Kriminalmuseum Scharnstein

About

The Austrian Museum of Crime documents the history of the Austrian justice and security system from the late Middle Ages to the present day in more than 20 showrooms of Scharnstein Castle. In the vaults of the castle, where the district court was located from 1584 to 1848, numerous exhibits illustrate the court proceedings of the past, but also torture and imprisonment. The original torture chamber provides insight into the practice of historical justice. The past and present of the gendarmerie is also documented in a comprehensive and impressive way, as well as spectacular criminal cases that have been solved by the gendarmerie. Uniform, apparatus and equipment of this traditional executive body is also extensively presented since its existence in 1849. The development of the police force, the judicial and prison system, forensic medicine, the death penalty and famous criminal cases are exhibited

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes