Day Trip from Vienna-Laxenburg

Laxenburg is a picturesque small town located about 20 kilometers south of Vienna, the capital of Austria. Laxenburg is known for its historical significance and its beautiful palace complex. It houses another summer palace of the Habsburgs, and painted the same as Schönbrunn, in its glorious ochre yellow facade.

Laxenburg is the perfect day trip for families, even those with smaller kids. It’s easily accessible and there are a lot of things to see and do.

It’s one of the places I bring friends to when they want to see the not-so-busy area around Vienna.

Things You Shouldn’t Miss in Laxenburg:

Laxenburg Palace Complex

The main attraction in Laxenburg is the Laxenburg Palace complex. This former imperial residence consists of several buildings, gardens, and a lake. The highlight is the Franzensburg Castle, a charming gothic-style structure situated on an island in the middle of a lake. Visitors can access the castle by boat or a small bridge. The palace grounds are extensive and offer a great place for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing picnic.

Entrance to the park is 1.70euro for kids and 3euro for adults with discounts and other variations for groups (dogs pay 2.60euro).

The Franzensburg is a prominent feature within the picturesque complex. It is an enchanting castle-like structure that sits on an island within a serene lake, offering visitors a unique and charming destination to explore. It’s really a nice experience walking around and within the complex.

Architecture and Appearance: The Franzensburg is designed in a neo-gothic architectural style, giving it a romantic and fairy-tale-like appearance. It features soaring towers, crenelated walls, and pointed arches, reminiscent of medieval castles. The exterior is adorned with decorative details that enhance its allure. As you approach the island on which the Franzensburg stands, you’ll be captivated by its picturesque beauty and the reflection of the castle in the tranquil waters of the lake.

Island Location: The castle is situated on an island in the middle of a lake, creating a sense of isolation and mystique. Visitors can access the Franzensburg by boat or by crossing a small bridge that connects the island to the surrounding park area. This unique island setting adds to the castle’s charm and provides an opportunity for a serene boat ride or a leisurely walk through the park.

Interior and Exhibitions: Inside the Franzensburg, visitors can explore various rooms and exhibitions that offer insights into the history of the Laxenburg Palace complex and the imperial family. The castle often hosts displays about the life and times of the Habsburg monarchy, showcasing artifacts, paintings, and information about the era. Each room is thoughtfully decorated, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the grandeur of the past.

Gardens and Surroundings: The Franzensburg is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, creating a picturesque backdrop for the castle. Visitors can wander through well-maintained pathways, enjoying the peaceful ambiance and the natural beauty of the surroundings. The gardens provide a serene atmosphere for relaxation, picnics, and photography.

Views and Photography: The Franzensburg and its island location offer stunning views from various angles. Visitors can capture remarkable photographs of the castle reflecting on the water, framed by the surrounding trees and gardens. Whether you’re an avid photographer or simply want to capture memories, the Franzensburg provides plenty of opportunities for captivating shots.

Laxenburg Park

The park surrounding the palace is a lush green area with well-maintained pathways, beautiful flower gardens, and shaded spots perfect for relaxation. The park is an ideal place for a peaceful walk, jog, or bike ride. There will be a playround for kids to enjoy, not only the usual equipment, but there’s also an ark they can explore. Some fascinating trees can also be found around, some that have already fallen down but refused to die – growing again after having been lying to the ground for some time. The kids can also look for fish and amphibians in the shallow part of the lakes and creeks.

If you get tired walking around, you can ride the Liliputbahn that goes around the area for a fee.

Laxenburg Castle

Aside from the Franzensburg Castle, the complex also features the Altes Schloss (Old Castle) and the Neues Schloss (New Castle). While the New Castle is not open to the public, the Old Castle houses a vast museum showcasing the history of the palace and its former residents.

Boat Rides

The lake in the Laxenburg Palace complex offers the opportunity for boat rides. Visitors can rent rowboats or pedal boats to explore the lake and get a unique view of the Franzensburg Castle. Even going the Franzensburg through the gate means crossing the lake

Good Food

Laxenburg has several cafes and restaurants where visitors can enjoy traditional Austrian cuisine and delicious pastries. It’s a great place to try local dishes and unwind.

Events

Laxenburg occasionally hosts cultural events and festivals, especially during the warmer months. These events might include concerts, art exhibitions, and outdoor performances.

Laxenburg’s proximity to Vienna makes it a popular day trip destination for both locals and tourists. It offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in history and natural beauty.

How to get to Laxenburg:

Getting to Laxenburg from Vienna is relatively easy, and there are several transportation options available:

1. By Car: You can drive from Vienna to Laxenburg in about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The route typically involves taking the A2 highway (Süd Autobahn) southward and then following signs to Laxenburg.
2. By Public Transportation:
   

   

   • Train: You can take a regional train (S-Bahn) from Vienna to Mödling, a town close to Laxenburg. From Mödling, Laxenburg can be reached by bus, taxi, or even a pleasant walk, as it’s just a few kilometers away.
   • Bus: There are also bus connections from Vienna to Laxenburg. Buses depart from various locations in Vienna, including the Vienna State Opera and the Südtiroler Platz/Hauptbahnhof bus terminal.
     Our usual route when using public transportation is from Hauptbahnhof, take bus 200 and get off at Franz-Joseph-Platz. The ride takes approximately 35 minutes. Cross to the other side (see photo with placard guide) and you would be led to the town square where the gate to Laxenburg park is.
3. Bicycle: Laxenburg is easily accessible by bicycle from Vienna, especially if you enjoy cycling. There are dedicated bike paths that connect the two places, providing a scenic and healthy way to reach Laxenburg.

4. Guided Tours: Many travel agencies in Vienna offer guided tours to Laxenburg as a day trip. These tours typically include transportation and guided visits to the palace and its attractions.

Overall, the Franzensburg and Laxenburg are both captivating destinations that combine architectural splendor, historical significance, and natural beauty. The area offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the ambiance of a bygone era and experience the charm of this fairy-tale-like castle on an island.

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