See–Seewinkel National Park (36 km) and Kőszeg Old Town (39 km).
When is the best time to visit Forchtenstein Castle?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)