Photos courtesy of Hotel Knappenstöckl
Lucas von Hildebrandt, one of Austria’s finest baroque architects, Schloss Halbturn in 1711 during the reign of the Habsburg emperor, Charles VI. Succeeding her father to the throne, Empress Maria Theresa officially acquired ownership of the palace and gave it to her favorite daughter, Archduchess Marie Christine, as a wedding present.
This couple produced no children, but adopted their nephew, Archduke Carl, whose heirs—by blood and adoption—retained the estate until present times.
Pamela’s Perspective
Be warned that the doors to the bathrooms are made of glass if privacy is a concern of yours.
Hotel Knappenstöckl
(Schloss Halbturn)
An 18th-century palace
Contact
7131 Halbturn
Tel: ++43 (0)2172 82390
Hotel website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
7 double rooms and 8 suites
Double rooms: 140 euros
Suites: 160 euros
Open: all year; restaurant closed on Mondays and January to March.
Getting there
Just across the border from Hungary, Halbturn is 71 km southeast of Vienna off route A4. Take Exit 56“Mönchhof.”
What to do
Nearby: fishing; hiking; bicycling; horseback riding; walking tours; castle Halbturn
Weddings
Yes. Ceremonies can be in the parish church on the park grounds or in the grand baroque palace rooms. Inquire hotel for details.
Schloss Halburn is a grand baroque palace once used as a summer residence and hunting lodge for the imperial Habsburg family. Hotel Knappenstöckl is situated in a former residential wing where the stable hands once lived.
Surrounding the palace is a large, lovely park and gardens, and beyond the park you’ll find vineyards and forests. Once the tourists leave at the end of the day, you have the run of the property for yourself, and this is when the romantic atmosphere begins.
All guest rooms have views of the castle courtyard or palace gardens. Rooms are not overly done and have historical accents. Some rooms feature oak floors and the suites have separate living rooms and bedrooms. Bathrooms are modern.
The restaurant offers regional cuisine with a Hungarian influence and wine from its own estate. Breakfast is substantial.
Something special
Art, music, and cultural programs are presented year round at the main palace.
Christmas Market held on the historical grounds.