Once upon a time there was … this is how fairytales usually begin. And even though Schallaburg – located in the eastern foothills of the Alps near Melk, some 150 kilometer from Vienna – is still here today, a trip there may well make you feel as if you have just landed in a fairytale, or at least in another time. With its magnificent garden (once a tournament ground), arcaded court, chapel and tower it is the most beautiful Renaissance palace north of the Alps.

Schallaburg was first mentioned in 1121 and regularly offers interesting special exhibitions such as this year’s ‘Golden Byzantium & The Orient’. Presenting precious items made of enamel and gold it brings the ancient empire that stretched across the entire eastern Mediterranean region back to life in 19 rooms.