Welcome

to Laxenburg

Franz Wolf, from Johann Nepomuk Hoechle:
The imperial family of Franz I. in Laxenburg, Lithografie 1835 NB/Wien Pk 187,6
Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth in the carriage, accompanied by Crown prince
Rudolf and his wife, Fototypie around 1833 Wien Museum
2 3
The
Imperial
Summer
Residence
But you will leave me with Laxenburg, wont you?
Tradition has it that these were the words anxiously
spoken by Emperor Franz II as he was harassed by
Napoleon. Laxenburg - the imperial residence which
had offered the Habsburg family refuge and diversion
for so many centuries - could never be abandoned.
In the Middle Ages the woodlands were a rich source of
venison, with roe deer providing entertainment for hunters
of the court. Rural remoteness, a stones throw away from
the capital of Vienna, attracted not only the Emperor and
his family, but also other members of the court.
During the Baroque era the imperial buildings and castle
grounds were altered in accordance with contemporary
taste. The gardens were later laid out in the style English
landscape garden. The Alte Schloss, the Old castle,
which still exists today, parts of which go back as far
as the 13th century, could no longer meet the modern
requirements. The Blaue Hof, a magnificent Baroque
building, was erected at Schlossplatz for the growing
family of Empress Maria Theresia.
Pavilions, arcades, and porticoes, as well as magnificent
dining rooms, were built in those centuries for the
entertainment of the court and its guests.
Later Habsburgs like Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) and her
husband Franz Joseph spent their honeymoon in the
castle, and Crown Prince Rudolf was born and baptised
here. Countless paintings and drawings depict the
imperial feasts, festive receptions and important decisions
made here for the monarchy in Laxenburg.
 The
This is the place where emperors and kings You are invited to discover its Lusthaus (known The baroque splendour of the parish church at
and queens took a stroll in days gone by, and as a folly), the temple of Concordia, its jousting the Schlossplatz, which has been restored to its

Romantic
you can still see the beauty and splendour of field, its statues and the former imperial former glory, as well as the medieval chapel in
the imperial residence with its impressive orangery. The tranquil, reflective waters of the the Old castle (Hofkapelle and Altes Schloss),

side of
castles, its historic places, its buildings and lakes make for great photography, as they provide a perfect backdrop to a special
renowned landscaped gardens. encircle the medieval castle of Franzensburg, ceremony. The Conference Centre in Blauer
set in ancient woodland. Hof and the vast castle grounds are a truly

Laxenburg At their current size, the castle grounds

cover several hundred hectares. Visitors are
attracted by its countless little gems of garden
architecture, its streams, ponds and bridges.
Stroll the grounds with your loved one and soak
up the history of this unique place. This special
elegant and romantic setting for your wedding
day and for those unforgettable moments.
Its innumerable romantic corners and vantage
castle and grounds make the perfect setting for points reveal the panoramic views beyond.
a romantic wedding to start your own personal
history, in a place where so many Austrian kings
and queens wrote their own.

A boat trip around the embattled walls of

Franzensburg, or a walk to the temple of
Concordia or the former orangery will inspire
lasting moments of romance.

4 5
 Relax at the wonderful open air matinees
while the younger ones run free and let off
steam in the castle grounds and woodland.
Laxenburg offers a treat for all the senses.

The
For centuries, Laxenburg has been a haven of The Waldbad, a public swimming pool in the Imperial pleasure should not be neglected in the
recreation, idleness and entertainment. Hunting woods, offers a refreshing summer dip. Or you 21st century, so perhaps youll have time to plan

Liveable
and open-air opera performances were once an can enjoy long walks in the shady woods of the a picnic and - with a little bit of luck enjoy one
integral part of the sejours (visits) of the castle grounds amidst the soothing green of old of the numerous musical matinees at the

side of
imperial family. Today it is a web of bike paths trees. Get away from it all with a row around the Lusthaus.
connecting the town to the country and Europe lake or simply stop by at the playgrounds and
by EURO Velo 9. The place provides plenty of watch the children play.

Laxenburg other opportunities for recreation, sports and

relaxation and will make visitors of all ages want
to discover more.
Wild nature and regional specialities invite you
to take long walks in the kopark. Saunter
along to the newly restored imperial garden with
its barefoot path and the training equipment for
senior citizens.

