While the Schlosspark Laxenburg is a lovely grassy knoll to spend the afternoon prancing about on, the castle at Laxenburg is the real appeal here. As one of the most impressive castles in Europe, its grounds boast classic 18th and 19th-century gardens that woo any who doubt the virtues of visiting historical sites. Perhaps most impressive is the “Franzenburg,” a castle commissioned by Emperor Franz II in the 19th century and includes an artificial island and a complete reproduction of a medieval knights’ castle. Today the castle also houses a museum of some of the treasures found on the premises.

Make sure to check out the Kaiserbahnhof (“emperors’ train station”) which was built in 1850 and is the only train station in Europe built in the Biedermeier style.

Last, but not least, Laxenburg houses one of the largest and most modern film archive in Europe. With over 70,000 reels on location, make sure to plan your visit around one of their many exhibitions, festivals or film retrospectives.