Versailles in Hungary? Esterházy Castle in Fertőd Is Absolutely Worth a Visit

From Sopron we headed to the small town of Fertőd, where an absolute architectural gem is hidden — Esterházy Castle. It’s just under half an hour’s drive from Sopron’s centre.

I have a practical parking tip for you right away. If you don’t want to pay for the car park directly at the castle, leave your car a little further along on Fő ut street. We parked for free and you can combine it with a coffee or something sweet at the nearby patisserie. The castle is only a three-minute walk away.

Behind this monumental 126-room complex stands Prince Miklós I Esterházy, who was nicknamed “the Magnificent” for good reason. His goal was to outdo the French Versailles at all costs and create a residence without equal in Europe.

In its heyday, the pace of life here was extraordinary. Grand celebrations were held where guests dined off solid gold plates and fireworks lasted several days. The castle’s luxury even enchanted Empress Maria Theresa herself, who after her visit declared that if she wanted to hear truly good opera, she had to go to Esterháza.

When you pass through the beautiful wrought-iron gate, the sight of the monumental wings takes your breath away. In the middle of the courtyard you’re greeted by a large, elaborately decorated fountain where sea creatures intertwine with dolphins. In the castle’s niches you’ll find further hidden fountains and antique statues, such as the god Neptune battling a sea monster. We didn’t go inside for a tour though.

The most beautiful part awaits when you walk around the castle. It is surrounded by a vast French park and an English garden, both freely accessible. Geometric shapes, perfectly trimmed hedges and long avenues naturally make you slow down. The gardens once housed their own opera house, a puppet theatre, and tucked away in the greenery are small Chinese pavilions and ancient shrines.

The greatest romance is the famous rose garden, where hundreds of roses in every possible colour bloom and the air is filled with an indescribable fragrance.

The castle is also inextricably linked to musical history — the celebrated composer Joseph Haydn lived and created here for almost thirty years.

Esterházy Castle and its beautiful gardens

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If you’re travelling near Sopron or Lake Neusiedl, Fertőd is an absolute must. Even if you only — like us — stroll through the gardens, sit by a fountain and breathe in the scent of roses, every minute there is worth it.

What about you — do you love castles, and which one is your favourite?