The castle Burg Forchtenstein, Burgplatz 1 (tel. 02626/81212), 14km (8 3/4 miles) southeast of Wiener Neustadt in Lower Austria, was constructed on a rocky base by order of the counts of Mattersdorf in the 13th century. The Esterházy family had it greatly expanded around 1636. From its belvedere, you can see as far as the Great Hungarian Plain.
The castle saw action in the Turkish sieges of Austria in 1529 and 1683. A museum since 1815, it holds the Prince Esterházy collections, which consist of family memorabilia, a portrait gallery, large battle paintings, historical banners, and Turkish war booty and hunting arms. It's the largest private collection of historical arms in Austria. Legend has it that Turkish prisoners carved the castle cistern out of the rock, more than 137m (449 ft.) deep.
Admission is 8€ ($13) for adults, 7€ ($11) for students and children 6 to 15, free for children under 6. The castle is open April to October daily 9am to 5pm; November to March, tours are offered only when requested in advance. A guide shows you through.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
