Experience history, culture & enjoyment

Directly opposite the Burghotel Schlaining rises the imposing peace castle, one of the most important historical landmarks in Burgenland. Once built as a medieval fortress, the castle has developed over the centuries into a center for culture, history and peace. Today, it invites visitors to immerse themselves in fascinating exhibitions about Burgenland, the Middle Ages and peace research and to experience the special flair of these historic walls.

An exclusive benefit for our guests: hotel guests receive free admission to the peace castle exhibition and can experience history up close.

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Winter Wonderland at Schlaining Castle

The Glowing Castle Fairy Tale

Magical creatures, sparkling light displays, and an enchanting program for the whole family: During Advent, the historic “ peace castle ” is transformed into a magical winter fairy tale for the first time.

Tip: Round out your stay with two nights at the Burghotel and turn it into a truly unique experience.

Winter Wonder Special 

Enjoy an extraordinary Advent experience in a unique setting. The magic of the place is palpable the moment you step inside: Schlaining Castle is brightly illuminated by kilometers of string lights . Sparkling light displays, Christmas music, knights, and other magical creatures guide you through the courtyards of peace castle this winter. Surrounded by historic walls and steeped in history, you can experience the special magic of this season with all your senses. Stroll through the atmospherically lit courtyards, enjoy regional cuisine, and look forward to a varied program for the whole family.

Dates:
Nov. 26–29, 2026 | Thu–Sun 4:00 PM–9:00 PM
Dec. 3–6, 2026 | Thu – Sun 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Dec. 8, 2026 | Tuesday 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Dec. 10 – Dec. 13, 2026 | Thu – Sun 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Dec. 17 – Dec. 20, 2026 | Thu – Sun 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Tickets and details 

Culinary Delights for a Winter Wonderland

During the Winter Wonder event, the boutique restaurant “das Kranich” invites you to enjoy a delightful break in an atmospheric setting. The menu features hearty dishes such as potato goulash, pasta, lángos, and burgers. A variety of drinks perfectly round out the winter offerings. Here, the daily Winter Wonder Package . Hearty dishes and complementary drinks ensure cozy, indulgent moments in an atmospheric setting.

At the Winter Wonder Hut, punch and hot chocolate warm your hands. Hot dogs and chili con carne provide a hearty meal; Christmas cookies and nut rolls round out the sweet treat. The hut invites families and all other guests to take a brief break during their walk.

The wine tasting room also offers open-faced rolls, sandwiches, and pretzels as part of the Winter Wonder package. The selection of wines and non-alcoholic beverages invites you to take a relaxing break in the wine bar. For guests with Winter Wonderland package , a wine tasting is already included in their stay.

Why a visit to Schlaining Castle is a must

The peace castle is one of Austria’s most impressive medieval castles. It was first mentioned in 1271. Massive stone walls, towers, and winding corridors continue to give it a special historical atmosphere to this day.
At the same time, the castle is a place of encounter and peace. As the headquarters of the Austrian Center for Peace, it combines history with contemporary peace work.

The interactive and multimedia exhibits bring the past to life and make it an exciting experience. Particularly worth seeing are:

  • Castle stories - Experience the architecture, weaponry and everyday life in the Middle Ages.
  • Burgenland since 1921 - A fascinating journey through the political and cultural development of Austria's youngest province.
  • In Search of Traces: Fragments of Jewish Life in Burgenland – A particularly moving exhibition in the former synagogue in Stadtschlaining.
  • Dark Times: Perpetrators and the Righteous— explores Nazi terror in Burgenland and raises questions about responsibility, courage, and humanity.

Website of the peace castle

Cuisine & Wine in the castle courtyard

The inner courtyard of peace castle is not only a place of history, but also a meeting place for connoisseurs. Here you will find two first-class gastronomic offerings with something for every taste:

Weinkosterei Vinothek Burgenland

  • One of the largest wine shops in Burgenland, where you can enjoy fine wines from all six Burgenland wine regions. And you can take them home with you at farm-gate prices.
  • A large selection of red wines, white wines, sparkling wines and dessert wines.
  • Perfect for wine lovers and connoisseurs who want to get to know the Burgenland terroir.

Restaurant das Kranich

  • Regional & seasonal specialties in a stylish ambience.
  • An exclusive menu selection that combines traditional Burgenland recipes with modern cuisine.
  • Ideal for a romantic dinner or a culinary highlight during your stay.

Both locations are located in the castle courtyard and are accessible at all times without admission.

An experience for every taste

The peace castle combines history, culture, enjoyment and nature in one place.

