It served as the primary refuge for the last imperial family of the Austro-Hungarian Empire for several months during the winter of 1918-1919.
The castle is surrounded by an extensive park that retains elements of late-18th-century landscape gardening.
The architectural core includes a well-preserved Baroque staircase and grand halls designed for high-society hunting parties.
The site functioned as the administrative headquarters for the surrounding forest and hunting grounds for centuries.
The transition of the property into state ownership allowed for the preservation of many personal items belonging to the last Imperial couple.
Schloss Eckartsau is a hunting lodge located within the Donau-Auen National Park, serving as the final residence of Emperor Charles I and Empress Zita in Austria before their exile in 1919. The site originated as a water castle in the 12th century before its conversion into a Baroque-style hunting palace by the Kinsky family. It remains an important site for Habsburg history, reflecting the transition from imperial power to the First Republic. The building features an extensive interior restoration focusing on early 20th-century aesthetics. Visitors can explore the preserved state rooms and the surrounding English landscape park. The grounds are part of the protected floodplain ecosystem of the Danube, known for its biodiversity. The castle also hosts cultural events and serves as a regional venue for exhibitions.
The main courtyard entrance which highlights the symmetrical Baroque facade of the palace.
Combine your tour of the castle interior with a long walk through the surrounding Donau-Auen National Park trails.
Check the official event calendar beforehand, as the castle frequently hosts special thematic exhibitions and seasonal markets.
Do not expect a large urban attraction; this is a quiet, rural historical site that requires travel through the national park region.
Closed during the winter months; open to the public from spring through late autumn.
