The first stone walls were built in the 12th century. For a long time the castle served to protect the poplulation from invading enemies. In the 17th century the defensive structures became obsolete due to new methods of warfare and so they were turned into a natural garden, which today is the oldest of its kind in Burgenland.
Bernstein Castle was besieged, conquered, sold, neglected and burned down, but every time something new and larger grew from the ruins. The last time Bernstein Castle fell to an hostile army was in 1445, every since then it resisted each attack. The gorgeous garden within the castle´s walls is perfect for a relaxed stroll without leaving the stronghold.
The most famous resident of the castle was László E. Almásy, whose adventures became the blueprint for the book and film "The English Patient", which was awarded with 9 Oscars in 1997, including "best film". You can learn more about the true story of László Almásy at one of our guided tours, which we offer 1st of May to 6th of October Wednesday through Sunday and on national holidays at 11am.
The Chronicle
Many families have lived within these walls. Sometimes taken by force, but the transition was also often conducted peacefully when the father passed it on to his son or the castle was soldd to a different noble family. You can find a short summary of the events here:
1236
Der ungarische König Bela IV übergibt die Burg an Ivan von Güns als Kompensation für anderweitige Verluste.
1260
The castle is "famous" for being the hideout of robber knights and is - if possible - avoided.
1445
The important family "Königsberger" receives the castle from Emperor Friedrich III. Renovations begin immediatly and a second wallring is being built.
1617
A flash of lightning hits the gunpowder storage. The following explosion makes a large part of the castle uninhabitable. The Königsberger family has to sell the castle.
1644
The famous "Batthyány" family, whose coat of arms is decorated with a pelican, buys the castle and starts to rebuild.
1704
After the Turkish wars are over, other enemies show up on the horizon. The widow Eleonore Batthyány is in charge of the garrison.
1892
Eduard Almásy moves with this whole family from Török St. Miklos (Hungary) to Bernstein and starts to modernize the castle. Electric cables and water pipes are being installed.
1922
Ever since this year (with the interruptions of World War II) the Almásy family has been hosting guests at Bernstein Castle from all over the world.
Schlossweg 1
7434 Bernstein
Südburgenland, Austria
holiday@burgbernstein.at
+43 3354 6382
ATU 21253603
