Stadtschlaining lies amid the densely forested southern Burgenland. The well-preserved sections of the former town wall and the Peace Castle give the town a distinct cultural focus. Those who wish to shape their stay around history and regional remembrance will find a variety of themes here: from the medieval castle to Jewish life in the region, as well as milling technology and mining.
Schlaining Castle: Military History and the Idea of Peace
Large sections of Stadtschlaining’s former town wall are well preserved. At Schlaining Castle, the exhibition on the castle’s history explores its history and architecture, the study of weaponry, and life in a medieval castle. A second exhibition takes a different approach: “From Fortress to Peace Castle” traces the transformation of the medieval defensive structure into a modern peace centre. Together, the two themes tell the story of the castle as a building and its development into a peace centre.
The former Stadtschlaining Synagogue offers another historical perspective. It is a place of remembrance and learning that honours cultural diversity and the history of the Jewish people. The exhibition “In Search of Clues: Fragments of Jewish Life in Burgenland” tells the story of Jewish life in the region. A cultural stay therefore brings different questions together: the former function of a defensive structure and the history of Jewish life in Burgenland.
Culture, Milling Technology and Mining
Music and performances are also part of the cultural programme. The KLANGfestival offers a varied programme in Stadtschlaining and at the castle, featuring national and international artists as well as extraordinary performances. If you want to plan your trip around a performance, check the specific event dates in advance.
The Sagmeister Mill is located on the Tauchenbach. Its so-called Francis turbine still drives the mill wheels, offering a concrete insight into the mill’s technology. The Goberling Mining Museum preserves another part of local history: in the former Goberling cooling house, it collects the last remnants of mining equipment and other mining-related mementos. The museum is within the municipality of Stadtschlaining; advance registration is required for guided visits.
Routes and Practical Information
Stadtschlaining is also a destination for cycling and circular routes. The sixth stage of the Jubilee Cycle Route runs from Lockenhaus to Stadtschlaining. The Peace Circular Route leads into the medieval town and to Schlaining Peace Castle. The two routes offer different points of reference for planning: the cycle stage links the named destinations of Lockenhaus and Stadtschlaining, while the Peace Circular Route focuses on the town and castle as points of interest.
Bus information current as of May 2024 lists connections to Oberwart, where you change to bus route 85, followed by an approximately two-minute walk from the Stadtschlaining Hauptplatz stop to the castle. Check the current timetable before travelling. Free parking is available around the Peace Castle and in Stadtschlaining; parking conditions can change, so it is advisable to check before setting out.
There are other places to stop for a break or browse regional products around the castle. The castle shop offers regional snacks, blue-dyed textiles, amber jewellery and products related to peace; the selection may change. In the wine cellar at Schlaining Castle, the Vinothek Burgenland wine bar offers wines from all six wine-growing regions of Burgenland. Check the wine bar’s current opening hours separately.
Discover more destinations: GroĂźpetersdorf, Loipersdorf-Kitzladen, Deutsch SchĂĽtzen-Eisenberg, Oberwart, Kohfidisch, Markt Allhau, Municipality of Wiesfleck, Aschau Im Burgenland.
Back to the broader travel overview: Oberwart.
