Discover Kittsee: Palace, Apricot Blossom and History

Kittsee surprises with an unusual combination of village history, palace culture, regional apricots and open landscapes. The village is arranged around a lentil-shaped village green. Linear, hooked and transverse farmsteads shape this distinctive settlement form and make the village centre itself an interesting starting point for explorations. Those planning a trip can combine historic buildings, walks in the palace park and seasonal culinary experiences here.

Kittsee Palace and the Palace Park

Kittsee Palace was built as a manorial farm at the beginning of the 17th century. In the mid-18th century, Prince Paul Anton Esterházy had the complex extensively remodelled in the Baroque style. Kittsee Palace is a Baroque palace on the edge of the village centre, surrounded by parkland. Kittsee Palace Park is used as a place of recreation and for walks. There is also a children's playground in the rear section, allowing a visit to the park to be combined with a break for younger travellers.

The palace is also an important cultural venue. Cultural events take place in the interior and park areas throughout the year. These include the Kittee Summer Festival, the Pannonian Forum, the Cultural Summer, the Cultural Autumn and Advent events. The “Pannonian Forum” association holds matinees in the ballroom of Kittsee Palace on Sundays at 11 a.m. in spring and autumn. National and international artists perform there. If you would like to plan your trip around a cultural event, it is therefore worth checking the respective event programme.

Historic Traces in the Village

One distinctive historic trace is the Heath Tower, also known as the Öder Tower. It is presumably the remains of a late medieval watch and bell tower belonging to the deserted village of Lebarn. As the only surviving structure of the former settlement of Lebarn, the Heath Tower survived the First Siege of Vienna by the Turks in 1529. From the tower's location, there is a view of the skyline of Pressburg (Bratislava). The site thus combines a tangible historical legacy with a striking view of the surrounding area.

The Old Palace also points to an earlier border history. Originally, it was a moated castle surrounded by a branch of the Danube. In the 12th century, it was built under the Árpáds as a border fortress against Babenberg Austria. Another noteworthy reminder of Kittsee's cultural history is the architecturally interesting birthplace of the world-famous violin virtuoso and concertmaster Joseph Joachim.

Apricot Blossom and Regional Specialities

The Kittsee apricot blossom is one of the village's seasonal highlights. It usually appears at the end of March or beginning of April and attracts numerous visitors every year. For your trip planning, this means that in spring the landscape takes on a special seasonal character, while apricots also play a culinary role. Kittsee apricots are used, among other things, to make compote, jam, strudel and apricot dumplings. Those who enjoy trying regional products can include these specialities in their own day-trip plans.

Landscape with a Special Connection to Nature

A protected area was established in part of the Kittsee landscape several years ago because of the presence of great bustards. This information complements the village's historic and culinary aspects with a natural-history perspective. Kittsee is therefore suitable for different travel focuses: You can explore cultural sites, plan a quieter walk in the palace park or make the seasonal apricot blossom the reason for your stay.

The Right Accommodation for Your Trip Planning

When looking for a holiday apartment in Kittsee, it helps to first decide on your preferred travel rhythm. For a cultural stay, the palace, historic buildings, matinees and Joseph Joachim's birthplace take centre stage. Those who prefer to spend the day relaxing and walking can include the palace park in their plans. Families can consider the children's playground mentioned there as a possible activity without making it the focus of their entire stay. In spring, meanwhile, the apricot blossom provides a clear seasonal highlight.

Choose your accommodation based on which of these aspects you would most like to explore during your stay.

Other Places to Consider

If you would also like to compare other destinations, here is a concise selection: Gols, Pamhagen, Wallern in Burgenland, Illmitz, Sankt Andrä am Zicksee, Podersdorf am See, Halbturn and Jois.

For the higher-level travel overview: Neusiedl am See.