SCHLOSS BLÜHNBACH
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Austria, Schloss Blühnbach stands as a captivating testament to Austria’s rich heritage, where history comes alive in every nook and cranny. With its awe-inspiring architecture, breath-taking surroundings, and intriguing legends, the castle seamlessly blends the past with the present, and offers a journey through time, leaving those that visit enchanted and longing to return.
Dating back to the medieval era, Schloss Blühnbach has witnessed centuries of history unfold within its sturdy walls. The architecture is a masterpiece in itself. Today it stands proudly as a living testament to the enduring spirit of preservation and continues to thrive as more than just a historical landmark.
Schloss Blühnbach was acquired by Frederick R. Koch in 1987, and since 2020, after his passing, the ownership of the Schloss transferred to the Frederick R. Koch Foundation of Austria, a non-profit deeply committed to promoting increased public awareness of the preservation and significance of this historic Austrian monument. The Foundation is fervently dedicated to supporting the protection, maintenance and educational use of the Schloss so that it may foster an environment where young artists and art historians alike can grow and thrive in their respective fields.
While Schloss Blühnbach is a cherished site of historical significance, the Foundation itself is not an organisation that accepts unsolicited grant requests. Our primary mission is to preserve the castle’s heritage and provide a platform for cultural enrichment, for which our resources and efforts are dedicated.
OUR MISSION & LEGACY
OUR MISSION
To preserve, inspire and celebrate the rich cultural heritage embodied by Schloss Blühnbach while empowering creativity, fostering education, and advancing global collaboration.
OUR LEGACY
Honoring the vision of Frederick R. Koch by safeguarding collections and supporting the next generation of artists and scholars.
DDD
DDD
PROTECT & RESTORE
Maintain the architectural and historical integrity of Schloss Blühnbach, ensuring its enduring beauty and significance.
ARTISTIC INNOVATION
Provide a sanctuary for artists, scholars, and visionaries to create, collaborate, and thrive within a setting steeped in history and inspiration.
INSPIRE & EDUCATE
Host educational programs, exhibitions, and events that highlight the importance of art, culture, and social sciences in shaping a better world.
DIALOGUE
Establish Schloss Blühnbach as a hub for global leaders and thinkers to engage in transformative discussions that inspire action and innovation.
RESTORATION AND PRESERVATION
At Schloss Blühnbach, we recognise the profound significance of this Austrian historic monument and are actively involved in its thoughtful preservation. While our primary focus is on comprehensive support for the protection, maintenance, and educational utilisation of Schloss Blühnbach, plans are underway to expand its capabilities as a multifaceted hub, fostering a thriving arts community within its historic walls.
We embrace the rich cultural heritage embodied by Schloss Blühnbach and we are committed to developing retreats and mentorship programs in this extraordinary setting, where young artists alongside top professionals in their chosen field will convene to focus on education, artistic growth, and boundless creativity. The glorious Schloss Blühnbach and its stunning landscapes will serve as the awe-inspiring backdrop to this immersive mentorship program.
SUPPORTING THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES
We are committed to supporting and inspiring the study and appreciation of various artistic disciplines. Our mission encompasses classical music, theatre and film, literature, fine art, photography, the decorative arts, architecture, garden design, cultural history, and the arts and humanities in general.
We strive to perpetuate the commitment of our Founder to emerging scholars, performers and other creative artists, providing them with the necessary resources to thrive.
HISTORY OF SCHLOSS BLÜHNBACH
THE ARCHBISHOPS
1431
First documented mention of a hunting lodge at Blühnbach, serving as a wooden retreat for the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg.
1525-1526
The original hunting lodge was destroyed during the German Peasants' War but was subsequently rebuilt.
1603-1608
Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau commissioned the construction of a stone hunting lodge on the site, with master builders Ruep Eder, Andrä Mairer, and Gabriel Prändtl overseeing the project.
Early 17th Century
Under Prince-Archbishop Paris Lodron, the castle experienced a period of grandeur, hosting significant hunting events and notable guests.
18th Century
The castle's prominence declined due to its remote location, leading to its use as a stud farm housing several hundred horses.
Late 18th Century
Prince-Archbishop Hieronymus von Colloredo renovated the castle, adding a second floor and refurbishing the roof to make it habitable again.
1816
Following Salzburg's incorporation into Austria, the castle became state property.
1842
Leased to a noble hunting society, the castle served as a base for big game hunting until 1910.
FRANZ FERDINAND
1908
Archduke Franz Ferdinand acquired the estate, transforming it into a private hunting domain encompassing approximately 14,000 hectares of forest.
1910-1913
Architect Ludwig Simon remodeled and expanded the castle in a Neo-Renaissance style under Franz Ferdinand's direction.
1914
Franz Ferdinand's assassination in Sarajevo occurred shortly after the castle's renovations were completed.
THE KRUPPS
1916
The estate was sold to industrialist Gustav Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach, who used it as a summer residence.
1950
Gustav Krupp passed away at Schloss Blühnbach.
1967
In 1967, Arndt von Bohlen und Halbach, sole heir of the Krupp Dynasty renounces his inheritance in favor of the Krupp Foundation and receives Schloss Blühnbach (plus a substantial annual apanage) instead.
