Schallaburg Castle
Niederösterreich
Schallaburg Castle, located near the Wachau valley in Lower Austria, is one of the most renowned Renaissance castles in Austria. Originally mentioned as fortress Schala in 1242, the castle underwent significant transformation beginning around 1540 under the Losenstein family, who renovated it in the German Renaissance style. The castle combines Romanesque and Gothic elements with Italian Renaissance aesthetics, featuring a two-storied arcaded courtyard decorated with terracotta mosaics of mythological figures and animals. A notable feature at the entrance are two large smoke-spewing dragons that delight visitors, especially children. Over the centuries, Schallaburg has been owned by various noble families and served as a Protestant center during the 16th century. Since 1974, it functions as a museum hosting annual themed exhibitions, ranging from Renaissance art to historical topics like Venice, Byzantium, and the Vikings. Its culturally rich gardens include roses, ornamental trees, herbs, and Renaissance apple orchards, enhancing the visitor experience with natural beauty and historical ambiance.
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Tip: The best time to visit Schallaburg Castle is between April and November, when the castle hosts its annual exhibitions and the gardens are in full bloom. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for special events or the new escape room experience introduced in 2026. Visitors can enjoy discounts typically available for groups, seniors, and students. The castle is family-friendly, with attractions like the dragon slides entertaining children. Guided tours provide deeper insights into the castle's history and exhibitions.
Interesting facts
- •The castle features two large smoke-spewing dragons at its gate, each 30 meters long and 6 meters high, which children can slide down from the top.
- •The terracotta decorations include a legendary mythical figure called 'Hundefräulein', a female human figure with a dog's head.
- •Schallaburg was a significant Protestant center in Lower Austria during the 16th century due to the efforts of Hans Wilhelm von Losenstein.
- •The castle's Renaissance gardens include two historic apple orchards and a variety of ornamental plants and herbs.
- •The castle hosts annual exhibitions on diverse historical and cultural themes, attracting visitors worldwide.
History
The site of Schallaburg Castle has been settled since Roman times, with the castle itself first documented in 1242 as fortress Schala.
From the 13th to 15th centuries, it was owned by the von Zelking family, followed by the von Losenstein family from 1456 to 1614, who significantly remodeled it into a Renaissance castle.
Hans Wilhelm von Losenstein founded a Lutheran grammar school nearby, making the castle a Protestant hub.
After financial difficulties, ownership passed to the von Stubenberg family in 1614.
The castle changed hands several times over the centuries, remaining private property until confiscated by Russians in 1945.
In 1955, it became Austrian state property, and since 1968 has been owned and restored by Lower Austria, opening as a museum in 1974.
Place Guide
Arcaded Courtyard1540s
A beautifully decorated two-storied courtyard featuring elegant cantilevered staircases and terracotta mosaics depicting mythological figures, gods, masks, humans, and animals. This courtyard is a prime example of Renaissance architecture and artistry.
Smoke-Spewing Dragons
Two large dragon sculptures at the castle entrance, each 30 meters long and 6 meters high. These dragons are popular with children who slide down their mouths, making them a playful and memorable feature of the castle.
Mannerist GardensRenaissance period
Culturally rich Renaissance gardens featuring roses, ornamental trees, bushes, herbs, and two historic apple orchards. The gardens reflect the castle's historical landscaping and provide a serene environment for visitors.
Museum Exhibition HallsSince 1974
Spaces within the castle dedicated to annual exhibitions on themes such as the Renaissance, Venice, Byzantium, the First World War, and Vikings. These exhibitions include artifacts, historical posters, movies, and other cultural items.
Contact
Phone: 02754 63170
