The Prince’s animal park in Edelstal

For 200 years Edelstal was in the hands of the Esterhazy family. Prince Paul Anton II has an animal park built in the Edelstal woods because of the suitable location and closeness to his castles.

He wishes to entertain the nobles and clerics who often spend time at Kittsee Castle near Bratislava in the appropriate manner - with hunting amusements. From the highest point and in clear weather one can also see from Schneeberg mountain to Lake Neusiedl and the Hungarians lowlands.

The woods are fenced in with a 2-m-high wall to stop the animals from escaping and to protect them from wolves and poachers. Avenues and paths for pedestrians and carriage rides are laid. A fountain is dug and a large gate, hunting lodge and summer pavilion are erected. Maria Theresa is a frequent guest at the park.

In the 20th century the animal park is abandoned and the costly wall removed piece for piece and used in construction. Only the remains of the wall - clearly visible here - are left. Nothing else has survived.

But the legend of Grünhütl has outlived the animal park. According to the story a young huntsman, known for his hard-heartedness, was once found shot dead in the Edelstal park. Ever since his ghost, known as Grünhütl, has appeared here and there on the park wall at night, blowing his hunting horn until his poor soul is released.