Eisenstadt
Eisenstadt is the capital of Austria’s federal province of Burgenland.As with statutory cities in other federal states, Eisenstadt is a free city; the mayor serves as the district administrative authority.There are offices of the Eisenstadt-Surroundings District Authority and the Eisenstadt State and District Court.Situated at the base of the Leitha Mountains, the city had a population of 15,240 on January 1, 2022 and 15,752 on January 1, 2023. Eisenstadt comes in at number 38 overall in Austria.
Translating to “Iron City,” Castrum ferrum was first mentioned in 1118 in allusion to the area’s history of iron mining and trade. Originally named “minor Mortin,” the town celebrates Martin of Tours, the patron saint of the major church and translates to Kismarton in Hungarian.
A rising city, Eisenstadt has a great quality of living.The 15,000 residents enjoy the finest weather, a plethora of cultural activities, a cutting-edge infrastructure, and plenty of recreational options.
For good reason, Eisenstadt is a popular tourist attraction. There are many of things to visit and activities.A major feature in the city is Esterházy Palace, one of Hungary’s most exquisite Baroque palaces. Highlights also include Calvary Mountain, the 13th-century Martinsdom (St. Martin’s Cathedral), and the Gloriette. Apart from several listed buildings, the medieval old town has a pedestrian area with stores, cafés, and restaurants. There are many Heurigen wine taverns in the Kleinhöflein and St. Georgen areas. Discover the nearby area of Eisenstadt as well; it’s a gorgeous wine-growing area with fantastic food.
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Geography Of Eisenstadt
Southeast of Vienna, near the Lajta Mountains, Eisenstadt has expanded progressively over the 20th century. Getting to neighboring places is made easier by the city’s great proximity to major highways, expressways, and motorways.
Eisenstadt has a varied topography ranging in elevation from 182 to 230 meters. The city’s growth has historically been tracked along an east-west terrace that drops into the Wulka plain. Urban development has recently spread northward along the slopes of the Leitha Mountains and southward into the Wulka plain, forcing vineyards to make place for new communities.
Grown there are a variety of crops including almonds, grapes, apricots, and peaches because of the perfect environment and topography. Elevated over 400 meters, the Leithagebirge mountain provides grapes with ideal growth conditions and protection from deciduous forest cover. A prominent geographical feature is “Beim Juden,” the 450-meter-tall highest summit in the Leitha Mountains.
A tiny mountain range that is a part of the eastern Alps, Eisenstadt is located at the southernmost point of the Leitha Mountains. Covering an area of 42.9 square kilometers, the city is averagely 182 meters above sea level. Encircling the city is Eisenstadt-Umgebung, a district that is a part of the same federal state as Burgenland.
Weather & Climate In Eisenstadt
Winter gives way to spring, when March average highs are 10°C and May are 21°C. At 40 mm of monthly rainfall, spring in Eisenstadt is the driest season. The unpredictable weather will bring a combination of sunny, cloudy, and rainy days. The greatest time to visit Eisenstadt is in the spring when you can enjoy the lush surrounds and flowering flowers.
Summertime is Eisenstadt’s warmest and sunniest season; June average highs are 24°C, while August is 27°C. Heat waves are possible; certain days may see temperatures above 30°C. Averaging 70%, midsummer also has the highest relative humidity. Near this time of year, hail and thunderstorms are common. Summertime is a popular season in Eisenstadt for cultural events and outdoor activities.
The temperature in Eisenstadt steadily drops after the sweltering summer months. September frequently reaches a high of 22°C, and November a low of 9°C. At 60 mm of rain on average each month, autumn is the wettest season. Weather-wise, there might be everything from sunny and mild days to frigid and rainy ones. Especially beautiful in the fall, when harvest festivals and the changing of the leaves take place, is Eisenstadt.
Winter in Eisenstadt is the darkest and coldest season; December average highs are 4°C, while February is 6°C. There can be cold snaps when the evening lows drop below freezing. Winter has the highest average monthly snowfall of 20 cm. Usually the sky is gloomy, with fog and clouds ruling. Wintertime brings more tranquilly to Eisenstadt, a city well-known for its Christmas markets and winter sports.
Demographics Of Eisenstadt
Over the years, Eisenstadt has experienced enormous growth and population rise. The population is expected to reach 15,222 in 2023, up 56.3% from 1975. The rate of population increase has slowed recently; from 2015 and 2023, it increased by 1%.
