Explore The Castle Experience
Welcome to The Castle, where ideas flourish and voices unite. This unique initiative invites you to engage with fellow youth from across Europe. Delve into intercultural dialogues, enhance your civic knowledge, and contribute to a vision of peace and cooperation. Join us on this journey toward understanding and leadership.
Explore the Rich History of Our Castle
This castle is a testament to centuries of history, embodying the struggles and achievements of those who have passed through its doors. From its founding in the early medieval period to its role in significant historical events, every stone has a story to tell. As you explore, you will discover the castle’s transformation over time, learn about its architectural significance, and appreciate its role in fostering community and culture. We invite you to connect with this rich narrative that speaks to the values of dialogue, education, and peace.
Unique Features
This section highlights the castle’s distinctive architectural elements that are emblematic of its historical significance. Our goal is to enrich visitors‘ awareness and appreciation of these unique features.
From majestic towers that once served as lookout points to intricate stone carvings that reflect the art of the era, every detail contributes to a narrative of cultural pride and resilience. Explore the architectural styles that define the castle and connect with its past, bringing a sense of enlightenment and inspiration to all who visit.
Our Venue
Discover our engaging venue designed to inspire and empower youth.
Most asked Questions
The participation of young adults is free. This includes the Training, Accommodation and Food. Travelcosts are partially reinbursed.
The Accommodation is on the Castle it self. We have 11 Bedrooms with a total of 51 Beds. You will be in a shared room with a 2 to maximum 10 people.
We have a mix, some rooms have their own shared Bathroom & Toilets, some rooms share one big Bathroom in the hallways.
EYFON uses a Catering Company which will provide Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. We already use them for some years and he know how to take different allergies and preferences into account.
We have a big courtyard where you can Play Table tennis, Badminton, Darts. The Courtyard also has a lot of Tables and Benches for Card and Boardgames – we do not offer any Card or Boardgames, please bring your own.
We have multiple commonareas!
- Courtyard, big outdoor space
- Boardgame Area indoor (1st Floor Turmtrakt)
- Reading Corner (2nd Floor in the Turmtrakt)
- Bench-Area inside (2nd floor Audimax Trakt)
- Knights’hall indoor (-1st floor Audimax Trakt)
- Audimax indoor incl. Beamer / TV (3rd Floor Audimax Trakt)
- Smoking-Area infromt of the Castle
Yes you are allowed to use the European Libary by EYFON President Dr. Christoph Leitl. Please ask for the Key with the EYFON Staff, and bring the Key back after using.
EYFON is located at 850 Meter altitude. This means it can be very fresh during the nights.
Since EYFON is located in the pre-Alpine area, weather might change very fast between Sunny and Thunderstorm. Be aware to take some rain proof clothings with you.
Essential Visitor Information
Travel to the Castsle
To: Schloßleiten 6, 8820 Neumarkt in der Steiermark
or the local Train station: Neumarkt in der Stmk
The easiest route to EYFON is:
Vienna Hauptbahnhof – Train heading to Graz or Villach
Get out in: Bruck an der Mur
Switch to the Interregio heading for Klagenfurt.
Get out in Neumarkt in der Steiermark.
additional Information:
this route usually runs once per hour! Please make sure that you do NOT take the last train avalible. If there are delays and you miss the connection, you will not be able to travel to Neumarkt anymore.
Trains in Austria are usually cheapest untill 15 Days before the trip – called „SPARSCHIENE“ – after that the route gets more expensive.
From Neumarkt Trainstation its a ~15 Minute Walk. Just follow the „Schloss Forchtenstein“ signs thru the Grassfield.
