
Eisenstadt is a city in eastern Austria, located at the foot of the Leitha Mountains, around 37 miles south of Vienna. It is the capital of the Austrian state of Burgenland and is known for its Baroque architecture, music, and viniculture. Eisenstadt has a population of around 15,000 people, making it the smallest state capital in Austria. The city has a rich history, having been a part of the Kingdom of Hungary from the 11th century until it was ceded to Austria in 1921. Eisenstadt is home to several institutions of higher education, including the University of Applied Sciences FH Burgenland and the College of Education PH Burgenland. It is also a regional market centre and a popular tourist destination, offering attractions such as the Esterházy Palace, the Haydn Haus Museum, and the Austrian Jewish Museum.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | 37.2 miles (60 kilometers) south of Vienna, 7 miles (12 kilometers) from the Hungarian border |
| Population | 15,074 (as of 2023) |
| History | Settled during the Hallstatt period by Celts and Romans; later by Germanic tribes and the Huns; settlement by Bavarii began around 800 during the reign of Charlemagne |
| Government | Seat of the Burgenland state government and the state capital |
| Economy | Regional market centre |
| Attractions | Esterházy Palace, Landesmuseum, Schloss Esterhazy, Haydn-Haus Eisenstadt, Bergkirche, Flohmarkt Eisenstadt, Schlosspark Eisenstadt, Mount Calvary Church, Austrian Jewish Museum, Haydn Haus Museum |
| Hotels | Hotel Galántha, Hotel Ohr, Parkhotel Eisenstadt, Weinhaus Eva-Maria Wagner, Hotel Vicedom |
| Restaurants | Restaurant Villa-Antica, Ruckendorfer, Haydnbräu, Die Alm By Rabina, Ohr |
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What You'll Learn
- Eisenstadt is the capital of the Austrian state of Burgenland
- It is a small city with a population of around 15,000
- The city's name, 'Iron City', refers to its history of iron mining
- Eisenstadt is a regional market centre
- It is known for its attractions, including Esterházy Palace and Haydn-Haus Eisenstadt

Eisenstadt is the capital of the Austrian state of Burgenland
The city has a rich history, dating back to the Hallstatt period when it was settled by Celts and Romans. During the Migration Period, the area was inhabited by various Germanic tribes and the Huns. Bavarii settlement began around 800 during the reign of Charlemagne. In the 11th century, the territory became part of the Kingdom of Hungary, and a fortress was built on the original earthworks. However, this fortress was destroyed in 1241 by Mongol invaders. From 1648 to 1921, Eisenstadt, then known as Kismarton, was part of the Habsburg Empire's Kingdom of Hungary and served as the seat of the Hungarian noble family Eszterházy.
During this period, the composer Joseph Haydn lived and worked in Eisenstadt as a court musician under the patronage of the Esterházy family. Mount Calvary Church (Kalvarienbergkirche) in Eisenstadt houses Haydn's tomb. After the cessation of Burgenland to Austria in 1921, Eisenstadt became the state capital in 1925. As the capital, it serves as a centre of public administration and is home to several institutions of higher learning, including the University of Applied Sciences FH Burgenland and the College of Education PH Burgenland.
Eisenstadt is also known for its attractions, such as Esterházy Palace, the Haydn-Haus Museum, the Austrian Jewish Museum, and the Bergkirche. The city is a popular tourist destination, offering a range of hotels, restaurants, and cultural experiences. It is a regional market centre and has a population of approximately 15,000 people as of 2023, making it the smallest state capital in Austria.
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It is a small city with a population of around 15,000
Eisenstadt is a small city located in eastern Austria, around 37 miles south of Vienna and 7 miles from the Hungarian border. It is the capital of the Austrian state of Burgenland and has a population of around 15,000 people, making it the smallest state capital in Austria. The city lies at the foot of the Leitha Mountains, a popular spot for locals to enjoy the first sunrays of spring. Eisenstadt has a rich history, having been settled by various civilisations throughout the centuries, including the Celts, Romans, Germanic tribes, and the Huns.
The city's name, which means "Iron City", was first recorded in 1118 as Castrum ferrum, a reference to the area's history of iron mining and trade. Eisenstadt was mentioned again in 1264 as "minor Mortin", which matches the Hungarian name, Kismarton, recalling Martin of Tours, the patron saint of the main church. From 1648 to 1921, Eisenstadt was part of the Kingdom of Hungary within the Habsburg Empire. During this time, the city was a cultural hub, with composer Joseph Haydn living and working there as a court musician under the patronage of the Esterházy family.
Today, Eisenstadt is a regional market centre and the seat of three institutes of higher education, including the University of Applied Sciences FH Burgenland and the College of Education PH Burgenland. The city is also known for its popular attractions, such as Schloss Esterhazy, the Haydn-Haus Museum, and the Bergkirche. For nature lovers, Eisenstadt offers small ponds, gentle walkways, and monuments to explore. Visitors can also enjoy the region's temperate summers with a glass of Almdudler, Austria's herbal soft drink, or warm up during its snowy winters with Burgenland's famous mulled wine.
Eisenstadt is a great destination for budget-conscious travellers, with hotel prices at their lowest between December and February.
