Rising above the cobbles of Stadtschlaining, Friedensburg Schlaining blends the grit of a medieval stronghold with the quiet purpose of a modern peace center. Thick walls shelter frescoed halls and a Baroque chapel around a sunlit courtyard, while a tower climb opens to rolling Burgenland views. Today, exhibitions and programs trace the region’s tangled past and point toward more peaceful futures.
Quick Facts
📍 Location: Stadtschlaining, Burgenland, Austria
🏗️ Construction Period: 13th century (first recorded 1271)
🏰 Architectural Style: Medieval fortress with Baroque elements
🎭 Famous For: Austrian Study Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution; 8 m-thick keep; Baumkircher feud; wartime prison camps; cultural festivals
👑 Notable Figures: Counts of Güssing; Batthyány family; Andreas Baumkircher; Emperor Frederick III
🏆 UNESCO Status: No
🌐 Official Website: https://www.friedensburg.at/
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Historical Context
First documented in 1271 as “castrum Zloynuk,” Schlaining Castle guarded key trade routes and soon passed from the Counts of Güssing to other nobles, notably the Batthyány family who held it for over three centuries. In the late 15th century it became entangled in the Baumkircher feud against Emperor Frederick III, ending with owner Andreas Baumkircher’s execution—a tale still told locally. The fortress later served as a site for Russian POWs in WWI, a prisoner-of-war and labor camp during 1939–1945, and a criminal prison for captured Nazis after 1945. Acquired by the State of Burgenland in 1980, it was reborn as Friedensburg Schlaining, a peace museum and home to the Austrian Study Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution, hosting exhibitions, dialogue programs, and cultural events.
Gallery
Visiting Information
🗓️ Best Time to Visit: April, May, late September, and October
🗺️ Location Perks: Set amid South Burgenland’s gentle hills, the castle crowns a walkable medieval town. Pair your visit with the region’s scenic Castle Road and local wine taverns.
⏳ Estimated Visit Duration: Plan to spend 2–3 hours exploring the castle and its grounds.
💡 Visiting tips: Admission is free with the Burgenland Card; otherwise expect about €20. Closed on Mondays—arrive early to climb the tower, and check the calendar for guided tours and festivals; parking is just by the stone-arch bridge.
