The capital of Austria’s easternmost province features a charming old town, a stunning 14th-century castle and monuments to classical composer Joseph Haydn.
Eisenstadt is the capital of Austria’s easternmost region, Burgenland. Visit this quaint city to experience its Austrian and Hungarian culture, classical music and the surrounding wine region at the foot of the Leitha Mountains. Eisenstadt features a heritage-listed old town and several grand historic buildings, including the impressive Schloss Esterházy.
Wander around the city’s historic centre. This area is home to heritage buildings such as the Town Hall (Rathaus der Freistadt Eisenstadt) and the 15th-century Cathedral of St. Martin (Dom St. Martin). Visit Haydn Haus, the 18th-century house where celebrated classical composer Joseph Haydn once lived. The house is now a museum dedicated to his life and work.
Stroll northeast to find Schloss Esterházy, a 13th-century building that was converted into a magnificent Baroque palace by the wealthy Hungarian family of the same name. Joseph Haydn lived and worked in this castle as Kapellmeister (music director) for Prince Esterházy. At the castle, Haydn composed the groundbreaking works that earned him the title “Father of the Symphony.” Visit the castle’s Haydnsaal, an ornate festival and banquet room renowned for its acoustics. Many of Haydn’s works premiered here.
Visit Eisenstadt between April and October to experience Haydnfestspiele, a citywide festival that celebrates Haydn’s life and music. Operas, orchestras and quartets honour the great composer in Haydnsaal, the Cathedral of St. Martin, Landesmuseum Burgenland (Regional Museum Burgenland) and other venues across the city.
Explore the nearby winemaking regions of Kleinhöflein and St. Georgen and stop by a Heuriger, a winemaker’s tavern. Eisenstadt’s pedestrianized city centre comes alive in the summer months with festivals dedicated to the region’s fine wines and culinary traditions.
Eisenstadt is approximately 37.2 miles (60 kilometres) south of Vienna, only 7 miles (12 kilometres) from the Hungarian border. The city can be reached on Vienna’s regional public transport system. Enjoy the region’s temperate summers with a glass of Almdudler, Austria’s herbal soft drink or warm up during its snowy winters with Burgenland’s famous mulled wine.
