Lockenhaus
In the middle of the picturesque idyll of Austria’s most Eastern county Burgenland the Marktgemeinde Lockenhaus is located at the foot of the mountain Geschriebenstein about 100 km South of Vienna.
Around the year 1200 the village’s first records can be found as Leuka. Surrounded by the woods of the Günser mountains the Marktgemeinde Lockenhaus was founded in 1492 and has gone through a long turbulent history with lots of culture and tradition. To conserve this unique scenic beauty the Geschriebenstein-Irottkö Nature Park was founded in 1996 across the borders of Austria and Hungary.
The 5 parts of Lockenhaus (Lockenhaus, Glashütten, Hammerteich, Hochstraß und Langeck) offer atmospheric trails for tracking, biking and horse riding, pilgrim’s paths, a leisure pool and the enchanting Burgsee.
For more than 3 decades Lockenhaus has been stronghold of the arts. Every year at the beginning of summer the worldwide elite of chamber musicians is gathering here. When friends are making music with friends and for friends one has arrived in Lockenhaus. The fundamental principle is the joy of music, trying out, being together and the openness of encounter.
getting there
by plane:
fly into Vienna Airport. 115 km (~1,5 h) drive to Lockenhaus with rental car or the Festival’s pick up service.
Please call festival office for information: +43 (0)2616 20202
by car from:
Vienna center/ Airport: 115 km ( ca 1,5 h)
Graz center: 120 km ( ca 1,5 h)
Szombathely center: 32 km (ca 35 min)
Budapest center: 250 km (ca 2,5 h)
by train/ bus:
please check your best connection here >>>
what to do in addition to visiting our concerts:
Ritterburg
Ritterburg Lockenhaus, the former knight’s castle of the Order of the Templars and former residence of the bloodthirsty Countess Erszébet is renown in our days as the unique venue of this excellent chamber music festival - founded by Gidon Kremer - under the artistic direction of Nicolas Altstaedt.
As one of the last real knight’s castles with Ritual Hall, Knight’s Hall, Rauchkuchl, Chapel and Cleric Parlor the Burg Lockenhaus is located above an historic trading route and outstands all other knight’s castles of the country in historic and art historic significance.
The Ritual Hall with its incident of light through an opening at the top of the vaulted ceiling is attributed to the Order of Templars. The Knight’s Hall with the historic ribbed vaults is said to has served as secret assembling place by the Templars.
Today Burg Lockenhaus offers guided tours through its museum and exhibitions featuring different themes.
Forrest
Lockenhaus is located in the middle of the green hills of the Nature Park Geschriebenstein-Irottkö which offers a variety of attractions: over 500km marked tracking and bicycle trails, nature trails and an adventure path invite the visitor to explore this unique cultural landscape.
Wine
Lockenhaus is surrounded by marvellous wine regions: the Blaufränkischland is one of Austria’s most distinguished areas of red wine. Lot of sun, old grapevines and deep, loamy soil produce characteristic red vines on the highest level.
Also the South of Burgenland is presenting itself as wine idyll: along the Pinkataler wine road one can discover elegant Welschriesling and white Burgundy.
Wellness
Besides outdoor activities and wines one can enjoy complete relaxation in two thermal spring areas: the Burgenlandtherme in Bad Tatzmannsdorf with 5 thermal baths (25km) and the Sonnentherme in Lutzmannsburg (22km)
West Hungary
Across the green hills of the Nature Park – only 15 minutes away by car – attracts on the Hungarian side the beautiful city of Köszeg. The picturesque village is often mentioned as jewellery box of Hungary because of its many renaissance buildings and it is always worth a visit.