History

Here you can enjoy a good cup of coffee or a glass of Austrian wine, just the like aristocracy and the high society who enjoyed their summer holidays in this noble little town Reichenau an der Rax.

Schloss Wartholz has a very rich and meaningful history. It was built in the Era of Historism by the architect Heinrich von Ferstl. Upon completion after only three years, it was handed over in 1872 to Archduke Karl Ludwig.

Karl Ludwig was highly respected for his openness towards all social ranks and his activity as patron for science, art and literature. Due to these attributes, the „Schloss Wartholz “was a sought after cultural meeting place.

The Grandson of the Archduke, Karl, took Schloss Wartholz as his residence in 1911 and later as his imperial residence. In WW1, it was the centerpiece of important historical happenings. Otto von Habsburg, the oldest son of Emperor Karl and Empress Zita, was born here on the 20/11/1912. The last notable occasion at Schloss Wartholz was the Promotion of the Maria-Theresien-Riders by Kaiser Karl on the 17/08/1918, his birthday.

Schloss Wartholz was the favourite residence of the imperial family, and we hope that you will also enjoy the beautiful nature of the Rax-Schneeberg regions, the fresh air and the crystal-clear waters of the Schwarza as the imperial family once did.

We hope that you enjoy your stay here and feel free to browse through our Literature program for upcoming readings and events.