Eisenstadt

Palace Esterházy at Eisenstadt, Burgenland, Austria
Robert Heilinger, Wikimedia Commons

Eisenstadt offers a charming escape steeped in history and classical music, anchored by the magnificent Esterházy Palace. Visitors immerse themselves in the legacy of Joseph Haydn and explore the historic city center, surrounded by the picturesque Burgenland wine region.

The vibrant Hauptstrasse serves as the primary social hub, where you can find an array of cafes, restaurants, and bars. For a taste of local tradition, the surrounding wine villages like Kleinhöflein and St. Georgen host welcoming 'Heurigen' (winemaker's taverns), providing a relaxed setting to enjoy regional wines and cuisine. During the warmer months, festivals celebrating music and local produce further animate the city's social calendar.

Top 6 Things to do in Eisenstadt

Eisenstadt offers a range of activities, from immersing oneself in historical palaces and museums to exploring the renowned local wine region and enjoying the natural beauty of a nearby lake.

1. Esterházy Palace

Step into the grandeur of Esterházy Palace, a magnificent Baroque landmark that served as a residence for influential magnates and a workplace for Joseph Haydn. Visitors can explore lavish rooms, witness the renowned Haydnsaal concert hall, and discover exhibitions showcasing the Esterházy family's history and their world-famous collection of Neoclassical silverware. The palace also houses the Burgenland Wine Museum in its historic cellars.

Cost: Admission is approximately €19 for a standard ticket without a guided tour. Guided tours are available in English. Entry is free with the Burgenland Card.

Transport: The palace is located centrally in Eisenstadt and is within walking distance of the city center. From Eisenstadt Bahnhof, it is a short 1 km journey, taking about 5 minutes by bus (€1-€11) or 1 minute by taxi (€5-€7).

2. Haydn House (Haydn-Haus Eisenstadt)

Discover the former home of Joseph Haydn, the celebrated composer, where he lived from 1766 to 1778. This museum offers an intimate look into his private life and creative process through carefully reconstructed rooms, original period furniture, musical instruments, and manuscripts. From June to September, a charming baroque herb garden behind the house provides a serene retreat.

Cost: Regular admission is €7. Reduced tickets are available for €5 (children aged 6+, youth, students, seniors, groups of 20+). A family ticket costs €15. Admission is free with the Burgenland Card.

Transport: The Haydn House is a 5-minute walk from the Eisenstadt Busbahnhof or a 13-minute walk from Eisenstadt Bahnhof. Paid parking is available nearby.

3. Bergkirche (Haydn Church) and Haydn Mausoleum & Kalvarienberg

Visit the Bergkirche, also known as the Haydn Church, an exquisite Baroque pilgrimage church completed in 1803. Beneath its north tower lies the Haydn Mausoleum, the final resting place of Joseph Haydn, a site of pilgrimage for music lovers. Adjacent to the church, the Kalvarienberg (Calvary Hill) presents an impressive artificial mountain with numerous chapels depicting the Passion of Christ, offering panoramic views of Eisenstadt and the surrounding Burgenland landscape from its summit.

Cost: Admission is €9 without the Burgenland Card. Entry is free with the Burgenland Card, which also includes access to the Diocesan Museum exhibition.

Transport: The Bergkirche is located a short walk west of Esterházy Palace.

4. Exploring the Historic City Center

Take a leisurely walk through Eisenstadt's historic city center, where charming streets are lined with traditional Austrian architecture. The pedestrianized Hauptstrasse serves as the vibrant social hub, featuring an array of cafes, restaurants, and local shops. Notable landmarks include the impressive Town Hall (Rathaus der Freistadt Eisenstadt) and the 15th-century Cathedral of St. Martin.

Cost: Free.

Transport: This activity is best enjoyed on foot, as all major points of interest within the city center are easily accessible by walking.

5. Burgenland Wine Experience

Immerse yourself in the rich winemaking traditions of the Burgenland region, which surrounds Eisenstadt. The Burgenland Wine Museum, located in the cellars of Esterházy Palace, offers a comprehensive overview of local viticulture with over 700 exhibits, including historical presses. For a hands-on experience, visit the Esterházy Winery in nearby Trausdorf an der Wulka for a guided cellar tour and wine tasting. Additionally, exploring local 'Heurigen' (winemaker's taverns) in villages like Kleinhöflein and St. Georgen provides a taste of regional wines and cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.

Cost: Admission to the Wine Museum is included with the Esterházy Palace ticket. Wine tasting tours at Esterházy Winery start from €20 for a 'Classic' tasting of 5 wines (1 hour) or €35 for an 'Exclusive' tasting of 7 wines with delicacies (2 hours). Costs at 'Heurigen' vary by consumption.

Transport: The Wine Museum is within Esterházy Palace. The Esterházy Winery in Trausdorf an der Wulka can be reached by local bus (e.g., Bus 285 from Eisenstadt Bahnhof, followed by a short walk). Nearby 'Heurigen' can be accessed by local buses or taxi, or as part of a dedicated wine tour.

6. Day Trip to Lake Neusiedl

Venture beyond Eisenstadt for a day trip to Lake Neusiedl, a unique steppe lake and UNESCO World Heritage site. This vast natural area is perfect for cycling along its well-maintained paths, enjoying boat trips across the lake, or observing diverse birdlife. Ferry services connect various lakeside towns, making it easy to combine cycling with scenic boat rides.

Cost: A train ticket from Eisenstadt to Neusiedl am See costs between €5 and €8, with a journey time of 26-29 minutes. Boat tours on the lake are approximately €10 for adults for a one-hour trip. Bicycle ferries cost €10 for a one-way trip and €18 for a return trip, with bikes often transported free of charge or at a 50% discount with the Burgenland Card. E-bike rentals near the lake can be found for around €38 per day.

Transport: Take a train from Eisenstadt to Neusiedl am See. From there, local buses, ferries, or rented bicycles can be used to explore the lake and its surrounding towns.

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