A day trip from Vienna to Schloss Hof – Tips and highlights
In May, I once again visited Schloss Hof, one of my favorite day trip destinations near Vienna. After spending a beautiful spring day in April around the estate of Schloss Hof and visiting the Easter market, this time I wanted to explore the Palace itself and its Baroque garden. And of course, I didn’t want to miss the Special Exhibition about Prince Eugene.
In this post, I’ll take you along on my visit and show you what awaits you in the palace, introduce you to a few exciting guided tours, and tell you what you can see in the special exhibition. And if you’d like to combine your visit with a special experience, be sure to check out the “Kultur und Kulinarik” (culture and cuisine) offers – I’ve put together a little overview for you.
All the practical info like ticket prices, opening hours, and directions can be found at the end of the article.
The Palace
Schloss Hof is located in the Marchfeld region in eastern Lower Austria and can be reached from Vienna in about an hour by car, making it perfect for a day trip. It’s the largest of the six Marchfeld palaces and the estate is enormous: more than 70 hectares including the palace, Baroque garden, and estate farm. In 1725, it was purchased by Prince Eugene of Savoy, transformed into a magnificent hunting chateau, and used as his private retreat. The impressive Baroque garden with its seven terraces also dates back to that time.
Later, Empress Maria Theresa bought the palace and had it remodeled in the style of her time and according to her needs. After many decades of decay, the ensemble of palace, garden, and estate farm was carefully and authentically revitalized in the 2000s and today, it shines again just as it was once intended.
The State Rooms
Walking through the beletage on the first floor gives you a glimpse into what life was like here in the 18th century. These were the rooms that impressed me most during my tour:
- The Imperial Apartment: once the private rooms of Prince Eugene, later remodeled for Joseph II
- The Banqueting Hall: so beautiful and elegant – nowadays, weddings are sometimes held here
- The Chapel: with its stunning ceiling fresco, this one was a personal favorite
- Maria Theresa’s Apartment: including the bedroom, guest room, and reception room
- The Sala Terrena on the ground floor: connects the palace directly to the garden and the view through the doorway is simply dreamy
Tip: Be sure to look out the windows now and then, from above, you get a great view of the Baroque garden and its artful flowerbeds.
The Special Exhibition: “Eugene of Savoy: The man behind the prince”
This year, Schloss Hof is celebrating a special anniversary: 300 years since Prince Eugene acquired the palace. That’s why the current special exhibition focuses on the man behind the famous military commander. I found it fascinating because Prince Eugene is usually only known from history lessons as a military hero, but here, you learn more about his origins, rise, and personal life.
Note: The special exhibition is included in the admission ticket!
What I found particularly interesting:
- Stories about his origins and family
- How he actually acquired his wealth and why he was so successful
- His passion for collecting: paintings, books, rare pieces – he was a true art lover
- His network: who his friends and companions were
- The beautiful Luther Bible from his collection, the Bibliotheca Eugeniana
Even though little is known about his private life, the exhibition succeeds in painting a much more personal portrait of him, and that’s exactly what makes it so worth seeing.
Tip: I can really recommend taking the guided tour through both the special exhibition and the state rooms. You’ll hear so many fascinating stories that you might otherwise miss.
The Baroque Garden
What would a Baroque palace be without its garden? At Schloss Hof, the garden isn’t just a nice bonus, it’s a true highlight: 16 hectares divided into 7 terraces, each with its own special charm.
When you step from the Sala Terrena into the garden, you’re immediately greeted with a postcard view over the ornately designed flowerbeds, which were just newly planted with summer blooms. Each terrace looks slightly different and has something new to offer: fountains, sculptures, a labyrinth, a maze, and beautiful views throughout. The entire garden has been authentically restored and is extremely well-maintained.
Don’t forget to check out the first terrace on the other side of the palace! From there, you have an especially beautiful view of the palace itself, with the fountain in the foreground, it’s a perfect photo spot. If you’re curious about how Schloss Hof was revitalized, there’s a photo exhibition about it in the Baroque stables.
Tip: On the 5th terrace, you’ll find small tables, benches, and chairs under the trees, such a lovely spot and perfect for a short break.
Another tip: Be sure to walk all the way down to the 7th terrace! From the octagonal fountain, you’ll have a gorgeous view back up toward the palace and the entire garden.
Guided Tours of the Palace and Garden
I’m someone who usually likes to explore museums and historic sites on my own, but at Schloss Hof I realized how much value a guided tour can add. I joined two tours and was honestly surprised at how exciting history can be when it’s well told.
Tip: Treat yourself to a guided tour of the palace or the garden during your visit. It brings the place to life and gives you much deeper insight.
The two tours I joined are definitely worth recommending, but the others also sound very interesting. Here’s an overview of most of the available guided tours:
Palace Tour through the Ceremonial Rooms and Special Exhibition
I did the palace tour including the current special exhibition and I was really impressed. You learn so many fascinating details and the stories and little anecdotes about Prince Eugene and the palace make everything much more tangible. It really felt like a little journey through time. If you have questions, they’re happily answered.
TICKETS:
Adults: € 5 | Children: € 3.50
In addition to admission
DATES:
Daily until November 2, 2025
11 a.m., 12.30 p.m., 2 p.m. & 4.30 p.m. (in German)
English tours every Sunday at 10.30 a.m.
BOOKING:
Here you can get your tickets and find all the information and bookable dates
Garden Tour
I love strolling through beautiful gardens, but the garden tour at Schloss Hof showed me so many things I wouldn’t have noticed on my own. What I found especially exciting was how much symbolism is embedded in the design. Nothing was left to chance and even each sculpture tells a story. With old photos and illustrations, we also saw what the garden used to look like and what it took to restore it as faithfully as Prince Eugene had planned.
TICKETS:
Adults: € 5 | Children: € 3.50
In addition to admission
DATES:
Daily at 3 p.m. until November 2nd, 2025 (in good weather)
BOOKING:
Booking link and available dates (only in German)
The Unknown Schloss Hof (Das unbekannte Schloss Hof)
This tour sounds really exciting, as you get to explore areas and rooms of the palace that are usually off-limits and learn fascinating stories about its past. A definite highlight for anyone who loves a peek behind the scenes.
TICKETS:
Adults: € 10 | Children: € 3.50
In addition to admission
DATES:
Every Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday at 4 p.m. (until November 2, 2025)
BOOKING:
By phone or email
All info can be found here (only in German)
Curator Tours of the Special Exhibition
On selected dates, the curators themselves guide visitors through the special exhibition, offering a unique perspective on the selected exhibits.
TICKETS:
Adults: € 10 | Children (6 – 18 years): € 10
In addition to admission
DATES:
Next date: October 11, 2025
BOOKING:
Booking link and further information (only in German)
Gardening Knowledge at Schloss Hof (Das Gärtnerwissen von Schloss Hof)
This special tour lets you get gardening tips and inspiration from the Schloss Hof gardeners or expand your botanical knowledge. Each tour focuses on a different theme – the next one is all about herbs.
TICKETS:
Adults: € 10 | Children (6 – 18 years): € 10
In addition to admission
DATES:
August 15 and September 27, 2025
BOOKING:
Booking link and available dates (only in German)
Culture and Culinary Delights (Kultur und Kulinarik)
I’ve been to Schloss Hof several times and I truly discover something new each time. One thing that’s definitely high on my wishlist for next time: trying one of the culinary experiences offered at Schloss Hof. A picnic in the Baroque garden, for example – how dreamy does that sound?
Tip: These culinary experiences make great gifts – what a wonderful way to surprise someone with such a special experience. Or of course, to treat yourself to something nice.
Note: All experiences must be booked at least 3 days in advance!
Breakfast and Guided Tour
Start your day with a relaxing breakfast at the Restaurant Kräutergarten, followed by a guided tour of the state rooms. Afterwards, you’re free to explore the rest of the estate, stroll through the Baroque garden, or visit the animals on the estate farm – whatever you feel like.
A variety of dates (on Sundays) are available through November 9, 2025, and different breakfast packages are offered (including a vegan option).
