Tourism highlights
Group offers 2025
Esterhazy Palace EISENSTADT
Forchtenstein Castle FORCHTENSTEIN
Lackenbach Palace LACKENBACH
Quarry ST. MARGARETHEN
One-stop-shop for all attractions
Esterhazy Palace EISENSTADT
The Esterhazy Tourism team will be happy to help you put together a bespoke programme of special activities for your group* at the Esterhazy tourist attractions. We’re sure you’ll be inspired by all that we have to offer!
*Group offers available for a minimum of 15 or 20 people or more
Castle FORCHTENSTEIN
Palace
Esterházy Palace, with the world-famous Haydn Hall – a jewel among concert halls –is regarded as one of Austria’s most beautiful baroque palaces.
Forchtenstein Castle is one of Burgenland’s landmark attractions. This is where Prince Paul I first established the legendadary Esterházy treasure vault. To this day it is a repository for the Esterházy family’s collection of weapons and machines.
Lackenbach Palace is an idyllic Renaissance estate in the heart of Burgenland, where one option is a historicalbotanical guided tour of the gardens. You’re bound to be inspired by the natural surroundings.
The St. Margarethen Quarry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, is among the biggest and oldest quarries in Europe and now home to one of Europe’s most stunning open-air arenas.
Enjoy the diversity of Pannonian wines on a visit to the Esterhazy Winery. Here, the traditions and excellent conditions of one of the world’s top wine-growing regions are combined with expertise in cultivating great wines.
Covering a total of around 2,200 hectares, the Esterhazy Organic Farm is one of the biggest in Austria. A visit to the Seehof in Donnerskirchen is a chance to learn more about organic farming, and enjoy the produce.
Forchtenstein
Lackenbach
LACKENBACH
Quarry ST. MARGARETHEN
THE PALACE TICKET WITHOUT GUIDED TOUR
NON-GUIDED VISIT
Esterházy Palace
EISENSTADT
See the palace state rooms, parts of the Princess’s Apartments, exhibitions about Joseph Haydn and Princess Melinda Esterházy, and the Wine Museum in the historic cellar vaults.
from € 13 p.p.
Takes: as long as you like
THE PALACE TICKET WITH GUIDED TOUR
INCL. TIME FOR NON-GUIDED VISIT
To cater for the special interests of any group, there are three tours to choose from: The Esterházy Princely Family, Haydn & Esterházy, Wine & Esterházy.
from € 18 p.p.
Takes: approx. 1 hour + time for non-guided visit
Additional tour: Takes: approx. 30 minutes, supplement € 5 p.p.
SPINE-TINGLING MUSICAL EXPERIENCE
Listen to Joseph Haydn’s music in the place where it was first performed. The famous maestro and “father of the string quartet” was employed by the Esterházy princes for about 40 years. This is also where he wrote the legendary “Kaiserlied” which is now the German national anthem.
Takes: approx. 2.5 hours
Includes:
• Welcome with champagne
• Entrance to the Summer Matinee*
• Palace Ticket with guided tour: free choice of subject area
from € 44 p.p.
*3 July - 29 August: every Thursday and Friday at 11.00 hrs
PANNONIAN TREATS BESIDE THE ESTERHÁZY PALACE
Enjoy a wonderful culinary experience in an exclusive venue close to the palace, followed by a chance to explore the Esterházy Palace.
Includes:
• 2-course meal at the Henrici or PAULGARTEN restaurant
• Palace Ticket with guided tour – focussing on “The Esterházy Princely Family”
from € 43 p.p.
Takes: approx. 2.5 hours
GARDEN TOUR OF THE ESTERHÁZY PALACE PRIVATE PARK
Enjoy special access to the private palace park, not normally open to the public, and discover the fascinating neoclassical side of Esterházy Palace.
Can only be booked in combination with a Palace Ticket with guided tour
from € 6 p.p.
Takes: approx. 30 minutes
TRACING JOSEPH HAYDN’S LIFE IN EISENSTADT
Featuring original instruments and special project installations, the “Haydn Explosive” exhibition brings to life the story of Joseph Haydn, musical genius and court musician to the Esterházy princely family. The highlight of the tour is the Haydn Hall, world-renowned for its acoustics.
Takes: approx. 3 hours
Includes:
• Guided walking tour of the town to visit the locations where Joseph Haydn produced his work
• Palace Ticket with guided tour – focussing on: Haydn & Esterházy
from € 29 p.p.
THE CASTLE TICKET WITHOUT GUIDED TOUR
NON-GUIDED VISIT
Burg Forchtenstein FORCHTENSTEIN
The exhibitions in the keep of the baroque Forchtenstein Castle carry you back to times long gone. There’s something special to discover round every corner in this historic place.
Takes: as long as you like
from € 13 p.p.
THE CASTLE TICKET WITH GUIDED TOUR
INCL. TIME FOR NON-GUIDED VISIT
Visit the historic armoury with its collections built up over more than four centuries. As well as this impressive militaria, you will also see highlights from other collections: specially selected rare items and masterpieces from the Treasure Chamber, goods looted from the Ottomans and much more. In the fortress’s kitchen and bakery, you get a real feel for what working life here must once have been like.
Length of the tour: approx. 1 hour + time for non-guided visit
from € 18 p.p.
Additional tour “Treasures & Curiosities”, takes: approx. 30 minutes, supplement € 5 p.p.
HISTORY AND FINE FOOD
This visit explores the highlights of the fascinating castle complex and its magnificent collections. Accompanied by our expert guides, you will discover some of the wonderful exhibits in the baroque keep. To finish, a 2-course meal featuring local produce prepared to the highest standard awaits you at the Café Restaurant Grenadier.
Takes: approx. 3 hours
Includes:
• Castle ticket with guided tour – “Grenades, Flags, Grenadiers – Time travel through the castle’s collections”
• Additional tour: “Treasures & Curiosities”
• 2-course lunch at the Café Restaurant Grenadier
from € 45 p.p.
GRENADES, FLAGS, GRENADIERS –TIME TRAVEL THROUGH THE CASTLE’S COLLECTIONS
The castle dates back to the 13th century. In 1626, it was acquired by the Esterházy family and it was they who shaped how it looks today: Forchtenstein Castle, a mighty fortress that is one of Burgenland’s most imposing landmarks. Following the tour, you enjoy some sweet treats at the Café Restaurant Grenadier, where contemporary practicality is combined with the patina of antiquity in the “Red Bastion” part of the castle.
Includes:
• Castle ticket with guided tour – “Grenades, Flags, Grenadiers –
Time travel through the castle’s collections”
• Coffee and strudel at the Café Restaurant Grenadier
Takes: approx. 1.5 hours
from € 28 p.p.
ESTERHÁZY TREASURE CHAMBER
Behind thick walls and safeguarded with an intricate system of locks, in 1692 Prince Paul I (1635-1713) set up a treasure chamber in the heart of Forchtenstein Castle – one of the few art chambers in Europe to have been preserved in its original location.
For conservation reasons, the number of visitors to the Esterházy Treasury is limited. Visit the Esterházy Treasure Chamber exclusively with your group. (max. 15 people per group & guided tour).
Bookable on request only.
HOTEL GALÁNTHA
Eisenstadt
Combining the highest standards of service and design with culture and a sunny outlook on life: the Hotel Galántha in Eisenstadt sees itself as the gateway to Pannonia. The stylish décor and warm colours in the 120 hotel rooms create a cosy, elegant ambience. The ethos of the PAULGARTEN restaurant is based on Grill & Greens. Local, seasonal produce with an international interpretation is the order of the day here, freshly prepared in the show kitchen and on the barbecue. The rooftop bar THE TOP opens up a whole new perspective, offering guests a unique view of the palace and the city.
hotelgalantha.at
RESTAURANT HENRICI
Eisenstadt
Burgenland boasts many hours of sunshine and is located at the interface of two cultures – and it shares these characteristics with the Levant. At the Henrici restaurant, you can enjoy a fusion of flavours from both regions, in historic surroundings. Sunrise Cuisine invokes the food and drink of the Middle East – reinterpreted with a Pannonian touch. Both independent travellers and tour groups can enjoy coffee and cake on the sunny terrace, with the Esterházy slices promising to be a special treat.
henrici.at
SELEKTION VINOTHEK
BURGENLAND
Eisenstadt
The wines of Burgenland are as varied as its landscapes. Selektion Vinothek Burgenland invites you to journey through the different wine-growing areas, tasting a glass from each, with over 850 bottles to choose from. A Pannonian speciality and a light meal are a welcome addition to any visit.
