Schloss Leopoldskron

Nestled on the lake on the “back” (west) side of the historic city of Salzburg, ever under the watchful eye of its white-washed castle, is the dramatic complex of Schloss Leopoldskron. Drive through the automatic wrought, iron gates and the entry drive is banded on one side by the salmon hued Meierhof and the stately Schloss Leopoldskron that is positioned to face directly onto the lake.

It is very important to note that this is not a full service hotel. It is owned by the American education institution Salzburg Global Seminar, which welcomes dignitaries and students from universities all over the world to be inspired by the setting and to discuss matters of international importance. If you choose to stay here you will often find yourself in the company of an invited group which receives the focus of the staff. However, there is a 24 hour reception that is available to graciously address any guests’ needs.

Guestrooms are found in both buildings. In the Meierhof you will find the reception, a lovely little coffee-bar, a large reference room where internet connected computers are set out for guest use and fifty-five  guest rooms.   The guestrooms are standard in size, have recently been redecorated; enjoy modern amenities and either overlook a central courtyard or odd numbered rooms enjoy views of the lake. Third floor rooms enjoy the ambiance of angled roofs. This building also has the convenience of an elevator.

Public rooms and the twelve guestroom suites located in the 18^th century Schloss Leopoldskron are accessed by climbing a massive wide stone stairway. They are grand in size and opulent with beautiful old wooden floors, dramatic ornate walls and deep set windows open onto gorgeous views of the park and lake. On the second floor the Great Hall, illuminated by dramatic chandeliers and warmed by the dramatic fireplace in winter, is used as the dining room – both for breakfast and often dinner buffets for the invited groups. Regardless of whether your accommodation is located in the Meierhof or in the Schloss Leopoldskron you are welcome to settle in the public rooms of the schloss and it is a must to visit the incredible, architecturally beautiful library and to walk the grounds made famous by scenes from the Sound of Music.

Although, not at the heart of the city, we enjoyed the beauty of the lakeside setting; felt less like a tourist as we strolled the myriad of paths with the locals; opted not to hassle with our car and found it just a 20 minute walk into the city and for dinner we appreciated being able to walk the short distance around the lake to the pretty pavilion with is reasonably priced Italian cuisine and menu.

Schloss Leopoldskron is pure fascination! Just a few minutes’ walk from Salzburg’s Old City, it lies nestled amid magical scenery with panoramic views of the mountains flanking the Leopoldskroner Weiher.
This castle, built in a very artistic rococo style by Prince Archbishop Firmian, served in those days as a family seat, primarily meeting their needs as a private residence.

When it was purchased in 1918 by the founder of the Salzburg Festival, Max Reinhardt, he set about realising his life’s vision and transformed the castle into a living theatrical backdrop with historic charm. Until 1938, internationally renowned artists, authors and musicians would gather in this “salon” in order to converse and indulge in the finer things of life. Since this time, Schloss Leopoldskron has been known as the BIRTHPLACE OF THE SALZBURG FESTIVAL.

In 1964, Hollywood discovered this idyllic castle, still preserved in its original beauty, for its filming of "The Sound of Music", making it world-famous as a result
For 60 years now, Schloss Leopoldskron has belonged to the American education institution SALZBURG GLOBAL SEMINAR, continuing to inspire dialogue through an array of international conferences and meetings held in a private setting. The castle is not open to the general public, instead reserved for the exclusive use and enjoyment of its guests and customers
Such personalities as Prince Charles of Wales, Hillary Clinton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Donna Leon and many other high-ranking politicians, artists, scientists and leading business people from across the globe, have already been privileged to enjoy the fascination of this place and the excellent service.

Aside from offering accommodation in what is probably Austria’s most exclusive “guesthouse”, the historic SCHLOSS LEOPOLDSKRON is a particularly suitable location for seminars, conferences, meetings and special events hosted amid an extraordinary setting.