Eisenstadt, Austria

View of Leithagebirge near Eisenstadt in Austria
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Leithagebirge.jpg
Author: Stanixlav Doronenko


Eisenstadt (Hungarian: Kismarton, Croatian: Željezni, Slovene: Železno) is a city in eastern Austria, 12 km from the border with Hungary. The city covers 43 sq km (17 sq mi) and has a population of 12,000 (2011 estimate). Eisenstadt is located by the river Wulka, at the foot of the Leitha Mountains. It is 182 m (597 ft) above sea level, and observes the Central European Time (UTC+1) and during Daylight Saving Time the Central European Summer Time (UTC+2).

Eisenstadt, which means "iron city", got its name from its history in iron mining that stretches back as early as AD 1118. Its Hungarian name, Kismarton, recalled St. Martin, the patron saint of its main church.

Haydnkirche, a church in Eisenstadt
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bergkirche_Eisenstadt1.JPG
Author: Welleschik


The town of Eisenstadt has passed into many hands through its long history. In 1373, it was the possession of the Kanizsai family. Archduke Albert VI of Austria purchased it in 1445. Then in 1451 it was ceded to Holy Roman Emperor Frederick III. Eisenstadt was under Habsburg rule until 1622, during which time it was conquered by the Ottomans in 1529 and 1532.

Control over Eisenstadt passed to the Esterházy Hungarian noble family in 1648. The famous composer Joseph Haydn lived there as Hofkapellmeister for the Esterházy family during this period. With the Napoleonic Wars, Eisenstadt came under French rule in 1809.

The wonderfully ornate Haydnsaal in Schloss Esterházy, Eisenstadt
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Haydnsaal.JPG
Author: D.j.mueller


After the First World War, Eisenstadt was restored to Austrian rule under the Treaties of Trianon of 1921. Following the Second World War it was occupied by the Soviet army until 1955.

Visiting Eisenstadt

You can reach Eisenstadt by taking a train from Vienna. The journey is slightly over an hour.

Places of Interest in Eisenstadt

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