When people think of magnificent Baroque palaces, Schönbrunn usually comes to mind immediately. But just under an hour’s drive from Vienna lies a true architectural gem that is still considered an insider’s tip for a day trip: Schloss Hof. Spanning an area of over 70 hectares, the former residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy and Empress Maria Theresa combines imperial history with breathtaking natural beauty.
From a General’s Vision to an Imperial Widow’s Residence
The history of Schloss Hof begins in 1725. The legendary military commander Prince Eugene of Savoy commissioned the renowned architect Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt to transform an existing fortress into a… A Baroque masterpiece was created. After the prince’s death , Maria Theresa acquired the estate.
She added another story to the palace and redesigned it in the Neoclassical style. Anyone walking through the meticulously reconstructed state rooms today immediately senses the touch of history. The magnificent apartments tell of a glamorous everyday life, of lavish celebrations, but also of the empress’s private seclusion.
Amid fragrant terraced gardens and encounters with wildlife
The absolute centerpiece of the complex is the monumental, seven-tiered Baroque garden. It slopes down in terraces toward the March River and captivates visitors with its symmetrical embroidery beds, ornate fountains, and shady avenues. A special highlight for explorers is hidden in the lower part of the garden. A historic labyrinth and a maze invite visitors to playfully lose themselves among the green hedges—great fun for young and old alike.
But Schloss Hof is far more than just a historic landmark. Adjacent to the gardens lies the idyllic estate farm, one of the largest preserved Baroque farmsteads in Europe. Here, 18th-century country life comes back to life. The integrated animal park is home to over 200 animals.
In addition to rare, traditional Austrian livestock breeds such as the white Baroque donkeys with their blue eyes and the shaggy Valais Blacknose sheep, there are even Bactrian camels to marvel at here. Demonstration workshops, themed gardens, and an adventure playground make the estate the perfect way to round off an unforgettable outing.
