Eisenstadt, Austria: The Eternal Home of Joseph Haydn

The quaint Austrian town of Eisenstadt, home to little more than 13,000 people, is the state capital of Burgenland. Nestled in the foothills of the Leitha Mountains, this town has a long and storied history that dates back to well before the time of Christ.

Located only a 45 minute drive from Vienna, the town of Eisenstadt is known for its wine production, beautiful castles, religious architecture, and the many museums that call the city home. It is, however, Eisenstadt’s most famous resident who is responsible for bringing the town to life each year. 

Joseph Haydn, who lived and is interred within the city of Eisenstadt, is commemorated yearly with the Haydnfestspiele (Haydn Festival), taking place this year over the ten days between September 4 and 14. In a first for the festival, a classical ballet will open the event accompanying Haydn’s oratorio “The Seasons”.

Attendees of the festival enjoy performances by the Austro-Hungarian Haydn Orchestra, the Academy of Ancient Music featuring Australian violinist Richard Tognetti, and coloratura soprano Simone Kermes performing arias by Haydn, Mozart, and Rossini, among many other highlights.

When not enjoying the festival performances, a visit to the Bergkirche (also known as the Haydn Church) is recommended. This remarkable edifice was erected between 1715 and 1803. The church houses the stunning ceiling fresco ‘The Ascension of Christ’, painted in 1722 by local artists Wolfgang and Christian Köpp.

Just as fascinating as what can be viewed above the presbytery of the church is what can be seen below it. Joseph Haydn, known for his high baroque orchestral compositions, is interred within the Haydn Mausoleum, just under the north tower of the Haydn church. Music lovers the world over have regularly visited this stunning mausoleum ever since Haydn was transferred into the finished structure in 1954.

The white marble sarcophagus, inscribed with the name ‘Haydn’, is adorned with cherubs in repose at each of the upper four corners. The ultimate completion date, nearly a full 150 years after the death of the composer, is a more modern mausoleum than likely would have been constructed had Haydn been interred closer to the date of his passing.

The small city of Eisenstadt is definitely a hidden gem of Europe, offering little surprises to the oenophile, the musicologist, and the historical and educational traveler. A handful of 3- and 4-star accommodations can be reserved within the city. However, if you plan to attend next month’s Haydnfestspiele, it is recommended you make your reservations sooner rather than later.