Artstetten Castle

Artstetten Castle is a historic riverside castle in Lower Austria, known today as a Hohenberg family seat and museum and as the burial place of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. It is a local heritage site with preserved interior rooms and estate grounds.

The castle presents furnished historic rooms, permanent family and regional history displays, and a family crypt. Visitors typically see exhibition rooms showing portraits, period furniture and documents, plus the surrounding gardens and terraces on the river side.

The site became particularly associated with the Hohenberg branch of the former Habsburg family after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, whose remains are interred in the castle crypt. Over the 20th century the property was maintained as a private residence and converted in part to a museum presenting the family’s history.

The castle sits on the south bank of the Danube in the market area of Artstetten in Lower Austria, within the Danube valley west of Melk and within reach of the Wachau region.

• Franz Ferdinand tomb: Holds the tomb of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie, making it a site of 20th century historical significance.
• Tours and opening times: Guided tours cover the principal rooms and the family crypt; opening times are seasonal so check ahead before planning a visit.

What to See #

• Museum rooms: Contains period rooms displaying the castle's family collections and local history exhibits, laid out across several principal chambers open to visitors.
• Hohenberg family crypt: Private family crypt housing members of the Hohenberg branch of the former Habsburg family, open as part of guided visits.
• Park and gardens: Formal park and riverside grounds with walkways and terraces beside the Danube valley, forming the immediate landscape around the castle.