Schloss Hof

The basics

One of the top day trips from Vienna, Schloss Hof stands next to the Morava river in Marchfeld, near the Austrian border with present-day Slovakia. It served as the country retreat of Prince Eugene of Savoy, an accomplished military strategist in the Austrian Imperial Army, before it was purhcased by Hapsburg Empress Maria Theresa in 1755. One of the best ways to appreciate the palace and its rich history is to tour with a guide. Many travelers combine a stop at the palace with a guided walk through nearby Bratislava to admire the historic center of Slovakia’s capital city.

Things to know before you go

• Family-oriented events, such as Christmas markets and the Grand Horse Festival in mid-September, are held at the palace throughout the year. There is also an adventure playground, horseback riding, and a petting zoo at Manor Farm all year round.
• The palace complex offers a number of dining options, including a casual bistro, picnic baskets (must be pre-ordered), a pastry shop, and a gourmet store offering local specialties.
• There are a number of souvenir and handicraft shops in the palace selling wares produced by local artisans and artists.
• The sprawling terraced gardens are one of the highlights of Schloss Hof, so wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather if you plan to explore them.
• The palace interiors are fully accessible via elevator and the gardens have accessibility ramps for wheelchairs and strollers.

How to get there

If you’re traveling by public transit, take a train from Vienna to Marchegg station (about 50 minutes), and then bus line 543 to the palace (about 10 minutes). Otherwise, you can join a guided tour that will take you directly to Schloss Hof from Vienna in about an hour. There is free parking at the palace for those driving.

When to get there

The palace and grounds are open daily all year long, but choose a warm, clear day to visit to take in the vast gardens comfortably. Weekends and holidays are the busiest times at Schloss Hof, so schedule your visit for a weekday to explore the estate without the crowds.

Highlights of the Schloss Hof Palace and Gardens

The vast palace and gardens at Schloss Hof offer a number of distinct elements to explore. Inside the palace, the most striking rooms include the imperial apartment, Maria Theresa’s apartment, and the banquet hall. Be sure to pause in the opulent chapel and note the seamless transition between the ground-floor sala terrena and the gardens just outside. Of the surrounding grounds, the third terrace is considered the most theatrical and panoramic, though all seven terraces, the orangerie, and even the kitchen garden are carefully designed and maintained.