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Kriminalmuseum Schloss Scharnstein: Delving into Austria's Dark Past

Uncover Austria's criminal past at Schloss Scharnstein's Kriminalmuseum: a thrilling journey through centuries of crime and justice.

4.5

Housed within the historic Schloss Scharnstein, the Kriminalmuseum offers a chilling journey through the history of crime and justice in Austria, from the Middle Ages to the present day. Explore torture chambers, forensic exhibits, and infamous criminal cases in this unique and thought-provoking museum.

A brief summary to Kriminalmuseum Schloss Scharnstein

  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the extensive collection of exhibits.
  • Consider booking a guided tour in advance for a more in-depth understanding of the museum's displays.
  • Check the museum's opening hours, as they vary depending on the season.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of Schloss Scharnstein itself for a comprehensive experience.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Gmunden, take bus line 533 or 534 towards Scharnstein. Get off at the Scharnstein Kirchenplatz stop. From there, it's a short walk to Schloss Scharnstein. Bus tickets cost approximately €5-€7.

  • Walking

    From the center of Scharnstein (e.g., Scharnstein Kirchenplatz), follow the signs to Schloss Scharnstein. The walk is uphill and takes about 15-20 minutes. There are footpaths and a footbridge to the castle.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Gmunden to Schloss Scharnstein will cost approximately €29-€35 and take around 14 minutes. Taxis are available in Gmunden. Consider using the Salzkammergut Shuttle Service by calling +43 (0) 50 - 422 422.

  • Driving

    From Gmunden, take the B120 road to Scharnstein. In Scharnstein, turn left after the Almbrücke bridge to the car park at the Geyerhammer Museum. From there, it's a short walk to Schloss Scharnstein. Parking is free at the Geyerhammer Museum. Please only use the designated car parks and show consideration for private property.

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Discover more about Kriminalmuseum Schloss Scharnstein

The Kriminalmuseum Schloss Scharnstein provides a unique and unsettling look into the history of crime and punishment in Austria. Located in the ancient Schloss Scharnstein, the museum documents the Austrian judicial and security system from the late Middle Ages to modern times. Visitors can explore over 20 showrooms filled with exhibits depicting the evolution of crime, law enforcement, and the penal system. The museum's displays include historical court cases, torture devices, and methods of execution, offering a glimpse into the darker aspects of human history. One of the most striking features is the original torture chamber, providing a chilling insight into historical justice practices. In addition to its exhibits on crime and punishment, the Kriminalmuseum also features a collection dedicated to the history of the Austrian Gendarmerie from 1849 to the present. Uniforms, weapons, equipment, and accounts of spectacular criminal cases solved by the Gendarmerie are all on display. The museum also presents the development of police, justice, and prison systems, forensic medicine, the death penalty, and famous criminal cases. Currently, the museum is expanding to include more modern equipment and documentation of recent criminal cases. A notable addition is the car of a Turkish embassy employee destroyed in a 1984 terror attack in Vienna. Guided tours of the castle and museum are available for groups.

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