With 1,574 people per square kilometre in 2015, Eisenstadt has a high population density. That is twenty-one times the state average and almost fifteen times the national average. The city has a high population density partly due to its tiny, urbanized features and limited land availability.
Eisenstadt has less kids and teenagers than the state and national average when it comes to age distribution. Twelve-eight percent of people in 2015 were under fifteen. With 67.8% of the population between the ages of 15 and 64, the city also boasts a rather high percentage of adults. Eisenstadt also has a remarkably high senior population—19.4% of the population is 65 years of age or older.
Comparing Eisenstadt to the national and state averages, its ethnic and cultural diversity is moderate. Of the population in 2011, 88.9% was Austrian and 11.1% was not. The bulk of those born abroad are from other European countries, including Hungary, Germany, Croatia, Romania, and Slovakia. A sizable Jewish population with a strong cultural and historical heritage dating back to the 17th century is another feature of Eisenstadt.
Economy Of Eisenstadt
The state capital of Burgenland, Eisenstadt, is supported economically and employment-wise by a wide variety of regional enterprises. The economy of Eisenstadt is varied; 1,089 businesses employing more than 13,000 people work in manufacturing, trade, services, tourism, education, health, and culture. Despite challenges like the global financial crisis and the end of EU funding, Eisenstadt has bounced back and adapted to the shifting economic climate.
In particular, the city promotes the development of new and creative businesses in the fields of information and communication technology, renewable energy, and the creative industries. Starting ups and young entrepreneurs can get office space, infrastructure, and consultancy services from the Technology Center Eisenstadt (TZE). Eisenstadt takes part in the Smart City Initiative as well, which uses digital technologies to raise urban sustainability and quality of life.
Apart from the flourishing business sector, Eisenstadt offers a range of public facilities and services. Several public organizations and agencies have their headquarters there in addition to the state government, parliament, and administrative agencies. These comprise the Burgenland Regional Health Insurance Fund, the Burgenland Chamber of Commerce, the Burgenland Chamber of Labour, and the Burgenland State Police Department.
History Of Eisenstadt
Situated in the ancient Celtic domain of Noricum, Eisenstadt boasts a long history that predates the birth of Christ. Later colonized by both Celts and Romans, it was initially a part of the Roman province of Pannonia. Different Germanic tribes, especially the Huns, also arrived in the area. After Bavarian settlement there in the ninth century, Eisenstadt was referred to as “castrum ferrum” in 1118.
The Hungarian nobility Kanizsai family seized Eisenstadt in 1373 and built a moated castle there. The word “Eysenstat,” which means “strong iron,” originated during this period. In 1388 Eisenstadt was granted market rights. Promised to the Habsburg House, the area came under Austrian rule in the fifteenth century. Eisenstadt was still ruled by Austria after the Turks lost the Turkish War.
After being included into the House of Habsburg, the Esterházy family became significant to the growth of the city in 1648. The Esterházys turned the stronghold fortress into a magnificent palace and Eisenstadt was declared a royal free city, free from outside authority. Paul I Esterházy de Galantha founded a Jewish community in the city as well.
Joseph Haydn directed the princely court music in Eisenstadt during a period of creative blooming brought about by the Esterházy family’s ascent to wealth and power in the 18th century. The city’s cultural identity was threatened, nonetheless, by financial difficulties in the late 1800s and Budapest’s opposition to Magyarization efforts.
Best Time To Visit Eisenstadt
A year-round destination, Eisenstadt enjoys a moderate oceanic climate. At 10.6°C on average and 759 mm of precipitation annually, it experiences warm summers and freezing winters. At an average high of 26.4°C, July is the hottest month; January is the coldest, at -2.8°C. At an average of 94 mm of rainfall, May is the wettest month; February is the driest, at 36 mm.
Eisenstadt experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Every season offers unique appeals and charms of its own. Generally speaking, spring and fall are the best seasons to visit Eisenstadt since they provide pleasant weather, a vibrant scenery, and less visitors. With its sunny days, outdoor activities, and cultural events, summer is another great time to visit. With its short days, little daylight, and few attractions, winter is the least popular season.
