This year we are offering different and exciting new events at the castle! A dancing workshop for historical dances, guided garden tours, concerts and more. Please see the details below, this list is being updated continuously.
You would like to get the news regarding events and special offers right away? Just send an email with the text "news" to holiday@burgbernstein.at and we will keep you up to date with our newsletter.
9th of May - 26th of September 2026
Blossoming Fortress
Johanna Almásy (biologist)
Guided garden tour 3:00 - 4:00 pm
22.- Euros
The castle garden is characterized by opulent perennial beds and a wide variety of roses and old trees with spreading treetops. Natural garden enthusiasts will particularly enjoy this walk. Led by biologist Johanna Almásy, we will explore different habitats and their importance for biodiversity. We will also discuss how the historic landscape garden is maintained throughout the year, taking into account the needs of wildlife.
Every other Saturday, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
All dates 2026
9th of May | 24th of May | 6th of June | 20th of June | 4th of July | 18th of July | 1st of August | 15th of August | 29th of August | 12th of September | 26th of September
24th - 26th of July 2026
Dances as in "Bridgerton"
Historical Dance Workshop
Mag. Erika Weithofer
Beginners course 12 x 45 minutes
Fee 100.- Euro
Do you want to combine your holiday and dancing? Join us for an unique experience in an 800 year old castle and learn how to dance like the former lords and ladies!
Dancing instructor Erika Weithofer offers an introduction into the historic dances from the 17th - 19th century, accompanied by the music of Purcell, Mozard and others. It is fitting for the time of Jane Austen, but also for the (fictitious) TV Show Bridgerton! Daphne, Basset & Co would have felt very much at home, here at Bernstein Castle.
Please register in pairs, pairs of ladies or gentlemen are also welcome!
This is a beginners course, there is no need for prior dancing knowledge (or a historic costume), but if you WANT you are very welcome to bring one :) You can borrow a costume for example here: https://www.lamberthofer.at/
Casual/sporty clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended for the classes.
Friday: Check-in, 4:30pm getogether in the courtyard with welcome drink, classes 5 - 6:30pm
Saturday: whole day workshop, classes 9 - 10:30am, possible guided tour at 11am, classes 2 - 3:30pm, Tea Time, classes 5 - 6:30pm
Sunday: check-out, classes 9 - 10:30pm and 11 - 12:30pm
Participation in the workshop is only possible in combination with a hotel booking.
Fee for the course: 100.- Euro per person
A demonstration from "Tanzensemble Brokat" can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kspq3TbVjyQ
Please register before May 15th 2026 to help us plan ahead. The workshop will be conducted for a minimum of 10 participants. Any advance payments will be returned if the workshop is canceled.
I am looking forward to meet and dance with you!
Erika Weithofer
Infos: xn--hfischer-tanz-imb.at, Youtube: Höfischer Tanz oder @hofischertanz
Kontakt: erika.weithofer@gmail.com, +436764881469
Banking information: Mag. Erika Weithofer, IBAN: AT71 2011 1000 3813 3369
21st - 23rd of August 2026
Baroque Dances - Workshop
Univ. Prof. Margit Legler
Beginners course 10 x 45 minutes
Fee 75.- Euro
Baroque dance at Bernstein Castle – the perfect setting for a historical dance course!
After her career as a dancer with the Vienna State Opera Ballet, Margit Legler specialized in historical dance and historical acting. Workshops and lectures on historical acting, as well as opera productions (including with Dorothee Oberlinger) in the spirit of historical performance practice, have taken her throughout Europe. Margit Legler taught at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna from 1989 to 2009, at the Vienna State Opera Ballet Academy from 2010 to 2020, holds a professorship in historical dance and period acting techniques at the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna, and teaches at the Mozarteum University Salzburg. In 2024, she published the book "Baroque Dances and Their Musical Interpretation" with Reinhold Kubik and Andreas Helm, published by Hollitzer Verlag.
No prior dance experience (or historical costume) is necessary, but you are welcome to bring your own costume or rent one, for example here: www.lamberthofer.at
Casual clothing and comfortable shoes are ideal for dancing.
