Laxenburg – what to see and do there

This time we visited Laxenburg in Austria as part of an organized trip. I don’t usually travel this way, but every now and then I choose convenience over hours of planning. It was nice to simply be taken there without worrying about parking or logistics. Especially since Laxenburg is a place where you want to save your energy for exploring rather than navigating.

LAXENBURG

Laxenburg’s history is deeply intertwined with the Habsburg dynasty, who used the area as a summer retreat for centuries. The jewel of the town is the Laxenburg Castle Park (Schlosspark Laxenburg)—one of the largest landscaped gardens in Austria. Despite its historical weight, Laxenburg is wonderfully accessible and easygoing. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:

SISI

After her splendid wedding with emperor Franz Joseph, empress Sisi spent her honeymoon in Laxenburg. She loved endless riding-outs through Laxenburgs woods. It was also in Laxenburg castle where her son crown prince Rudolph was born.

CASTLE PARK

The park is enormous—perfect for long walks, picnics, or simply getting lost among ancient trees and quiet ponds. It’s especially beautiful in spring and autumn. Park is full of historical landmarks. You simply have to see them all. The Park is opened daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., however the opening times differ depending on the season.

Tickets are avaiable at the official website’s shop: Onlineshop!

Park admission	Price
from 6 Children up to 14 years of age (with pupil ID card up to 18 years)	2,50
Annual season ticket	22,00
Adults	4,50
Annual season ticket	47,00
Dogs	4,00

TWO CASTLES

The Altes Schloss in Laxenburg began as a 13th‑century hunting castle surrounded by moats and later became part of the Habsburg estates. It was expanded under Albrecht III, renovated in baroque style by Lodovico Burnacini, and rebuilt after the 1683 Turkish attack. Until World War I, it served as a spring residence for the Habsburgs. Over time, the surrounding gardens were redesigned from Renaissance to baroque layouts, with major landscape changes in the 18th and early 19th centuries.

The Blauer Hof, first mentioned in 1544, passed through several owners before being significantly expanded by architect Lukas von Hildebrandt for Friedrich Karl Schönborn. Later acquired by Maria Theresia, it was enlarged again by Nicoló Pacassi, who reoriented the main entrance. Its façade is marked by strong corner projections and a central portico with a clock.

FRANZENSBURG

Franzensburg is one of the main attractions inside Laxenburg Castle Park. Although it looks like a medieval fortress, it was actually built in the period from 1799 to 1801, completed in 1835 under Emperor Franz II. The goal wasn’t to recreate a real historical castle. Basically it’s a reproduction of a medieval knights castle on an artificial island in the middle of the castles pond.

This makes Franzensburg a prime example of Romantic historicism, where the goal wasn’t authenticity but atmosphere. Think of it as the Habsburgs’ version of a fantasy castle.

Architecture and Layout

• The exterior is designed in a neo‑Gothic style, with towers, battlements, and stone walls.
• The castle sits on an artificial island in the middle of the park’s lake.
• Inside, you’ll find a mix of Gothic-style halls, wood-paneled rooms, and displays related to the Habsburg dynasty.

Franzensburg is closed during winter season, and it reopens on 28th of March 2026

FERRY

The ferry is operating from March 27^th to Novembre 1^st every year

Days open	Hours open
Monday – Friday	10.00 am to 6.30 pm
Saturday/Sunday/Public holiday	10.00 am to 6.30 pm

ARE YOU GOING?

Laxenburg is one of those places that quietly surprises you. It doesn’t shout for attention, but once you’re there, it wraps you in a sense of calm and timelessness. Whether you’re a history lover, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a peaceful day trip from Vienna, Laxenburg delivers a memorable experience.