  • For history enthusiasts the castle offers one of the best preserved fortifications in Austria with exciting exhibitions.
  • Wine lovers and gourmets can enjoy Burgenland's wine culture in the wine tasting room or experience the finest cuisine in the Kranich restaurant.
  • Culture enthusiasts appreciate the unique ambience of the castle, which regularly hosts concerts, lectures and events.
  • Hotel guests at Burghotel Schlaining benefit from an exclusive advantage: free admission to the castle exhibition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Halloween at Schlaining Castle

Where can you celebrate Halloween in Burgenland?

"Burg Geflüster" at Schlaining Castle offers a special Halloween experience in Burgenland. Around Halloween, the historic castle is transformed into an atmospherically staged world of adventure featuring light and sound effects, walking acts, mystical characters, photo spots, and a family-friendly program.

When will the Halloween event at Schlaining Castle take place in 2026?

"Burg Geflüster" at Schlaining Castle will take place on select days from October 15 to November 1, 2026. From October 15 through 18 and from October 22 through 25, the event will be open Thursday through Sunday. During the fall break from October 26 through November 1, 2026, “Burg Geflüster” will be open daily. Hours of operation are from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with last admission at 7:30 p.m.

Is Halloween at Schlaining Castle suitable for children?

Yes. "Burg Geflüster" is designed as a family-friendly Halloween experience and is especially well-suited for an outing with children. Light and sound displays, walking acts, mystical figures, and special photo spots create a spookily beautiful atmosphere without focusing solely on the scare factor. 

What can you do at Schlaining Castle on Halloween?

When darkness falls, the historic Schlaining Castle is transformed into an atmospheric world of wonder. Visitors can look forward to impressive light and sound effects, witches and mythical creatures, roaming performers, photo opportunities, and a varied family program. In addition, visitors can explore the permanent and special exhibitions at Friedensburg Castle.

Will there be food and drinks available during the Halloween event at Schlaining Castle?

Yes. Culinary delights are also available during the “Burg Geflüster” event. The boutique restaurant “das Kranich” in the castle’s courtyard is open during event hours. The Weinkosterei Vinothek Burgenland is open on many event days. In addition, performances will take place in the castle’s inner courtyard. 

Where can you stay overnight during the Halloween event at Schlaining Castle?

The Burghotel Schlaining is located directly across from Friedensburg Castle, making it the ideal starting point for a visit to Burg Geflüster. After an atmospheric Halloween evening, you can easily walk back to the hotel and wind down the day in a relaxed atmosphere. There’s also a special Halloween package for the event that includes an overnight stay and admission.

Is there a Halloween package that includes an overnight stay and admission to Schlaining Castle?

Yes. The Burghotel Schlaining offers its own Halloween special. The package includes one night’s stay in a double or single room with breakfast, as well as admission to the Halloween experience at Schlaining Castle. Additional perks include, among other things, a food and beverage voucher for “das Kranich,” a wine tasting at the winery, access to the sauna and relaxation lounge, and other benefits. The package is bookable—subject to availability—on the event dates and starts at €109 per person in a double room.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Winter Wonder at Schlaining Castle

Where in Burgenland can you enjoy a special Advent experience?

A special Advent experience awaits visitors at the “Winter Wonder” event at Schlaining Castle in the “ Southern Burgenland.” During Advent, the historic Friedensburg Castle is transformed into an atmospherically lit winter wonderland featuring sparkling light displays, Christmas music, knight figures, magical creatures, and a varied family program.

When will the Winter Wonder at Schlaining Castle take place in 2026?

The Winter Wonder at Schlaining Castle will take place on several Advent weekends in 2026:

November 26–29, 2026
December 3–6, 2026
December 8, 2026
December 10–13, 2026
December 17–20, 2026

It is open from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. each day.

Is the Winter Wonderland at Schlaining Castle suitable for children?

Yes. The Winter Wonderland is designed as an experience for the whole family. Sparkling light displays, magical creatures, knights, Christmas music, and a varied family program ensure that children, too, enjoy special Advent moments. The historic castle setting makes a visit an extraordinary experience for young and old alike.

What is the "Winter Wonder" at Schlaining Castle?

The Winter Wonder is an extraordinary Advent experience set against the historic backdrop of the peace castle. Kilometers of string lights, sparkling light displays, Christmas music, knights, and magical creatures create a fairytale atmosphere in the castle’s courtyards. Visitors can stroll through the festively lit castle, enjoy regional cuisine, and experience a diverse program for the whole family.