Schedule:
Friday: Arrival, 3:30 pm get-together with a light aperitif, 4:00 - 5:30 pm class
Saturday: Full-day workshop, class from 9:30 - 11:00 am, optional castle tour at 11:00 am, class from 2:00 - 3:30 pm, followed by tea time, class from 4:00 - 5:30 pm
Sunday: Departure, class from 9:30 - 11:00 am
Participation in the workshop is only possible in conjunction with a room booking.
Course fee: €75 per person
The history of "Belle Danse" is inextricably linked to one figure in French history: King Louis XIV. He became King of France at the age of four and, at 22, was granted sole power, which he retained until his death at the age of 76. To this day, he is considered the longest-reigning monarch of the modern era.
Besides his numerous political achievements, it is above all his cultural legacy that has ensured Louis XIV's place in history. He promoted every form of art and had a particularly strong influence on architecture. The Palace of Versailles is considered the pinnacle of European palace architecture.
He saw himself as the center of the world and staged his public appearances with great pomp. He played several instruments and surrounded himself with the most sought-after musicians of the time. A trained and passionate dancer himself, he founded the Royal Ballet Academy (Académie royale de Danse) in 1661 and gathered composers and choreographers around him.
In the following years, a dance notation system was developed at the king's behest to permanently record the choreographies created. Subsequently, hundreds of stage and social dances were transcribed using this notation. This system still allows for the extremely precise reconstruction of complex choreographies today.
28th - 30th of August 2026
Pilates Retreat
Mag. Stephan Hase
Basic course, 4 x 75 minutes
For beginners and returners
In four 75-minute Pilates sessions, guests experience gentle, mindful bodywork in a tranquil atmosphere. The retreat is complemented by time for nature, walks, and history. Between sessions, there is the option of a historical castle tour, a garden tour with biologist Johanna Almásy, or independent exploration. The village's natural swimming pond is particularly recommended.
Schedule:
Friday Arrival, 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM Pilates - Soft Arrival & Mobility
Saturday, 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM Pilates - Basics, Posture & Core, Afternoon Free, 5:00 PM - 6:15 PM Pilates - Slow Flow, Focus on Breathing, Stretching & Stability
Sunday Departure, 8:00 AM - 9:15 AM Pilates - Wake-up & Integration before breakfast
Package Prices: Accommodation including breakfast and Pilates workshop, per person in a double room:
Double room with shared bathroom: €520
Double room with en-suite bathroom: €595
Suite: €670
Single room supplement: €160
Pilates & Instruction
The retreat will be led by Stephan Hase, founder of Pilates Lab Vienna, certified Pilates instructor, and member of the Pilates Association Austria.
This retreat can serve as an introduction to a regular Pilates practice. Participants from Vienna or the surrounding area have the opportunity to continue their training at Pilates Lab Vienna afterward.
www.pilateslabvienna.at
Registration & Booking
Registration for the Pilates retreat is handled directly through Burg Bernstein. The minimum number of participants is 6, with a registration deadline of July 19, 2026. Should the workshop be canceled, the room can be canceled free of charge or, of course, used without the workshop.
After registration, you will receive all further information regarding the retreat's schedule well in advance of the event.
The number of participants is limited to a maximum of 18.
19th of September 2026
Quattro Grammo - Spice of Life
Manuel Jannach (clarinette)
Andrej Kos (accordion)
Felix Greilberger (guitar)
Sandro Gutschi (base)
Concert 4:00 pm
49.- Euro
Conflict and reconciliation, tears and laughter, sorrow and pure joie de vivre – you can hear it all when Quattro Grammo plays. The ensemble blends traditional Klezmer sounds with their own ideas and international flair, performing on clarinet, accordion, bass, and guitar high above the rooftops of Graz.
Four musicians, four instruments, four personalities, and one unifying passion – music. With their instruments, they tell life's big and small stories, captivating audiences with ease and authentic charm. Those who listen closely will sense the tension, the emotions, the joys of life, and the sheer delight of celebration.
Traditional Klezmer rhythms and sounds merge with their own ideas, seasoned with diverse influences from around the world.
Doors open at 3:00 pm