Taxi Service
Between 9 and 19:30 you can also Contact Taxi Zirbitzblitz +43 664 2336906 via Call or Whatsapp. If you make a reservation untill 19, he usually drives untill 23:30. He only takes Cash. The Ride from the Train station to the Castle usually costs 10 € per Car. (max. 4 Persons)
All other forms & stops for Transportation:
by Train
Vienna Hauptbahnhof (ca. 3.5h / 1 switch)
Via Bruck an der Mur
Graz Hauptbahnhof (ca. 2.5h / 1 switch)
Via Bruck an der Mur or via Klagenfurt Hauptbahnhof
Klagenfurt Hauptbahnhof (ca. 1h / direct)
Villach Hauptbahnhof (ca. 1.5h / 1 switch)
Via Klagenfurt Hauptbahnhof
Linz Hauptbahnhof (ca. 4h / 1 -2 Switches)
Via Leoben Hauptbahnhof
Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (ca. 4h / 2-3 Switches)
Via Leoben Hauptbahnhof or Via Klagenfurt Hauptbahnhof
Check your route at: ÖBB Scotty
For International Routes you can also check Trainline or OMIO
by Plane
Vienna International Airport (then via train ca. 3.5h / 1-2 switches)
Via Vienna Hauptbahnhof, Bruck an der Mur
Graz Airport (then via train ca. 3h / 2 swichtes)
via Graz Hauptbahnhof, Bruck an der Mur or Via Graz Hauptbahnhof, Klagenfurt Hauptbahnhof
Klagenfurt Airport (then via bus and train, ca. 1.5h / 1 switch)
via Klagenfurt Hauptbahnhof
Salzburg Airport (then via bus and train, ca. 4.5h / 3-4 switches)
via Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, Leoben Hauptbahnhof or via Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, Klagenfurt Hauptbahnhof
Ljubljana Airport (then via bus & train, at least 3.5 hours / 3+ switches)
Venezia Airport (then via bus & train, at least 5 hours / 3+ switches)
by International Bus (Flixbus, RegioJet, Blaguss, etc.)
Vienna Erdberg (then via train ca. 4h / 2-3 switches)
Via Wien Hauptbahnhof, Bruck an der Mur
Vienna Hauptbahnhof (then via train ca. 3.5h / 1 switches)
Via Bruck an der Mur
Graz Murpark (then via train ca. 3h / 2 swichtes)
Via Graz Hauptbahnhof, Bruck an der Mur or Via Graz Hauptbahnhof, Klagenfurt Hauptbahnhof
Graz Girardigasse (then via train ca. 3h / 2 swichtes)
Via Graz Hauptbahnhof, Bruck an der Mur, or Via Graz Hauptbahnhof, Klagenfurt Hauptbahnhof
Klagenfurt Hauptbahnhof (ca. 1h / direct)
by Car
Directions:
From Vienna (ca. 2.5 h):
A2 motorway, Wr. Neustadt – Bruck an der Mur – Judenburg – Neumarkt in der Steiermark, after entering the town, turn right after approximately 900 meters (after the Lieskonig car dealership) and follow the green sign for „Europahaus Schloss Forchtenstein“.
From Klagenfurt (ca. 40 min):
via St. Veit to Neumarkt in der Steiermark, after the main square (in front of the Lieskonig car dealership), turn left and follow the green sign for „to the castle“.
From Graz (ca. 1.5 h):
A2 motorway Graz – St. Michael – Judenburg – Neumarkt in der Steiermark, after entering the town, turn right after approximately 900 meters (after the Lieskonig car dealership) and follow the green sign for „Europahaus Schloss Forchtenstein“.
From Salzburg (ca. 2.5 h):
A10 motorway, St. Michael exit – continue towards Judenburg until you reach Neumarkt in der Steiermark, after entering the town, turn right after approximately 900 meters (after the Lieskonig car dealership) and follow the green sign for „Europahaus Schloss Forchtenstein“. Follow the signs for „Forchtenstein“
From Linz (ca. 2.5 h):
Take the A1 motorway towards the A9 – exit at Trieben – towards Judenburg/Hohentauern – St. Georgen ob Judenburg – Scheifling – Neumarkt in der Steiermark. After entering the town, turn right after approximately 900 meters (after the Lieskonig car dealership) and follow the green sign for „Europahaus Schloss Forchtenstein“.
There are parking spots in front of the castle.
Get in Touch
- Schloßleiten 6, 8820 Neumarkt in der Steiermark
- E-mail: [email protected]
Hear from our visitors
EYFON was honestly the best experience with the most amazing people. It was such a luck to meet everyone and instantly feel like a big family, and I will cherish these memories forever.
Viktoriia Mazurenko
Participant 2026, Ukraine
The EYFON Peace Days completely redefined how I view diplomacy. Collaborating with brilliant, diverse minds gave me fresh insights into peacebuilding networking and genuinely empowered me as a changemaker. It’s an inspiring space where global connections turn into real-world impact
Adamma Ikeogu
Participant 2026, Malta
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