TICKETS:
From € 38.50 | Children up to 5: € 9 | From age 6: € 24
Includes day admission to Schloss Hof and Schloss Niederweiden, guided tour, and breakfast
TIPP:
Admission to Schloss Niederweiden can be redeemed until November 2, 2025.
BOOKING:
Here you’ll find all info, bookable dates, and booking link (in German)
Princely Picnic
I love picnics and a picnic in a Baroque garden with a palace backdrop sounds absolutely magical.
The princely picnic starts at Schloss Niederweiden, just about 5 minutes from Schloss Hof by car. There, you’ll enjoy a guided tour through the special exhibition “Eugene – Architecture Patron and Visionary.” Afterwards, the tour continues at Schloss Hof with the special exhibition and the state rooms. Then your garden table and picnic basket will be waiting for you. Dreamy, right?
TICKETS:
€ 79 per person
Includes day admission to Schloss Hof and Schloss Niederweiden, 2 guided tours, picnic basket, and reserved garden table
DATES:
Only on 3 selected dates in June, August, and September!
BOOKING:
All info about the princely picnic and booking options available here (in German)
Tip: You can also book the princely picnic exclusively for groups of 5 or more – perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or as a surprise!
Nobility & Dinner
Your evening begins with a theatrical tour of the palace that immerses you in the world of Prince Eugene. A festively set table (outdoors if the weather allows), evening ambiance, and show cooking – this sounds like a truly special night.
TICKETS:
€ 84 per person
Includes admission, aperitif, theatrical tour, and dinner
DATES:
Only on 4 selected evenings in July, August, September, and October!
BOOKING:
Find the full menu, available dates, and booking link (only in German)
Twilight Picnic
At Schloss Niederweiden, you can enjoy a unique picnic experience at twilight. After an aperitif and a guided tour of the current special exhibition about Prince Eugene, your filled picnic basket will be waiting for you in the palace gardens.
TICKETS:
€ 63 per person
Includes admission to Schloss Niederweiden, aperitif, guided tour, and picnic basket
DATE:
Only on 14 September 2025!
BOOKING:
Further details and booking link (only in German)
Everything you need to know before visiting Schloss Hof
OPENING HOURS
Summer Season from March 15 to November 2, 2025
- Daily 10 am – 6 pm
- Last ticket sale: 5.30 pm
Winter Season from November 3 to March 6, 2026
- Daily 10 am – 4 pm
- Closed on December 24, 2025
- Last ticket sale: 3.30 pm
Special Exhibition “Eugene of Savoy: The Man behind the Prince”
- Included in the admission price
- Until November 2, 2025
- Daily, 10 am – 6 pm
TICKETS (as of June 2025)
Day Ticket Schloss Hof & Schloss Niederweiden
- Adults: € 24
- Children and young people (6 – 18 years): € 13,50
- Children under 6: Free
- Discounted: € 22,50
Students 19 – 25 years, seniors from 60, people with disabilities
Includes access to the entire Schloss Hof estate, including the Palace, the special exhibition, the estate farm, Baroque gardens, Orangery.
Tip: Buy your tickets online in advance and head straight to the entrance with your mobile ticket – no waiting in line!
Annual Pass
- Adults: € 49
- Children (6 – 18 years): € 28
- Available on-site at the ticket counter
The annual pass is valid for one year from the issue date, giving you access to Schloss Hof daily and Schloss Niederweiden during the summer season, all day events, and special exhibitions. You also get a 10% discount at the Kräutergarten Restaurant and Café Arkadenhof, and 5% off in the shops.
GETTING THERE
- Address: Schloss Hof, 2294 Schloßhof 1
by car
- about 1 hour from Vienna
- Free parking available directly in front of the castle
- Via the Flughafenautobahn A4 (exit Fischamend), B9, or B49.
by public transport
- From Vienna Hausfeldstraße, take bus 540 directly to Schloss Hof
- From Vienna Central Station, take the train to Schönfeld-Lassee, then transfer to the Vor-Bus 540 to Schloss Hof (approx. 1.5 hours from Vienna Central Station)
