Photo: Burgenland Tourismus | stillsandemotions

Schloss Lackenbach

Lackenbach, Burgenland

burgführung

The "newly built" Lackenbach Castle is first mentioned in 1553 in the purchase agreement for the Landsee dominion by Nikolaus Oláh, Archbishop of Gran. The noble residence was not only used for economic and administrative purposes, but also offered better living comfort due to its location on the plain than the nearby, militarily oriented Landsee Castle. Through the marriage of Count Nikolaus Esterházy (1583-1645) with Ursula Dersffy, who had inherited Archbishop Oláh's property, the Landsee-Lackenbach dominion came into the possession of the aspiring young nobleman in 1612. Until 1628, Lackenbach Castle was the main residence of the Esterházy family and, with the office of Palatine, which Nikolaus held from 1625, also the seat of the Hungarian Viceroy. In 1620, the castle was the scene of an event of immense family-historical and political significance – the Battle of Lackenbach: Around the clashes between the Imperial troops and the Transylvanian prince Gábor Bethlen, his troops also reached the possessions of Nikolaus Esterházy. Although an imperial relief army and the brave Neckenmarkt farmers came to his aid and that of his men besieged in Lackenbach Castle, it was ultimately the courageous sally of the Habsburg-loyal Nikolaus that broke and ended the siege. The architecture of the castle follows the Renaissance idea of a symmetrical division of the landscape. This is still evident today in the field lines, avenues, hedges, moats, paths, as well as the surrounding walls and the arrangement of trees in the orchards. Its state of preservation is unique for a Renaissance complex; this also applies to the orchard with old and very rare fruit trees from the 19th century and the "Königshügel" (King's Hill) made of earth from the 17th century. Exhibition "The Courtly Hunt of the Esterházy Princes" The courtly hunt as a status symbol of the princes was part of aristocratic cultural history. Evidence of this hunting passion of the Esterházy princes, lived through the centuries, includes the numerous preserved hunting rifles, among them air rifles, bird shotguns, wheel-lock rifles, rifles for boys, but also curiosities such as a poacher's rifle. The theme of hunting also found its way into the Esterházy library and was reflected not least in hunting scenes on exquisite porcelain. The exhibition in Lackenbach Castle shows historical exhibits from four centuries of Esterházy hunting culture. NEW: In commemoration of the "Battle of Lackenbach 1620", Lackenbach Castle, in cooperation with the Fahnenschwinger- und Weinbaumuseum Neckenmarkt (Flag-waver and Viticulture Museum Neckenmarkt), is presenting an annual exhibition. Equipment such as glass and iron hand grenades, basket shot, projectiles for wall guns, etc., document the means of war once used. Garden and Museum Tour The tour begins at the Arboretum, where you can discover rare trees and listen to exciting stories, for example about sequoias. It continues through the in-house vegetable garden into the historic inner courtyard with its impressive Renaissance arcades. Afterwards, the museum is visited together. Finally, in the café, you can enjoy the specially created Esterházyschnitten-Eis (Esterházy slice ice cream) with special ice cream specialties or refresh yourself with small snacks, cakes, and refreshments. Opening hours: Friday to Sunday and public holidays from 10:00 to 17:00. Free entry with the Niederösterreich-Card. Café opening hours: July 1 - September 6: Daily 10:00 to 17:00 September 7 - December 22: Friday - Sunday and public holidays 10:00 to 17:00 MUSEUM ADMISSION Without guided tour Adults: € 8.00 Reduced*: € 6.00 Families: € 17.00 With guided tour Adults: € 10.00 Reduced*: € 8.00 Families: € 19.00 *Students, university students, seniors