“Sweet spring” or founder’s spring? The name Süßenbrunn has two possible origins. Let’s explore this historic place together. Today, we stand in KG Süßenbrunn. It is a place with a rich past and a promising future.
Süßenbrunn Manor is more than just a building. It’s a testament to Vienna’s enduring spirit. The manor’s story began in the 12th century. Count Sicco built a medieval manor in Prunne. Prunne was a village northeast of Vienna. The name Süßenbrunn may come from “sweet water fountains.” It could also honor the founder, Sizzo. So, the name might mean “Sizzobrunn”.
Over the centuries, Süßenbrunn changed hands. In 1320, the Lord von Pillichsdorf and Ebersdorf owned it. Later, the Protestant Lord von Landau bought it. In 1574, he transformed it into a Renaissance manor. During the Counter-Reformation in the 1620s, Catholic rulers confiscated Süßenbrunn. Ownership shifted among noble families. These included the Counts von Losenstein and the Prince von Auersperg. Also the Counts von Falkenberg.
The 17th century brought hardship. Invading Turks raided Süßenbrunn. In 1647, near the end of the Thirty Years’ War, Swedish soldiers plundered it. Georg Mathias Vischer’s copper plaque from 1672 shows Süßenbrunn as a Renaissance manor. It depicts the surrounding buildings, gardens, and park.
In 1781, the Josephine land survey depicted Süßenbrunn as an estate. It included a manor. The Counts von Grundemann handed the manor to the Barons von Walterskirchen in 1802. During the Napoleonic Wars in 1805, French troops occupied Süßenbrunn. In 1816, the Counts von Bartenstein purchased the manor. They redesigned it in an early romantic style. The Counts Dubsky von Trebomyslice erected the caretaker’s lodge in a neoclassical style in 1870. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Counts Bösch expanded the property. They added farm buildings including a stable for 100 cows.
In 1926, the Theresianum Academy Foundation acquired Süßenbrunn Manor. They ran the manor-business until the 1970s. Afterward, the agricultural land was leased. Parts of the manor were rented out. Sadly, the property’s condition deteriorated.
However, a new chapter began in 2008. Ludwig Reiter acquired the property. By 2011, they transformed Süßenbrunn. It became the new business premises for their shoe manufacturing plant. Ludwig Reiter recognized the importance of local production. They wanted to maintain close contact with customers. This ensures high-quality products and services. Keeping production in Vienna allows for flexibility. They can quickly adapt to individual customer needs. This includes custom-made items and short production runs.
Ludwig Reiter also values its employees. Unlike many shoe manufacturers, they maintain high labor standards. Many employees have been with the company for years. This preserves valuable know-how. Süßenbrunn Manor is a national heritage site. It includes the Renaissance manor and domestic buildings. These buildings spread across 30,000 square meters of parkland. The architecture embodies “The Future of Tradition”. The special charm of Süßenbrunn has been preserved. Its character has been maintained since 1575. This makes it unique within Vienna.
The former stables are now the production workshop. Historic arches and cast-iron pillars blend with modern needs. The custodian’s house has become offices and a factory outlet. The granary serves as a warehouse. The coach house is now the stock room and logistics department.
The restoration of Süßenbrunn Castle is ongoing. The rooms will become showrooms, a conference hall, a museum, and an experience shop. The park blends seamlessly into the rural surroundings. Süßenbrunn stands on the outskirts of Vienna. It is in the middle of the Marchfeld. Today, Süßenbrunn represents a blend of history and modernity. It is a place where tradition meets innovation.