Artstetten Castle and Maria Taferl: Franz Ferdinand and the Pilgrim Hill
The archduke's resting place and a panorama above the Danube
- Duration
- 4.0 hours
- Languages
- German, English
This private trip combines Artstetten Castle, the burial place of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, with the Basilica of Maria Taferl high above the Danube. You find out why the heir to the throne does not rest in the Imperial Crypt.
Artstetten Castle in the southern Waldviertel was Archduke Franz Ferdinand's favorite home. In 1900 the heir to the throne married Countess Sophie Chotek, a marriage the imperial court considered beneath his rank. Because Sophie could not be buried in the Imperial Crypt, Franz Ferdinand had his own crypt built at Artstetten. After the Sarajevo assassination in 1914, both were laid to rest here.
The castle museum tells of the family's life and the road to World War I. Just a few kilometers away the baroque Basilica of Maria Taferl crowns a ridge, one of Austria's most important pilgrimage sites.
Your guide links modern history and faith, and from Maria Taferl you enjoy one of the finest views across the Danube valley to the Alps.
Highlights
- The crypt of Franz Ferdinand and Sophie
- A love match against the imperial court
- Museum on the Sarajevo assassination
- The baroque Basilica of Maria Taferl
- Panorama over the Danube valley
The route
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1Artstetten Castle
Start at the archduke's favorite home.
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2Crypt
Resting place of Franz Ferdinand and Sophie.
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3Castle museum
Family life and the road to Sarajevo.
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4Maria Taferl
Baroque pilgrimage basilica on the hill.
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5Terrace
Finish with views over the Danube.
Who this tour is for
For Habsburg and history fans and anyone who likes culture with a spectacular view.
Frequently asked questions
Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees are never included in the tour price. When you book, we are happy to tell you which admissions apply to your group.
How is the price calculated?
This is a private tour for your group only. The price is per group, not per person, which makes it great value for families and friends traveling together.
When is Artstetten Castle open?
The castle museum is usually open from spring to autumn. We check times when planning, and Maria Taferl can be visited all year.
