Castle Heidenreichstein with moat © Österreich Werbung/Kneidinger
Hardly any other country in the world offers such an astounding variety of splendid countryside and city palaces and mysterious castles as Austria. In recent years more than 300 palaces, castles and fortresses of all styles and from all epochs have been opened to the public and are, for the most part, also available for filming.
In addition to the Vienna palaces of Belvedere and Schönbrunn and the Imperial Palace, there are many buildings of historical and architecturall interest in the provinces. Among them are the Esterházy Castle in Eisenstadt and the Ambras Castle in Innsbruck, the Orth Castle on Lake Traunsee in Gmunden, and the Fortresses Kreuzenstein and Liechtenstein in Lower Austria, Altpernstein in Upper Austria, Hochosterwitz in Carinthia, Schielleiten and Riegersburg in Styria as well as Schattenburg in Vorarlberg.
In Salzburg, the Fortress Hohensalzburg, the Salzburg Residence (with Bel Etage and state rooms) as well as Hohenwerfen Castle and Mauterndorf Castle are among the most picturesque locations, all managed by the Salzburg Fortress and Castle Agency.
As long as the mandatory security regulations are observed and visitors are taken into account, filming can take place at any given time, day or night. In certain locations, access might be restricted to certain areas of the building. In other locations, entire buildings can be closed to the public for a kill fee. In some buildings, lighting regulations must be observed.
The Schönbrunn Palace, former residence of Empress Maria Theresia, and later, Emperor Kaiser Franz Joseph, is one of Europe’s most important art history and cultural gems from the Baroque period. Today, Schönbrunn is a historic monument and generally only available for exterior shoots. The palace served as a backdrop for international co-productions such as RADETZKY MARCH directed by Axel Corti.
Location fees vary from property to property. The palaces of Belvedere and Schönbrunn are considered “luxury category”; while there is no charge for filming at the Esterházy Castle (charges for special arrangements and staff apply).
Via Imperialis is an association of 32 Austrian fortresses, palaces, and abbeys.
Salzburg Fortresses and Castles