Schloss Hof

About

Originally a 12th century castle, Schloss Hof was a relatively obscure noble home until the 18th century when Prince Eugene of Savoy acquired the single-storey Renaissance fortification, and had it a Baroque hunting lodge built in its place. The estate was further enlarged by Empress Maria Theresa, who made it into a royal residence. Today, visitors can take a guided tour of the interior to see the lavish decor and period furniture, and learn about the castle’s royal residents. Surrounding the castle, the sprawling gardens, built onto seven terraces, are a beautiful example of baroque landscape where visitors can get lost in the elegant combination of greenery and waterworks. The castle also has its own Baroque farm, which is one of the largest in Central Europe, where a variety of gardens, farm animals, and even an interactive bakery give showcase how the castle sustained itself.