Kornberg Castle in the Thermen- & Vulkanland adventure region is now a popular event and exhibition center on the Schlösserstrasse and is located directly on Vulkanland Route 66.
Local arts and crafts, exhibitions & knights' banquets
Far away from the hustle and bustle, Kornberg Castle is located in Dörfl between Riegersburg and Feldbach, nestled in the countryside. Four towers characterize the two-story complex from the outside, while the interior conceals a magnificent Renaissance castle courtyard. As early as the 16th and 17th centuries, the once fortified castle was converted into a residential palace. The visitor can still feel this today in the inviting friendliness of the building. The castle, which was already mentioned in documents in the 13th century and has been owned by the Bardeau family since 1871, is not a bit closed.
By the way, the owner of the castle, Consul Andreas Graf von Bardeau, offers guided tours of the castle, during which he personally leads visitors through the private rooms of the castle. If desired, there is a subsequent champagne reception with fireside chat.
Thanks to the family's commitment, the estate has not fallen into a slumber. Behind the centuries-old walls with their brightly lit windows, there is a lot going on and a lot for us to see. For example, unusual symbioses open up to the visitor's eye: exotic trees, lovingly planted over a hundred years ago, grow side by side with native trees and plants in the castle garden. During the summer months, the castle courtyard and the vaulted rooms are transformed into oases of precious carpet art. The exhibition of the Rohani company spreads almost oriental flair.
Concerts, weddings, exhibitions and various events bring life to the time-honored walls throughout the year. The castle's host also shows his guests how ingenious regional cooking can be. The delicious smell of mulled wine and baked apples permeates the beautiful Renaissance courtyard with the beginning of November. The handicraft Christmas exhibition, which takes place here every year, has become one of the most beautiful pre-Christmas institutions in Styria.
Already in the courtyard of the castle one encounters the scent of pre-Christmas delicacies. In the heated vaulted rooms of the castle gallery, more than 100 selected artisans from all over Austria show the products of their craftsmanship in the areas of floristry, costume jewelry, ceramics and glass. By the way, for parents with small children, there are again artisan living workshops during Advent.
The knights' banquets are lively, noisy and hearty. By candlelight and torchlight, you can experience the knights' lifestyle and dine as you did centuries ago. Beer and wine, not quite as sour as in those days, are served in authentic style from earthenware jugs, while maids and servants serve the food. And then it's time to feast on stilt and ribs, sausages and sauerkraut, venison and pheasant.
Schloss Kornberg and the Schlosswirt are also the perfect hosts for romantic weddings. If you want to make your wedding ceremony an unforgettable celebration, you have come to the right place.
Exhibition "The small world of great castles
At the castle driveway, in the Meierhof to Kornberg Castle, you can visit the permanent exhibition "The small world of the great castles". 15 models and two historical battles will immerse you in a unique miniature world. The castles are reproduced on a scale of 1:75 and 1:100, with amazing accuracy of the smallest details of architecture, decor and landscape. Special lighting effects allow viewing by day, by night and at dawn. Thus, the illumination of the castles provides a fascinating spectacle.
Exhibition "The world of ships"
Following the successful ship exhibition in 2019, there will be a new edition of the exhibition "The World of Ships". New models from Peter Willowitzer's extensive collection will be on display - historical ship models from the 15th century to the present day.