Plizio Visual Lab
Schallaburg Castle
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Historical site
Schallaburg Castle in Lower Austria is regarded as one of the most significant Renaissance castles north of the Alps and an architectural jewel of the Mostviertel region. The complex received its current form in the 16th century under Hans Wilhelm von Losenstein, who transformed the medieval fortress into a magnificent noble residence. It is particularly famous for its two-story arcaded courtyard, decorated with over 1,600 intricate terracotta figures depicting mythological characters and contemporaries. Following a varied history and the threat of decay, the state of Lower Austria acquired the castle in 1968 and carried out extensive restoration. Since 1974, Schallaburg has served as an international exhibition center, presenting annually changing cultural-historical themes that attract visitors from all over Europe. The site also features an expansive castle garden that reflects Renaissance aesthetics and serves as a place of recreation.
- Location: Lower Austria, Austria
- Top sights: Höhensiedlung Wachberg · Schloss Albrechtsberg · Schallaburg
- Nearby: Sankt Pölten (20 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -3 | -2 | 2 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 13 | 8 | 3 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 61 | 53 | 62 | 53 | 110 | 120 | 116 | 115 | 99 | 67 | 55 | 56 |
📋 Practical info
Address
Schallaburg 1, 3382 Schollaburg, Austria
Hours
April to November: Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00, Sat-Sun 09:00-19:00
Entry
€12 adults (includes annual exhibition and garden)
Website
Transit
Seasonal shuttle bus service from Melk train station
Parking
Large free parking lot directly at the castle grounds
Accessibility
Castle and exhibition areas are accessible (elevator), garden partially has steps
Photos
Allowed
Best time
Mornings to make use of the sunlight in the terracotta arcade courtyard
Audio guide
yes (German, English)
Geography
Facts
- Over 1,600 terracotta reliefs decorate the arcaded courtyard.
- The castle originally dates back to the 11th century.
- Transformation into a Renaissance castle between 1572 and 1600.
- Acquisition by the state of Lower Austria in 1968.
- Opening as an exhibition center in 1974.
- The terracotta decoration is considered unique in its scale.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Schallaburg Castle (5)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What makes Schallaburg Castle special?
Its magnificent Renaissance terracotta arcade courtyard with over 1,600 individual figures.
Are there changing exhibitions?
Yes, the castle is known for its annually changing, high-quality cultural-historical exhibitions.
How long does a visit take?
You should allow at least 2 to 3 hours to see the castle, exhibition, and gardens.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are allowed on a leash in the castle grounds and garden, but not in the exhibition rooms.
When is Schallaburg open?
Usually from April to November, daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm or 6:00 pm.
Schallaburg Castle: where is it located?
Schallaburg Castle is located in Lower Austria, Austria.
Schallaburg Castle: what is there to see?
Highlights include Höhensiedlung Wachberg, Schloss Albrechtsberg, Schallaburg.
Schallaburg Castle: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Schallaburg Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Schallaburg Castle in Lower Austria is regarded as one of the most significant Renaissance castles north of the Alps and an architectural jewel of the Mostviertel region.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Austria →
Nearby cities
Sankt Pölten
Sankt Pölten is Austria's oldest city and its youngest state capital, blending Baroque history with striking modern architecture.
Sankt Pölten Land
The Sankt Pölten-Land district surrounds the Lower Austrian state capital and extends from the gentle Alpine foothills into the Vienna Wo…
St. Pölten
St.
Mödling
Mödling is an enchanting Babenberg city south of Vienna, known for its romantic old town and access to the scenic Vienna Woods.
Klosterneuburg
Located at the gates of Vienna, Klosterneuburg charms visitors with its magnificent Augustinian Abbey and traditional viticulture.
Amstetten
Amstetten is an important hub in the Mostviertel and stands for mobility, business, and short links between the Danube and the Alpine foo…
Krems an der Donau
Krems is located at the eastern end of the Wachau on the Danube.
Korneuburg
Korneuburg is a charming city on the Danube, known for its historic shipbuilding tradition, magnificent main square, and high quality of …
Tulln an der Danube
Tulln an der Danube is a lively town in Lower Austria with a strong connection to the river, gardens, and regional agriculture.
Neunkirchen
Neunkirchen is a traditional district town on the edge of the Bucklige Welt and close to the Semmering region.
Strasshof
Strasshof an der Nordbahn is an important railway town in the Marchfeld, known for its large locomotive depot and long railway history.
Purkersdorf
Purkersdorf is located directly on the Vienna city boundary in the heart of the Vienna Woods, combining nature-oriented living with histo…
Gerasdorf bei Wien
Gerasdorf bei Wien is a vibrant municipality in the Marchfeld region, directly bordering the Viennese districts of Floridsdorf and Donaus…
Wiener Neudorf
Wiener Neudorf is an economic powerhouse south of Vienna, combining modern industrial areas with green recreation zones and historical he…
Sankt Valentin
The westernmost city in Lower Austria is a significant transport hub and industrial location with a rich railway history.
History & landmarks
Gumpoldskirchen
Famous wine village at the foot of the Anninger south of Vienna, known for its Heuriger culture and unique Zierfandler and Rotgipfler gra…
Melk Abbey
A monumental Baroque jewel overlooking the Danube, famous for its magnificent library and the UNESCO Wachau Valley.
Spitz an der Donau
Traditional wine town in the Wachau at the foot of the Tausendeimerberg, characterized by steep terraces and shipping history.
Dürnstein
Iconic wine town in the Wachau, known for its striking blue church tower and the castle ruins where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned.