Castles - Bernstein Castle - Castle Road - Steiermark, Burgenland, Austria

Bernstein Castle

Bulwark against the hecticness of modern life.

History

Turbulent times & The English Patient

The first document mentioning Bernstein Castle dates back to 1199. Of all fortresses in Burgenland, it is located at the highest elevation. In the late Middle Ages the castle belonged to the lords of Güssing, but after numerous battles, they finally had to yiled to the will of the Hungarian king Robert of Anjou. The castle was last conquered in 1445, all subsequent sieges failed. In the 16^th century a second ring of walls was constructed. In the 17^th century the magnificent Renaissance hall with its unique stucco work was built, and today it forms the heart of the present castle. The most famous resident of the castle was probably Ladislaus Almásy, whose life provided the basis for the film "The English Patient", which received nine Oscars.

Bernstein Castle today

Oasis of calm in the heart of Burgenland

In 1892 Eduard Almásy purchased the castle, and it remains in the possession of the family to this day. Since 1921 Bernstein Castle has welcomed summer guests. A total of nine lovingly restored rooms and suites are available, which are still furnished with original pieces of furniture. Experience the flair of the past centuries and enjoy peace and seclusion far away from tourist masses. Bernstein Castle is managed as a bed and breakfast hotel. In the evenings, we offer homemade snacks such as quiches and savory strudels. Those little meals are only meant as a light dinner (no à la carte selection) and are served in our candle-lit Renaissance hall. In addition, in the immediate vicinity there are a few handpicked restaurants, some of them even within walking distance.

From April 28^th to October 1^st2023 (except for operating vacations from July 24^th to July 27^th), a guided tour is offered from Friday to Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. Access to the castle grounds is only possible as a hotel guest or during a tour.

The Almásy Collection

Wine without borders

The Almásys have always been a family of explorers and adventurers. Eduard Almásy traveled around the world with his wife and children for two years in the late 19^th century. His son Georg led expeditions to Kyrgyzstan and China, and Georg's son László Almásy went down in history as a flight pioneer and researcher. All of them were driven by their curiosity and spirit of discovery to leave Bernstein Castle and go to unknown areas.
We offer an exciting oenological journey of discovery across Central and Eastern Europe with well-known classic wines such as "Blauer Zweigelt" and "Grüner Veltliner", but also exotic grape varieties such as "Harslevelü", "Pinela" and "Feteasca Neagra". Never heard of them? All the better, it's always fun to discover something new...

More information can be found here.

Contact & Info

Bernstein Castle

Schlossweg 1, 7434 Bernstein

Phone: +43 3354 6382

urlaub@burgbernstein.at

www.burgbernstein.at

Opening hours
1 May to 6 October 2026
Daily, Wednesday to Sunday at 11:00 am: one guided tour
Guided tours until the end of October; during the winter break, by prior arrangement

Guided tours
The historical tour lasts approx. 50 minutes and takes place mainly outdoors; weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. The price includes a glass of Almásy sparkling wine in the ballroom after the tour. After the tour, you will also have the opportunity to purchase our own wines at farm-gate prices.

The garden tour lasts approx. 50 minutes and takes place mainly outdoors; weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. In the event of rain and/or strong winds, the tour may be cancelled by us; naturally, no charges will apply in such cases.

Admission prices
Adults: €27 (€22 without drink)
Concessionary admission: €22 (€17 without a drink)
Concessionary admission applies to children aged 6–18, pensioners, students, those performing community service and those doing military service. Admission is free for children under 6.
Group price for 20 or more people: €16, maximum group size 30 people

Blooming Castle – Garden Tours
The castle garden is characterised by opulent perennial beds and a wide variety of roses and old trees with spreading crowns. Lovers of natural gardens in particular will find this walk a real treat. It is led by biologist Johanna Almásy; together we will learn about different habitats and their importance for biodiversity. We will discuss how the historic landscape garden is maintained throughout the year whilst taking wildlife into account. Duration approx. 50 minutes, followed by the opportunity to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine in the castle courtyard.

All dates for 2026:

From 1 May to 2 October EVERY Friday and additionally on the following Saturdays at 3.00 pm

9 May | 23 May | 6 June | 20 June | 4 July | 18 July | 1 August | 15 August | 29 August | 12 September | 26 September

To book a nature tour, please contact: office@fuehlerfeder.at or call 0680 5509337

For further excursions with Johanna Almásy, please visit www.fuehlerfeder.at

Registration
Please register in advance, as group sizes are limited and, if there are many visitors, only those who have registered will be admitted.
Please register at: urlaub@burgbernstein.at or tel.: 03354 6382

Group price for 20 or more people: €16, maximum group size 30 people

Map

Bernstein Castle (Burgenland)

Google Maps load

(I agree to the use of Google Maps)