To the south and east of the castle, there were once marshy meadows and woods. Today, this is the site of the extensive Akademiepark, with endless stretches where runners, horse riders, cyclists and walkers can enjoy a good workout.
Frederick III acquired the land immediately adjoining the castle, had part of it drained and a game reserve established, in which herons, pheasants and fallow deer were reared. He also had the stone wall – almost 6 kilometres long and enclosing the game reserve – the ‘Zeiselmauer’ (i.e. the long wall) – built. In the 1730s, Emperor Charles VI, his wife and his daughter Maria Theresa frequently stayed here at the castle. Charles indulged in hunting in this game reserve. After the castle was converted into a military academy in 1751, the game reserve was used for the cadets’ military exercises. Local director Count Kinsky (1779–1805) transformed the game reserve into a large park. It was also Count Kinsky who opened the park to the public.
The wide paths are ideal for relaxing, taking a deep breath and enjoying the peace and quiet. However, sporting activities such as jogging, cycling or horse riding are also possible.
Today, the Akademiepark is the most important local recreational area in the town of Wiener Neustadt. The extensive site, covering an area of 186 hectares, offers the opportunity for hours of walking.
The Akademiepark features large, contiguous stands of mature woodland. Scattered amongst the trees are specimens that are over 100 years old. The old-growth woodland, rich in hollows, provides shelter and breeding grounds for a wide variety of birds. Roe deer, hares and pheasants also find an undisturbed habitat in the Akademiepark.
As you enter Theresienplatz, you will see the Maria Theresa Monument opposite the Academy. It consists of the main figure and four allegorical figures – Religion, Justice, Wisdom and Strength. The figures are cast in bronze, whilst the plinth is made of polished Mauthausen granite. 110 years after the Academy was founded, the monument was unveiled on 31 August 1862 in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph I and senior dignitaries. The two fountains on either side of the monument date from the same period.
The Kehrbach runs right through the Akademiepark. This is a 16 km long man-made canal, which was originally used to fill the castle moat.
The Pionierteich lies in the heart of the Akademiepark. It is fed by a small channel that branches off from the Mühlbach. It takes its name from its former purpose: training in engineering. Today, the Pionierteich is stocked with fish and serves as a breeding ground for wild ducks and other waterbirds.