Eisenstadt sees three different tourist seasons: low, high, and peak. November through March are the quieter and less crowded months for tourists. If you’re looking for less expensive travel, Christmas markets, and the winter vibe, now is a great time to go. The city is busy and rather crowded from April to June and September to October, which are the busiest tourist seasons. Now is the perfect moment to visit cultural events, take part in outdoor activities, and enjoy the colors of spring and fall. July through August is the peak travel season, during which time the city is incredibly busy. If you wish to take in the summer heat, festivals, and nightlife, now is a great time to come.
How To Get To Eisenstadt
Eisenstadt is conveniently reachable by car, train, or airplane. At around 45 kilometers northeast of Eisenstadt, at Airport Wien-Schwechat, is the closest international airport. Eisenstadt is reachable by train, shuttle bus or cab from the airport. The around 40-minute taxi travel costs about 80 euros. Burgenland Bus offers a 15 euro per person shuttle bus service that departs every hour from 6 am to 10 pm. The trip takes around an hour. The ÖBB offers a train service whereby one takes the S-Bahn from the airport to Wien Hauptbahnhof and then transfers to a regional train to Eisenstadt. About ten euros will get you on the train, which takes roughly an hour and a half.
Should you would rather drive, there are several ways to get to Eisenstadt from many angles. The A2 and A3 highways are accessible from Vienna; the drive is around 60 km and takes 45 minutes. Traveling 200 kilometers from Graz, Eisenstadt may be reached in roughly two hours via the A2 and S4 highways. Eisenstadt is around 240 kilometers distant from Budapest and can be reached in around two and a half hours by the M1 and A4 highways and the B50.
After leaving Bratislava, the A6 and A4 freeways and then the B50 will take you the about 80 km to Eisenstadt in around an hour. Arriving from Lake Balaton or Sopron, you can follow the Hungarian trunk route 84 to the old border crossing at Klingenbach, and then utilize the state routes or the A3-S31 to get to Eisenstadt. It takes about one hour and fifteen minutes to drive the roughly 100 mile route. Eisenstadt offers for-a fee parking lots and garages.
How To Get Around In Eisenstadt
Eisenstadt gives tourists a choice of ways to get around and see what it has to offer. The little size of the town makes it easy to walk about. There are often taxis around, particularly close to the inner city main station. Additionally available are bike rentals through the nextbike system, however prior registration is needed. With many departures per hour, the Cathedral Square major bus terminal offers regular links to neighboring towns. Hourly or multiple times a day service is provided to destinations like Vienna and Burgenland.
Eisenstadt also has a train station with half-hour travel time connections to Neusiedl am See and Sopron. Train stops are made often in Mattersburg and Wulkaprodersdorf. Taxi fares in the city center are fixed at €5.00, however within city limits—apart from some municipalities—a guest card issued from town hall can lower fares to €2. Generally speaking, taxi rides to neighboring places cost between €10.00 and €15.00.
Eisenstadt boasts a well-established bus and train public transportation infrastructure. Accessing the major attractions in the town center, such as Esterhazy Palace, the Haydn Museum, the Bergkirche, and the Jewish Museum, is made easy using buses. One can buy tickets at the Tourismusverband office or from the driver. Additionally, Eisenstadt and the neighboring area might offer free or heavily reduced access to public transportation and attractions with the Burgenland Card. Numerous towns and cities in Burgenland and Austria, including Vienna, Wiener Neustadt, Sopron, Mattersburg, and Neusiedl am See, are served by trains departing the Eisenstadt railway station. Purchase of tickets is available both online and at the station.
Attractions & Landmarks In Eisenstadt
Famous for its rich historical and cultural legacy, this little city is especially linked to the illustrious musician Joseph Haydn. As you tour Eisenstadt’s main sites and attractions, lose yourself in the intriguing world of Haydn.
The majestic Bergkirche, sometimes called the Church on the Hill, is one of Eisenstadt’s must-see destinations. Constructed during the eighteenth century, this baroque masterpiece serves as both a place of prayer and Haydn’s burial. There is a museum within devoted to his life and creations. Admire the church’s magnificent organ, its sumptuous interior, and its expansive vista of the city and the countryside beyond. The Bergkirche charges 5 euros for adults and 3 euros for children to enter and is open everyday from 9:00 to 17:00.