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The city's name, 'Iron City', refers to its history of iron mining
Eisenstadt, whose name means "Iron City", is a city in eastern Austria. It is the capital of the Austrian state of Burgenland, lying at the foot of the Leitha Mountains. The city's name, referring to its history of iron mining, was first recorded in 1118 as Castrum ferrum. Eisenstadt has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, with archaeological evidence of settlements during the Hallstatt period, followed by the Celts and Romans.
The city has been under the rule of various empires and dynasties throughout its existence. From the 11th century, it was part of the Kingdom of Hungary, and during the 16th and 17th centuries, it faced invasions from the Ottoman Empire. In 1648, it came under the rule of the Esterházy family, a Hungarian noble family, and remained part of the Kingdom of Hungary until 1921. During this period, the city flourished artistically, with renowned composer Joseph Haydn living and working in Eisenstadt under the patronage of the Esterházy family.
In 1921, following World War I, Eisenstadt was annexed to Austria, along with the rest of the Hungarian territory of Burgenland. It became the state capital of Burgenland in 1925 and continues to serve as the administrative and educational centre of the region. The city has a population of approximately 15,074 people (as of 2023), making it the smallest state capital in Austria in terms of population.
Today, Eisenstadt is known for its baroque architecture, music, and popular attractions, including Schloss Esterházy, Haydn-Haus Eisenstadt, and Bergkirche. It is also a regional market centre, hosting various festivals such as the Haydn Festspiele and the Fest der 1000 Weine.
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Eisenstadt is a regional market centre
With a population of around 15,074 as of 2023, Eisenstadt is the smallest state capital and the 38th-largest city in Austria. The city has a rich history, dating back to the Hallstatt period, with archaeological finds indicating settlements by various civilisations, including Celts, Romans, Germanic tribes, and the Huns.
Eisenstadt was a free city of Hungary from 1648 until it was ceded to Austria in 1921. It became the capital of Burgenland in 1925 and serves as a centre of public administration and services. The city is home to several institutions of higher learning, including the University of Applied Sciences FH Burgenland and the College of Education PH Burgenland.
As a regional market centre, Eisenstadt offers various attractions for visitors. Notable landmarks include the former castle of the Esterházy princes, the Mount Calvary Church (Kalvarienbergkirche), the parish church, and the Franciscan church. The city also boasts orchards and vineyards, and its manufacturing sector includes textiles, ski equipment, metal kitchenware, and electrical equipment.
Eisenstadt is known for its popular attractions, such as Schloss Esterhazy, Haydn-Haus Eisenstadt, Bergkirche, and Schlosspark Eisenstadt. The city hosts several festivals, including a Joseph Haydn festival, a viniculture festival, and a tournament of the World Athletics Continental Tour. For budget-conscious travellers, visiting Eisenstadt between December and February can offer more affordable hotel rates.
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It is known for its attractions, including Esterházy Palace and Haydn-Haus Eisenstadt
Eisenstadt, Austria, is known for its attractions, including Esterházy Palace and Haydn-Haus Eisenstadt. The city's name, meaning Iron City, was first recorded in 1118 as Castrum ferrum, referring to the history of iron mining and trade in the area. Eisenstadt is the capital city of the Austrian state of Burgenland. It is the smallest state capital and the 38th largest city in Austria, with a population of 15,074 as of 2023.
The Esterházy family was a Hungarian noble family that seated in Eisenstadt from 1648 to 1921. The family's primary residence was Schloss Esterházy, a palace in Kismarton (now Eisenstadt, Austria). The palace was built by Prince Nikolaus Esterházy and is sometimes referred to as the "Hungarian Versailles". It is considered Hungary's grandest Rococo edifice.
Joseph Haydn, the celebrated composer, lived and worked in Eisenstadt as a court musician under the patronage of the Esterházy family. From 1766 to 1790, he resided at Esterházy Palace, where he wrote the majority of his symphonies for the Prince's orchestra. Haydn's concerts typically took place in the Sala Terrena on the ground floor or in the picture gallery. The music room was decorated with white and gold walls, a frescoed ceiling, glass chandeliers, and roses.
The Haydn-Haus Eisenstadt is a museum dedicated to the life and work of Joseph Haydn. It offers a high-quality, informative exhibition with audio guides available in English. Visitors can also purchase CDs of Haydn's music and other Viennese composers in the museum shop. The museum is located near the city centre of Eisenstadt and is a popular attraction for tourists.
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Frequently asked questions
Eisenstadt is located in the Austrian state of Burgenland, approximately 37.2 miles (60 kilometers) south of Vienna.
As of 2023, Eisenstadt has a population of 15,074, making it the smallest state capital in Austria.
Eisenstadt is home to several popular attractions, including Schloss Esterhazy, Haydn-Haus Eisenstadt, Bergkirche, and the Austrian Jewish Museum. The city also hosts several festivals, including a viniculture festival and a Joseph Haydn festival.
If you're looking for lower hotel prices, consider visiting Eisenstadt between December and February.
Eisenstadt is known for its Baroque architecture, music, and market culture. It is also the seat of the university of applied sciences FH Burgenland and the college of education PH Burgenland.











































