Friedensburg Schlaining: These highlights await the guests

Friedensburg Schlaining has become one of Austria’s most visited cultural sites after five years of transformation since its opening as part of a centenary exhibition celebrating Burgenland's history. The site, originally a medieval fortress, now hosts over 300,000 visitors annually, according to Kultur-Betriebe Burgenland. Since its launch in August 2021, the venue has evolved into a permanent museum and cultural hub in southern Burgenland, drawing more than 100,000 visitors during its initial exhibition period alone. The success of the initial exhibition exceeded expectations, with 50,000 attendees initially predicted but ultimately reaching 100,205 by the time of the final show in November 2023. Following this, the focus of the project shifted toward emphasizing the historical significance of the castle itself under the theme "From Fortress to Peace Castle." Today, the site spans themes ranging from medieval fortifications through Burgenland’s history to contemporary issues such as peace, democracy, and current events. Significant investment has been made in transforming the Friedensburg Schlaining. Over 20 million euros have been allocated for the renovation and modernization of the castle, its hotel, and other areas. Additional funding of around 7.5 million euros is planned for future developments starting in 2024, including the redesign of exhibition spaces, the renovation of the Burgarena, and improvements to tourism infrastructure. The Burgarena can accommodate up to 600 visitors and will host events throughout the year. A new shop, known as the Burgladen, opened in 2026 near the bridge leading to the castle, offering ticket sales, information services, and retail options. The site offers a range of activities beyond exhibitions, including peace work initiatives, accommodations at the Burghotel, dining facilities, and the KLANG festival. In 2025, a musical program was introduced to provide year-round entertainment. Together, these elements employ approximately 80 staff members managed by Kultur-Betriebe Burgenland, the Burghotel, and the Austrian Centre for Peace. The visitor demographic has changed significantly over the past five years. Initially, foreign visitors accounted for about ten percent of the total, but this figure has risen to nearly one in five. A notable portion of these visitors comes from Hungary. Landeshauptmann and culture representative Hans Peter Doskozil views this growth as confirmation of the decision to make the castle a central location for the centenary celebrations. He stated that the Friedensburg Schlaining demonstrates the impact of sustainable cultural policy on a region. Plans for further development include new leadership and educational programs, varied exhibition formats, and a stronger integration of the castle’s history. Site director Norbert Darabos announced additional offerings for families and groups. Current exhibitions include "80 Years of the Red Cross in Burgenland," which runs until the end of December, and "Blech mit Herz, Fascination of Brass Music in Burgenland," set to remain open until November 2027. Regular guided tours and family-friendly activities continue to attract diverse audiences. In September, events such as "Where the Knights Live," "Back Then," "Through the Dark Night," and "Trace Search. Fragments of Jewish Life in Burgenland" are scheduled.