Eisenstadt is also home to the magnificent Esterházy Palace, or Schloss Esterházy. Once residing in this magnificent castle was the powerful Esterházy dynasty, who dominated both Hungary and Austria. Admire the magnificent façade, stroll about the magnificent courtyard, and visit the many rooms that house the art and history of the Esterházy dynasty. Miss the Haydnsaal, a music venue where Haydn himself gave many of his compositions for the Esterházy court. Daily hours of Schloss Esterházy are 9:00 to 17:00. Adult entry is 12 euros, while children’s admittance is 6 euros.
Things To Do In Eisenstadt
Eisenstadt is a little, historic city with a range of things to do for tourists. Sport, environment, or culture—Eisenstadt offers it all. Mountain bike riding in the Leitha Mountains is one well-liked pastime that provides exciting and picturesque journeys in a natural setting. The just built mountain bike network offers a variety of lengths and difficulty levels of routes that let you take in the sights of the villages, vineyards, forests, and undulating hills along the way.
A more leisurely approach to see the area is to cycle on the well-marked bike routes that wind around it. All bike aficionados have many of opportunities to explore Burgenland’s beauty and diversity on two wheels thanks to its 500 km of well marked bike trails. One of the busiest paths traces the edge of Lake Neusiedl, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its abundance of species.
Eisenstadt provides a “Run and Walk” network of seven routes totaling thirty kilometers for individuals who want to stroll. With views of famous sites like the Haydn House and the Esterházy Palace, these paths, which range in length and difficulty, let you to take in the city’s green areas and fresh air.
The Eisenstadt Sports Center is the biggest and most contemporary sports facility in Burgenland if you would rather be indoors. Swimming, skating, climbing, gymnastics, aerobics, yoga, martial arts, and many other sports and classes are available at the facility for people of all ages and skill levels. In addition, there’s a restaurant, a hair salon, a massage parlor and a fitness facility.
Food & Drinks In Eisenstadt
There are many eateries in Eisenstadt to suit all dietary needs. Chez Paul is one of these restaurants; it’s a French café and bistro with a delicatessen. Nestled in the center of the city, Chez Paul offers a variety of small snacks, breakfast, lunch, and supper selections together with a real French dining experience. Along with dairy items, cheese, freshly baked foods, patisserie, coffee, and wine, the store sells imported French specialties.
FreuRaum is the place to be if you’re seeking a center of social and cultural activity. This café and restaurant offers fine vegan and vegetarian fare in addition to repair cafés and cultural events. Its goals are to encourage in Eisenstadt sustainability, inclusivity, and diversity. New self-service eatery M41 Main Forty-one serves creative and tasty food prepared using premium, primarily regional products. Specialty bowls, burgers, French fries, coffee drinks, after-work drinks and wines made locally are all on the menu.
Where to go for real Italian food and drinks is Cucina Nostra. The restaurant serves soups, antipasti, salads, fish, meat, vegetarian dinners, pizza and dolci in a comfortable and sophisticated atmosphere. Modern pub The Roots serves a blend of European and American food and drinks. For its patrons, The Roots offers a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere in addition to a sumptuous breakfast, pasta, pizza, burger specials, and beverages.
Shopping in Eisenstadt
There are galleries, boutiques, and stores galore in the pedestrian zone near Eisenstadt’s core. Handicrafts, trinkets, antiques, literature and much more are available here. You’ll have little trouble choosing between well-known labels like H&M, s.oliver, and C&A and local gems.
But there are uses for the pedestrian zone outside of shopping. With its amazing museums and architectural wonders, it is also a center of culture. Give the old structures—like the Town Hall, the Cathedral, and the Esterházy Palace—a moment of admiration. Examine the city’s history and art in the Landesmuseum, the Jewish Museum, and the Haydn House.
Additionally well-known for its coffee house culture are the bakeries and cafés strewn about Eisenstadt. Stop shopping and have a strudel slice and a cup of coffee. A must-try is the Burgenland Kipferl, a delicious pastry stuffed with poppy seeds or almonds.
Visit the weekly market located in the Hauptplatz if you’re searching for fresh vegetables, local delicacies, and fantastic prices. Providing a large range of products, this busy market draws merchants and shoppers from all around the area. Everything from cheese, meat, bread, honey, wine, and fruits and vegetables is there. Talk to the vendors and take in the vibrant scene with traditional food, live music, and entertainment.