selektion-burgenland.at
NEUER STRAND LAKE NEUSIEDL
Breitenbrunn
Take time out by the lake: both sporty visitors and those in search of relaxation will be in their element here! At the Libelle Restaurant, classic Burgenland specialities meet modern Asian cuisine. With luxury lodges, comfortable bungalows and modern glamping, there’s accommodation to suit everyone. Use the wide range of activities on offer: from sailing and cycling to birdwatching, there is something for everyone. Delicious snacks and refreshing drinks await you at the beach bar, while you can relax on the natural beach.
neuerstrand.at
RESTAURANT GRENADIER
Forchtenstein
The Café Restaurant Grenadier is right inside Forchtenstein Castle. The dining rooms combine a historic ambience with modern décor: there’s a huge vaulted room inside the bastion tower, and above it the tower room, which opens on to a terrace with beautiful views extending as far as Lake Neusiedl. The two rooms together can seat up to 90 guests. The culinary magic is provided by the experienced kitchen team, who treat diners to traditional Austrian cuisine and local specialities prepared to the highest standard.
restaurant-grenadier.com
BOUTIQUE HOTEL ZUM OBERJÄGER
Lackenbach
The boutique hotel Zum Oberjäger, situated in the grounds of the historic Lackenbach Palace, is the perfect place to spend some quiet time in a very special ambience. Here, it’s all about slowing down. This is a memorable place from which to explore central Burgenland, or just to unwind in for a while.
oberjäger.at
Quarry
ST. MARGARETHEN
OPERA IN THE QUARRY 2025 THE FLYING DUTCHMAN by Richard Wagner
9 July to 23 August 2025
On the rugged coastline between the Norwegian fjords, sea captain’s daughter Senta indulges in a melancholy fantasy about the haunting figure of a sailor who is doomed to eternal life and only allowed to set foot on land every seven years, to seek a woman’s love. Only such a love and unswerving loyalty until death can save the undead from his curse. When Senta’s father Daland suddenly appears at the door with a wild-looking stranger, Senta believes that she sees in this homeless man the legendary character of the Flying Dutchman.
In his first major masterpiece, Richard Wagner conjures up an eerily romantic fairy tale full of youthful impetuousness, which, with a performance time of less than two and a half hours, is shorter than many evergreens of Italian opera. The first-ever staging of a work by Richard Wagner for Opera in the Quarry promises a fascinating summer experience in which the riven rocks of the St. Margarethen Quarry once again provide the perfect backdrop for a thrilling opera performance.
from € 29 p.p.
BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR
Stunning sets and extravagant special effects have been contributing to the unforgettable opera evenings in the St. Margarethen Quarry for years. Now you can peep over the shoulder of the set designer and gain an insight into all the technology and activity behind the scenes. You’ll also learn more about the story of the Flying Dutchman.
Dates: on every performance day (except the première)
Start times in July: 19.15 hrs | 19.45 hrs
Start times in August: 18.45 hrs | 19.15 hrs
Takes: approx. 30 minutes
Meeting place: outside the shop in the foyer park at the St. Margarethen Quarry
Tickets for the behind-the-scenes tour must be purchased in advance.
Immerse yourself in the legends surrounding the Flying Dutchman and discover the exciting backstage world on a backstage tour. Enjoy a welcoming drink against a magnificent backdrop as you soak up the natural beauty of the hills around Rust, and the natural stage set for Opera in the Quarry.
Includes:
• Backstage tour in the quarry, on every performance day (except premiere | July: 19:15 and 19:45 hrs | August: 18:45 and 19:15 hrs)
• Wine-lover’s package: 1 glass of opera wine, 1 souvenir glass “THE FLYING DUTCHMAN” 2025
Takes: min. 1.5 hours
Info: Only available in combination with an opera ticket for THE FLYING DUTCHMAN on the same day.
from € 6 p.p from € 16 p.p.
Lackenbach Palace
LACKENBACH
EXPLORING NATURE AND HISTORY AT LACKENBACH PALACE
The museum at Lackenbach Palace is a wonderful place for anyone with an interest in nature or hunting. Hunting was part of court life and the extensive lands owned by the Esterházy princes offered ample opportunities to indulge in it.
Includes:
• Guided tour of the Lackenbach Palace museum
• Non-guided tour of the exhibition
Optional: with coffee and cake from €17
Takes: approx. 1-1.5 hours
from € 10 p.p.