Are there any food and drink options available at the Winter Wonder event at Schlaining Castle?

Yes. Culinary delights are also on the menu during the Winter Wonder event. The boutique restaurant “das Kranich” in the castle’s inner courtyard is open during event hours. The Weinkosterei Vinothek Burgenland is open on numerous event days. In addition, there will be live performances in the castle’s inner courtyard. Guests booking the Winter Wonder package also receive one food and beverage voucher per person per day, which can be redeemed at “das Kranich.”

Where can you stay during the Winter Wonder event at Schlaining Castle?

Directly across from Friedensburg Castle is the Burghotel Schlaining. Thanks to its immediate proximity to the castle, a visit to the Winter Wonderland can be perfectly combined with a relaxing getaway. After enjoying the Advent experience, guests can easily walk back to the hotel and wind down the evening in comfort. There’s also a special Winter Wonder Special. 

Is there a "Winter Wonder" package that includes lodging and admission?

Yes. The Burghotel Schlaining offers its own Winter Wonder Special. The package includes two nights’ accommodation with breakfast, admission to the Winter Wonder event at Schlaining Castle, and other included amenities such as a food and beverage voucher per person per day for the boutique restaurant “das Kranich,” a wine tasting at the “ Weinkosterei Vinothek Burgenland ,” and access to the sauna and relaxation lounge. The package is available for booking in 2026 on select “Winter Wonder” dates starting at €218 per person in a double room.

Frequently Asked Questions About peace castle

Where can I find parking spaces around the peace castle?

Free parking spaces are available around the peace castle .

Parking facilities for people with reduced mobility:
There is a barrier-free parking space near the castle bridge/on the main square.

Is the peace castle exhibition barrier-free?

The peace castle is a historic and listed building. It is located on an outcrop of land and is accessible via a bridge from the village of Stadtschlaining. Friedensburg makes every effort to allow visitors with disabilities to enter and stay at the castle. However, due to the historical nature of the castle, itis unfortunately not possible to guarantee or offer accessibility in all areas.

Persons with disabilities are requested to register at the information desk/cash desk by telephone on +43 3355 2306 to ensure a pleasant and smooth visit. An accompanying person will be available if required and if booked in advance by telephone.

Visitors who are dependent on a walking aid such as a rollator, crutch or cane can of course use these in the showrooms. It is important to ensure that the walking aids are rubberized to avoid damaging the historic floors. It is not permitted to take long and sharp objects such as sticks and umbrellas, as well as baby carriages and buggies into the exhibition rooms.

For further questions and information, please contact the Schlaining Castle information office by telephone on +43 3355 2306 and online here is at your disposal.

What are some things to do around Schlaining Castle?

Southern Burgenland is not only known for its picturesque landscape and culinary delights, but also for its rich cultural scene and varied leisure activities. Here you can find out more. 

What is the peace castle and what is it known for?

The peace castle is a historical landmark in southern Burgenland - originally built as a medieval fortified castle (first documented mention in 1271). You can find more information here.

What exhibitions and museums can I visit at peace castle ?

There are permanent and temporary exhibitions on the history of the castle, on Burgenland since 1921, on peace research ("Schlaining & Peace"), on topics such as political and cultural identity as well as an exhibition in the former synagogue.

Further information on the current exhibitions can be found on the website of the peace castle.

Are there guided tours of the peace castle?

Yes, guided tours are possible. Please register in advance. You can find further information here.

How can I book the peace castle for my celebration?

The team at Burghotel Schlaining will be happy to help you plan and organize your event. You can find more information about our event rooms and the planning of private and business celebrations on our homepage. 

What are the opening hours of the peace castle?

The peace castle is open for you from Tuesday to Sunday and on public holidays from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Special closing times can be found on the Homepage of the Peace Castle.

What is the best way to get to the peace castle (car, train, bus)?

You can reach the peace castle in the same way as the Burghotel Schlaining.
Details for your arrival can be found in the FAQ section here.
 

What are the entrance fees for the peace castle?

As a guest of the Burghotel and Burgenland Card holder, admission to Schlaining Castle is free of charge.
The regular admission price per adult is € 20. Details on discounts can be found here.

Exterior view of Burghotel Schlaining (c) Roswitha Riedl.

Book your stay now & discover the castle!

Combine history, pleasure & relaxation during a stay at the Burghotel Schlaining and discover the fascinating peace castle directly opposite.

Request your stay now!
Book your stay online now!

We look forward to welcoming you to the Burghotel Schlaining and the peace castle !