6 7

Dancing, laughter and celebration have always
been a traditional part of Laxenburg. It was once
the Emperor himself who invited his partner to
dance. Emperors like Leopold I, who built a
reputation in Europe as a composer and an
excellent dancer. Today its the classical as well
as the more modern tones that lure hundreds of
visitors to Laxenburg every year.
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Theatre, cabaret and performance have taken
up their rightful place alongside the Sommer-
spiele (summer theatre) in the courtyard of
Franzensburg. In the hot summer months you
will find entertainment and fun within the shade
of the castle walls. Enjoy open air cinema,
with European and international cinematic
highlights appearing beneath a starry sky at the
picturesque Schlossplatz. Sinking into the
lounge furniture on a warm summer evening,
you can still feel the warmth stored in the stones
of the Schlossplatz during the day.
The
The Laxenburger Schlosskonzerte (concerts)
attract large numbers of visitors, and the
Cultural
museums and archives of the town shed some
light on the rich history of the place. Recreate
side of
centuries of Austrian and European cultural
history with a tour around Franzensburg, the
justly titled treasure trove of Austria, or with a
visit to the Austrian Film Archive.
Laxenburg
Open-air concerts at Schlossplatz, both
classical and modern, 30 years of successful
Summer Theatre Festivals in Franzensburg,
musical highlights in picturesque scenery
and the popular open air cinema show the
whole spectrum of life from the traditional to
the modern.
 The traditional Christmas Market,
festivals or the evenings when you can
dance the night away as the premises
of the Conference Centre in the castle
transform into a ball room - discover the
beauties of Laxenburg throughout the
seasons.
In Laxenburg every season has a lot to offer,
from the quiet first days of January to the
trumpet fanfares that herald the start of festive
New Years Eve.
The celebrations surrounding Easter involve the
lively hustle and bustle of Fasching (carnival),
before spring returns, bringing its warmth and
colour back to the imperial residence as the
birds sing their welcome.
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Customs and tradition are closely linked to
Laxenburgs daily life with festivals and
celebrations enjoyed all year round. This has
always been a place for celebrating, dancing
and living life to its fullest.
Schlossplatz offers a delightful outdoor setting
for imperial festivities that is not to be found
anywhere else. After the spring concerts and the
open-air cinema showings of the summer, the
place presents the traditional Kirtag (fair) in
autumn, a real pleasure for both the young and
the...not-so-young!
the
Numerous local associations show their
commitment in Laxenburg by putting on
Festive
exhibitions, concerts and presentations
throughout the year. With the approach of the
side of
end of the year the traditional Christmas market
is opened. A winter wonderland awaits, as
visitors soak up the festive atmosphere, browse
the stalls and enjoy Christmas carols, hearty
food and hot wine. Laxenburg
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 the
In Laxenburg museum you will still find the Sustainability and quality of life are top priorities the restaurant at the recreation centre, the
recommendations that Empress Maria Theresia for this community. In Laxenburg you can relax Herzoghof cafe and a very popular ice-cream

Enjoyable
made to the local restaurants in 1743, as to and enjoy the peace, away from the hustle and parlour. Here you will find imperial tradition with
which delights they should offer to the many bustle of the city. a great future and only the freshest regional

side of
guests accompanying the court to its summer delights.
residence. Today you can treat yourself to a The Kaiserbahnhof restaurant , which was
fabulous choice of hearty and regional food once the Emperors train station dating from Why not go for a walk in the castle grounds after

Laxenburg specialities; enjoy everything from exciting new

culinary offerings to the traditional favourites
we all know and love.
the Biedermeier period (1815-1848), offers
an unusual setting for dining. Many other
family-run restaurants allow you to fully indulge
a splendid dinner? You will easily find your way
to Franzensburg to enjoy a coffee sitting beneath
the ancient oak trees.
in the finest foods and wines, like the
Laxenburger Hof, the Rathausstberl,

Treat yourself to regional delights

Laxenburg is committed to its long
gastronomic tradition.

12 13

the
The town of Laxenburg appears in several
documents from the past. It was here that
International
contracts were drawn and history was made;
but since the end of the monarchy the town
side of
hasnt mellowed out too much.
It used to be European ambassadors who
Laxenburg were summoned to his summer residence in
Laxenburg by the Emperor himself. Today
students, scientists and jurists come from
around the globe to enrich the town.
14
Several international organisations have chosen
Laxenburg as their European base because of
its proximity to Vienna and its airport and the
beauty of its surroundings. Some established
themselves here several decades ago and have
taken office in one of the palaces. The Inter-
national Institute for Applied Systems Analysis
(IIASA) located in the Blauer Hof palace, the
International Federation of Automatic Control
(IFAC), the International Federation for Infor-
mation Processing (IFIP) and the International
Anti Corruption Academy (IACA) which was
inaugurated in 2010 in the former Kaunitz
Palace create the image of an open, future-
Laxenburg has been characterised by a
strong European flavour since the days of the
monarchy, today it is so much more than that
being host to several international
organisations the work towards a sustainable
and eco-friendly future is continued.
oriented community. Not to forget the industrial
center (Industriezentrum N-Sd) with its local
corporations and international companies.
Laxenburg is continuing its European path into
the 21st century with its membership of the
climate alliance/rescue communities. As a
partner in the organisation of the Covenant of
Mayors it is under particular obligation to care
for the environment, to protect the climate and
to work for the future - as a place with a great
tradition and a bright future.
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 See
you in
laxenburg

Photo: Wolfgang Kunasz-Herzig

Vienna

Discover the most beautiful sights A4

A23
of Laxenburg. The 51 places of
the Laxenburger Kultur-Parcours
are waiting for you. Welcome! S1
Bratislava
A2 Budapest
A21

Marktgemeinde Laxenburg Laxenburg

Linz
Schlossplatz 7-8 Salzburg
2361 Laxenburg
0043/2236/711 01 A3
A2
gemeinde@laxenburg.at
www.laxenburg.at Graz Eisenstadt

Graphic: Bro Pani, 1140 Vienna; Photo: Raimo Rudi Rumpler, 3400 Klosterneuburg; Print: Wograndl Druck, 7210 Mattersburg