GUIDED TOUR OF THE ST. MARGARETHEN QUARRY
Quarry
HISTORIC GARDEN TOUR
Take a tour of the Renaissance Lackenbach gardens to experience the symbiosis of nature, design and fruitfulness: ancient trees, fruit and vegetable gardens and contemporary artefacts all combine to form a harmonious whole.
Includes:
• Historic garden tour
Optional: with coffee and cake from €19
Takes: approx. 1-1.5 hours
from € 12 p.p.
ST. MARGARETHEN
The St. Margarethen Quarry is one of the biggest and oldest quarries in Europe. A guided tour* brings the story of the prehistoric giant millions of years ago to life in the most exciting way!
*Group bookings are available at any time on request between April and October
Takes: approx. 1 hour
PREHISTORIC GIANT & PANNONIAN WINE CULTURE
Take a guided tour to explore the St. Margarethen Quarry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. Afterwards, learn all about wine at the Esterhazy Winery and taste the diversity of Pannonia in your glass.
Includes:
• Guided tour of the quarry
• Tour & Classic tasting session at the Esterhazy Winery in Trausdorf: welcoming glass of champagne, expert guided tour of the cellars, tutored tasting of 5 wines, organic Pannonian bread
Takes: approx. 2 hours
from € 10 p.p. from € 28 p.p.
TOUR AND CLASSIC TASTING
The wine-making facility at the winery was built in 2006, not far from the royal palace. Even the contemporary architecture is influenced by the region’s traditions. The committed team at the Esterházy Winery bring international experience and tremendous passion for wine growing and oenology to their work.
Includes:
• Welcoming glass of champagne
• Expert guided tour of the cellars
• Tutored tasting of 5 wines
• Organic Pannonian bread
Takes: approx. 1 hour
Optional: including Esterházy deli products for €31.50 p.p., available as an exclusive option for groups
from € 18 p.p.
EXPERIENCE ORGANIC FARMING FOR YOURSELF –GUIDED TOUR OF THE FARM
The Seehof has been owned by the Esterhazys for centuries. Gain an insight into what goes on on the farm, learn about the different growing methods and their special characteristics and find out more about the cattle and chickens being reared here and the closed nutrient cycle that they make possible.
Includes:
• Guided tour of the farm
Minimum number of participants: 10 people
Takes: approx. 1 hour
TRADITION MEETS INNOVATION
A guided tour of the Esterházy Palace gives an insight into the multifaceted history of the princely family and showcases the stunning rooms of their Eisenstadt residence. The highlight and absolute jewel in the crown is the Haydn Hall. Afterwards, on an expert tour of the winery cellars, you will gain a unique insight into wine-making. The programme is rounded off with a tutored tasting of 5 wines accompanied by organic Pannonian bread.
Includes:
• Palace Ticket with guided tour – focussing on: The Esterházy Princely Family
• Non-guided tour of the exhibitions
• Tour & Classic tasting at the Esterhazy Winery
Takes: approx. 2.5 hours from € 8 p.p.
Can also be booked as an exclusive package with tasting of produce from field and forest!
Takes: approx. 2 hours, from € 16 p.p.
from € 36 p.p.
NEW AT THE ORGANIC ESTATE FROM 9 SEPTEMBER 2024: RESTAURANT ‘ZUM GOGOSCH’
After careful renovation, the time has come: from 9 September 2024, the new restaurant ‘Zum Gogosch’ with adjoining Kulinarium Burgenland market hall will welcome guests to the Esterhazy organic estate in Donnerskirchen. The fact that ‘Gogosch’ is much more than just a name can be experienced in many ways at the surrounding farm.
Insider tips
IN SEARCH OF CHERRIES
Take a walk and hear some fascinating stories about Leithaberg’s cherries. Learn how they are cultivated and how the cherry products are made. Afterwards, sample some of the many different varieties.
Includes: 1 glass cherry juice mixed with mineral water, 1 slice of cherry strudel, guided walk, tasting of Leithaberg cherry products
Takes: approx. 2 hours
from € 14 p.p.
