The 10 Best History Museums in Austria, Austria

This amazing 11th-century castle overlooks Salzburg from a hill on the outskirts of the city. Fortress Hohensalzburg is a real eye-catcher, high above the Baroque towers of the city. The castle remains a visible landmark to this day and is an unmistakable feature of Salzburg’s world-famous skyline. From afar, the mighty walls begin to reveal the history visitors experience at first hand within these sturdy defenses. Opening hours: We are open for you 365 days a year - even on public holidays! January – April and October– December: 9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. May – September: 9.00 a.m. – 7.00 p.m. Advent weekends and Easter: 9.30 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. Please note: On 24th of December, we are closing at 2pm.

Riegersburg Castle is situated on top of a 482 m dormant volcano. The "strongest fortress of Christianity" was first mentionend 1138. The Riegersburg is the property of the princely family of Liechtenstein sind 1822 who endeavour to preserve and restore the fortress. Make an art history time travel in the castle from the Gothic chapel over to the Renaissance Knights Hall and to the Baroque White Hall. The fortress is easily accessible by lift, situated north of the castle. You can also enter the Riegersburg climbing up the footpath through the 7 archways. For the ascent you need about 20 minutes. For the adventurous there is the via ferrata.

The Museum of Military History, one of the most important history museums in the world, is situated right in the centre of the Arsenal. About five-hundred years of Austrian and European History are depicted in the collections exhibited in the main building, which has kept its character of an artistic synthesis, making visible, by means of thousands of original exhibits, a part of world cultural heritage. In five major sections the museum shows the history of the Habsburg empire from the end of the 16th century until 1918 and Austria's fate after the dissolution of the monarchy up to the year 1945.

In view of the current situation, restricted opening hours will apply at the Imperial Treasury Vienna from Monday 2 November 2020 until Sunday 28 March 2021. Awaiting you at the Imperial Treasury Vienna in the Hofburg Palace is the Austrian Imperial Crown and the insignia of the Holy Roman Empire with the Imperial Crown and the Holy Lance. Other highlights include the treasure of the Order of the Golden Fleece and parts of the immensely opulent treasure of the Dukes of Burgundy from the 15th century. Also on show is the original jewellery of Empress Elisabeth and legendary treasures such as the agate bowl associated with the Holy Grail, the world’s largest cut emerald, and the »horn« of the mythical unicorn.

Coaches and carriages of emperors and gowns and dresses of empresses The Imperial Carriage Museum Vienna in Schonbrunn Palace invites you to take a walk through the history of Austria. See the carriages of famous rulers such as Maria Theresia, Napoleon or Franz Joseph and accompany them through their eventful lives. The highlight is the baroque Imperial Coach, but there are also exquisite state carriages, comfortable travelling coaches and the charming children’s carriages of Habsburg princes and princesses. Another highlight is the »Sisi Trail« that showcases not only the Empress’ carriages but also personal mementos such as her only extant saddle, her »riding chapel«, and sumptuous original dresses.