Even though it is less generally known as Schönbrunn,
Laxenburg is an intriguing Habsburg residence
and well worth a visit.
Like Schönbrunn, Laxenburg started out as hunting grounds
for the Habsburg dynasty. Emperor Franz Joseph II gave orders
to lay out the palace garden in the English fashion. The most
fascinating transformation in Laxenburg happened under the reign
of Emperor Franz I a contemporary of Napoleon.
Franz I initiated the construction of Austria’s main building
in the style of classicistic Romanticism: ‘Franzensburg’.
We will approach the castle, which was named after its patron
and looks just like a romantic knight’s castle, with a
small ferry taking us over the moat. On location we will find
out that the castle was built with original components taken
from all over the monarchy. Some of them are ancient and very
valuable. Laxenburg is quite a sight!
HALF
DAY EXCURSIONS