STEPPENDUFT THE PANNONIAN FRAGRANCE MANUFACTORY
The fragrance maker himself provides insights into his realm of alchemy and craftsmanship and guides you through the extraordinary world of fragrant plants. A film will show you the splendor of the flowers in his own fragrance field and the challenge of producing perfume oils. Herbal knowledge, generational conflicts and stories about clients are not neglected and make visitors marvel and laugh! Afterwards, visitors can smell through the range of fragrances over a glass of wine!
Includes: Visit to the fragrance manufactory with guided tour, refreshing drink/wine, photos at the fragrance field during the flowering period
Takes: approx. 1.5 hours
from € 12 p.p.
(from 30 persons)
Groups under 30 people - price on request.
PANNONIAN ADVENT 2025
What could be more festive than Christmas markets offering fine crafts and culinary treats, contemplative Advent concerts and a varied programme of activities? Plunge into an atmospheric Christmas world where past and present blend stylishly together.
Forchtenstein Castle: 28.11.2025 – 30.11.2025
Lackenbach Palace: 06.12.2025 – 08.12.2025
Esterházy Palace: 12.12.2025 – 14.12.2025
CULINARY BOAT RIDE
Enjoy a two-hour boat ride across Lake Neusiedl while indulging in freshly grilled delicacies. After a welcoming drink, kick back and let your gaze wander over the lake and the Leitha Mountains while your meal is prepared. It’s an absolute highlight of any visit to Lake Neusiedl.
Includes: Boat ride, welcoming drink, de luxe barbecue party
Takes: approx. 2 hours
LAKE NEUSIEDL NATIONAL PARK BOOK YOUR RANGER
The nature around Lake Neusiedl is diverse and the program is just as varied. No matter what time of yearthere is always something to discover. Book your personal ranger for your individual tour through the different areas of the national park. It doesn’t matter whether you want to explore the region alone, in pairs or with a whole group. The rangers not only know the fauna and flora, but also impart their knowledge in an entertaining way and accompany you on your personal nature experience.
Includes: Guided tour in the Lake Neusiedl National Park
Takes: approx. 2 hours
from € 13 p.p.
(from 11-20 persons)
GUIDED TOUR
Sopron
Sopron is one of the region’s most romantic towns, where cobbled alleyways wind through the Old Town and every gateway and brightly painted house has a story to tell. And culturally the town has many different faces!
Takes: from 2 hours up to a whole day possible
from € 90 p.group
Esterhazy – sustainable for over 20 years
With its historic cultural sites, relaxing holiday and leisure facilities, sustainably cultivated farms and forests, a modern winery and an internationally recognised collection of historic properties, plus a wide range of events, Esterhazy makes a big contribution to the economy, culture and tourism in the
Pannonian region. Esterhazy has been producing a Sustainability Report every three years ever since 2006, to report on the business’s multiple activities and ensure transparency in every respect.
THE AUSTRIAN ECOLABEL
By complying with the criteria for the Austrian Ecolabel for tourism businesses, we minimise the main environmental impacts caused during the three phases of the service lifecycle – purchasing, service provision and waste disposal.
OUR CERTIFIED BUSINESSES:
Esterházy Palace
Forchtenstein Castle
St. Margarethen Quarry
Hotel Galántha Eisenstadt
Hotel Zum Oberjäger
Sustainable tourism – win-win for everyone! When you travel sustainably, you try to affect nature and the environment in your holiday destination as little as possible, you consider the cultural and social aspects of your destination and, precisely by doing that, you increase your chance of enjoying intense, authentic experiences. In this way, the needs of both travellers and the local people are met.
Numerous options1 contact
ESTERHAZY TOURISM TEAM
+43 (0) 2682 63004-723 groups@esterhazy.at esterhazy.at operimsteinbruch.at
IMPRINT
Owner, publisher, editor: Esterhazy Betriebe AG, Esterhazyplatz 5, A-7000 Eisenstadt, T + 43 (0)2682/630 04
Editors: Esterhazy Betriebe AG
Photographs: Andreas Hafenscher, Andreas Tischler, Thomas Schmid, Paul Szimak, Marlene Michalitsch, Gregor Hofbauer, Toni Rappersberger, Klaus Vyhnalek, Birgit Machtinger, Esterhazy
Graphic Design: Esterhazy Betriebe AG
Text: Esterhazy Betriebe AG
Translation: All Languages Alice Rabl GmbH
Place of publication: Eisenstadt
Errors and omissions excepted.
© Oktober 2024
Printing errors, mistakes, and amendments cannot be excluded.