Top 10 Hotels In Eisenstadt
First up is Gasthof OHR, a 4-star establishment with a restaurant, bar, patio, and fitness centre. A sauna and spa facility are available for guests to use. The hotel offers free WiFi all across the property, room service, airport shuttles, and a front desk staffed around-clock. Air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a minibar and a private bathroom are features of the roomy and cozy accommodations. There are also balconies or patios in several of the rooms. Situated in the centre of Eisenstadt, Gasthof OHR is conveniently close to the Haydn-Haus and the Esterházy Palace.
We then have the 3-star Parkhotel Eisenstadt, which has a common lounge, a bar, a terrace, and a garden. Along with free parking and WiFi, this hotel offers a tour desk, luggage storage, and a front desk staffed around-the-clock. Every one of the comfortable, contemporary rooms has a desk, TV, closet, and private bathroom. A sofa or sitting place is another feature of some rooms. The Esterházy Palace and the Bergkirche are both easily walkable from the peaceful location of Parkhotel Eisenstadt.
The magnificent St. Antoni Suite 3 apartment has a living area, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom for guests looking for more independent lodging. Along with free WiFi, free private parking, and a patio, this apartment has air conditioning. A sofa, a dining table, a flat-screen TV, a dishwasher, a microwave, a refrigerator and a coffee maker complete the chicly equipped apartment. There is a hairdryer, a shower and free toiletries in the bathroom. Centrally situated, St. Antoni Suite 3 is only a short stroll from the Haydn-Haus and the Esterházy Palace.
Eisenstadt - Info Card
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Eisenstadt is the capital city of the Austrian state of Burgenland, located at the southern end of the Leitha Mountains, south of Vienna |
| Elevation | Eisenstadt has an elevation of 182 meters above sea level |
| Population | Eisenstadt has a population of 15,074 as of 2023, making it the smallest state capital and the 38th-largest city in Austria overall |
| Tourism office | The tourism office of Eisenstadt is located at Esterházyplatz 4, 7000 Eisenstadt. It offers information and services for visitors, such as guided tours, tickets, brochures, maps, and souvenirs |
| Postal code | Eisenstadt has the postal code 7000 |
| Phone prefix | Eisenstadt has the phone prefix +43 2682 |
| Area | Eisenstadt has an area of 42.9 square kilometers |
| Established | Eisenstadt was first mentioned as “minor Mortin” in 1264. It was a free city of Hungary from 1648 until Burgenland was ceded to Austria in 1921. It became the seat of the Burgenland government and the provincial capital in 1925 |
| Language | Eisenstadt is predominantly German-speaking, but also has Croatian and Hungarian minorities. The official languages of Burgenland are German, Croatian, and Hungarian |
| License plate | Eisenstadt has the license plate code E |
| Districts & Neighborhoods | Eisenstadt is divided into three districts: Eisenstadt-Stadt (Eisenstadt proper), Kleinhöflein im Burgenland, and St. Georgen am Leithagebirge. It is also divided into five Katastralgemeinden: Eisenstadt-Stadt, Oberberg-Eisenstadt, Unterberg-Eisenstadt, Kleinhöflein im Burgenland, and St. Georgen am Leithagebirge. Other informal areas of the city include Wiesäcker and Lobäcker |
| Weather & Climate | Eisenstadt has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The average annual temperature is 10.4°C, and the average annual precipitation is 584 mm. The warmest month is July, with an average temperature of 21.4°C, and the coldest month is January, with an average temperature of -0.1°C |
| Best Time To Visit | Though Eisenstadt can be visited all year round, May through September are the ideal months to visit because of the nice, sunny weather and the city’s many cultural events, including the Haydn Festival, the International Guitar Festival, and the Jewish Culture Days. |
| Attractions & Landmarks | The Esterházy Palace, the former home of the Esterházy noble family and one of Austria’s most exquisite Baroque palaces; the Haydn Church, the burial place of composer Joseph Haydn and the site of his well-known Calvary; and the Gloriette, a neoclassical temple honoring Princess Marie Hermenegild Esterházy – Palace Park, one of the most significant 19th-century designed gardens with four ponds, the Orangery, and the Leopoldine Temple The Jewish Museum records the history and culture of the Jewish population in Eisenstadt and Burgenland; the Regional Museum of Burgenland, which displays the historical and cultural development of the province; and Haydn House, where Joseph Haydn lived and worked as a court musician for the Esterházy family. The biggest and oldest church in Eisenstadt, St. Martin’s Cathedral, dates back to the thirteenth century. |
