Schloss Ernstbrunn

03.11.2018 - A beautiful, very extensive palace complex in a secluded location near Ernstbrunn - Dörfles. The oldest parts go back to the Middle Ages, the youngest ones were built in the Classicist style at the time of Napoleon. Unfortunately, the conservation status is very poor and the renovation and restoration work will take decades.
The castle is now privately owned by a Reuss family and can only rarely be visited (for example, on the International Monument Day or at events).

Around 1180, a Heinrich de Ernstbrunne is mentioned in a Klosterneuburger deed as a witness. Ebran von Ernstbrunn was beheaded in 1254, as he was in a dispute with Bertold von Ernstbrunn against King Ottokar. In 1313, Ulrich von Maissau inherited the reign of Konrad I von Schaunberg. Lehensnehmer is at this time the family of gneuses. In 1430 Ernstbrunn came to the prince, who pledged it to the Doss family until 1480. By exchange, the lords of Ebersdorf came from 1499 (until their extinction in 1556) in the possession of the rule. Leonhard von Harrach sold this in 1592 to Joachim von Sinzendorf. He was a special ambassador to the court of the Sultan in Istanbul and had 13 children. His son Lorenz founded the Ernstbrunner line of his family. After 1654 Rudolf Graf von Sinzendorf had extensive renovations and new buildings in Baroque style. Prince Prosper of Sinzendorf generously extended the castle from the fourth quarter of the 18th century to the beginning of the 19th century. As an architect and sculptor, he employed Benedict Henrici. Inside, Jacobus Wanderl worked. With Prosper the Sinzendorfer died out in 1822.It was followed by a protracted inheritance dispute that ended in 1828 Prince Henry LXIV. Reuss-Köstritz took over the rule.During the occupation, the castle was in USIA administration and was severely devastated during this period and deprived of much of its inventory. After the State Treaty, the castle was returned to the original owners. Of these, it was continually restored.

Unfortunately, you are not allowed to enter the castle itself, but the surrounding area is also worth seeing. Partly beautifully renovated and there are ancient, beautiful stone statues. Similarly, the small castle park invites to quiet walks!