Perchtoldsdorf’s freestanding keep is 60 metres tall and is considered a masterpiece of late medieval fortification architecture, built between 1450 and 1521. To visit, arrange a guided tour of the town or museum with the InfoCenter at least three days in advance. The climb from St Nicholas Chapel to the gallery comprises 148 steps—a specific detail to help you plan your visit.
Building History and Museums
Perchtoldsdorf Castle belonged to a chain of fortifications built in the 11th century along the eastern edge of the Vienna Woods. Since its careful restoration between 1964 and 1967, the castle has been used for concerts, theatre performances, exhibitions, trade fairs, conferences and celebrations. The Perchtoldsdorf Summer Theatre is an annual theatre festival; since 1976, it has been held in the castle courtyard every July.
The Local History Museum is housed in the tower keeper’s chamber of the keep. The floor above is home to the Perchtoldsdorf Archaeological Museum. The Local History Museum and the floor above it thus offer two distinct perspectives on local history.
Wine Tradition and Seasonal Events
Perchtoldsdorf’s Heurigen taverns serve their own wines, accompanied by generous buffets. A green pine bough is used as a sign that wine is being served. Guided vineyard walks are offered every year in late October and early November; check the current cultural calendar for the exact dates. A visit to a Heuriger and a guided walk offer different experiences: one focuses on wine and food, the other on the vineyards.
The Hiataeinzug is a harvest thanksgiving festival in the Perchtoldsdorf winegrowers’ year. A 2022 article by the museum administration describes how hundreds of people gather in the market square for the event. The recurring annual date is the first Sunday after the feast of St Leonard on 6 November. Check the specific event details for the year in question.
The seasonal calendar offers different options when choosing when to travel: the Summer Theatre takes place in July, while guided vineyard walks are held in late October and early November. If you are looking for a hotel in Perchtoldsdorf, these periods can help you plan your stay around a cultural or wine-related theme. Check the cultural calendar for the exact dates of the walks.
Hiking and Nature
The Teufelstein nature reserve covers around 46 hectares and includes the former Fischerwiese quarry and the lake that formed there. This protected habitat is home to botanical rarities such as the Carpathian rockcress, as well as green lizards, fire salamanders, eagle-owls and Alpine bats. Teufelstein can be reached via several hiking trails; the walking time is 30 to 90 minutes, depending on your starting point and pace.
The Wiener Wallfahrerweg pilgrimage trail starts at the parish church in Perchtoldsdorf, follows Pfarrer-Karl-Seemann-Promenade into Föhrenberge Nature Park and continues to Parapluieberg. The route information varies: the pilgrimage trail has a specified starting point and destination, while the walking time for Teufelstein varies depending on your starting point and pace.
Plan Your Journey and Stay
Perchtoldsdorf station is unstaffed and has covered seating, ticket machines and a park-and-ride facility for more than 60 cars and more than 50 bicycles. It is served by the S2, S3 and S4 suburban train lines. There is also a nearby bus stop served by several bus routes. If you plan to travel by train or bus, check the timetable for your travel date.
Discover more destinations: Breitenfurt, Münchendorf, Achau, Vösendorf, Gruberau, Gumpoldskirchen, Sittendorf Bei Wien, Hennersdorf Bei Wien.
Back to the main travel overview: Mödling.