After a glamorous life with his wife Princess Henriette of Auersperg, Arndt was laid to rest at the chapel of Blühnbach in May 1986.
THE PRESENT
1988
The castle was acquired by American collector and philanthropist Frederick R. Koch, who meticulously restored the property.
2020
Following Frederich Koch's death, the estate became part of the Frederick R. Koch Foundation of Austria.
Today, Schloss Blühnbach stands as a testament to its storied past, reflecting the architectural and cultural influences of its various owners.
OUR FOUNDER
Frederick R. Koch was a visionary philanthropist whose lifelong dedication to the arts and humanities continues to inspire and uplift. Born in Wichita, Kansas, in 1933, Mr. Koch pursued a path marked by academic excellence and a profound passion for culture. After earning degrees in English literature and drama from Harvard and Yale, he embarked on a journey that would shape the cultural landscape.
Known as the "collector’s collector," Mr. Koch’s discerning eye led to the preservation of countless artistic treasures, from rare manuscripts to architectural masterpieces. His acquisitions, including Schloss Blühnbach, reflected his unwavering commitment to safeguarding history and fostering creativity.
Beyond his role as a collector, Mr. Koch championed emerging artists, performers, and scholars. His philanthropy extended to organisations worldwide, supporting the performing arts, historic preservation, and education. Through the FRK Foundation, he cultivated opportunities for creativity to flourish and for cultural heritage to endure.
Frederick R. Koch’s legacy lives on in the halls of Schloss Blühnbach and beyond, where his vision continues to inspire future generations to celebrate art, history, and humanity.
LEADERSHIP TODAY
CRISPIN VAUGHAN
Chairman
a
BETTINA FISCHER
Vice Chairman
BILLIE JORDAN
Board Member
a
PETER TRINKL
Director, Schloss Blühnbach
CURRENT & UPCOMING PROJECTS
CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS
Schloss Blühnbach becomes a living stage for cultural exchange, where music, artistry, and learning converge beneath the alpine peaks. From world-class concerts to intimate masterclasses and richly varied cultural programs, each event brings together celebrated performers and passionate learners in a setting of rare inspiration.
Every gathering leaves its mark on the castle’s historic walls, moments of shared discovery that bridge generations, disciplines, and cultures. Here, culture is not merely observed but lived, celebrated, and woven into the ongoing story of Blühnbach.
THE BLÜHNBACH PRESERVATION FUND
Honoring a Lasting Legacy
The Blühnbach Preservation Fund stands as a living tribute to the vision and generosity of Frederick Koch, whose devotion to the restoration and stewardship of Schloss Blühnbach transformed the castle into a beacon of Austrian history and heritage. Through his tireless commitment, he ensured that the grandeur, artistry, and stories embedded in the walls of this remarkable castle would endure for generations. The Fund now carries forward this legacy, channeling resources and passion into the continued conservation of Schloss Blühnbach and its magnificent landscape. In doing so, it safeguards not only the physical presence of the castle but also the rich tapestry of cultural significance it represents—a testament not just to one man’s dedication, but to the enduring spirit of Austria itself. The Blühnbach Preservation Fund invites all those who cherish history, heritage, and art to join in honoring Frederick Koch’s remarkable life, ensuring that the echoes of the past will resonate through the halls of Schloss Blühnbach for centuries to come.
THE ALPINE GARDEN
The expansion of Blühnbach’s Alpine Garden is flourishing under the guidance of our head gardener. This ongoing project provides interns with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the art of high-altitude horticulture, learning to navigate the distinctive challenges of mountain garden design.
In doing so, we reaffirm our commitment to horticultural mentorship and to the development of sustainable, climate-resilient landscaping practices that honour the natural beauty of our alpine environment.
THE BLÜHNBACH PRIZE
From 2026, the Frederick R. Koch Foundation of Austria will proudly present The Blühnbach Prize, a €10,000 annual award for an exceptional young artist at the threshold of their career.
This honour is both a recognition of outstanding talent and a meaningful investment in the artist’s future. Recipients may use the prize to support further study, create new works, participate in residencies, or pursue opportunities that advance their creative journey.
In this way, the Blühnbach Prize celebrates emerging artistry while fostering the next generation of cultural visionaries.
THE WERKSTÄTTEN INITIATIVE
The Frederick R. Koch Foundation of Austria is about to embark on an exciting project to augment and complement the historic and architecturally spectacular Schloss Blühnbach, through the transformation of a former Estate structure, a stone's throw away from the Schloss, known as the Werkstätten or Workshop.
This charming Hansel & Gretel-like building will be renovated and converted into 21 private bedroom suites with bath and study area to provide accommodation and workspace where young artists and performers can work alongside top professionals in their chosen field.
Through this unique pairing of mentorship and artistic exchange, the program will nurture education, creativity, and professional growth, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Schloss Blühnbach and its surrounding alpine landscape.
THE CONFERENCE CENTRE
Imagine a vibrant hub where ideas ignite, connections deepen, and the historic spirit of Schloss Blühnbach
is infused with fresh energy, a state-of-the-art Conference Centre seamlessly integrated into the estate’s
breathtaking alpine setting.
Designed to welcome gatherings of all kinds, interdisciplinary symposia, artist workshops, heritage seminars, policy forums, this dynamic venue will bring together leaders, creatives, and advocates for cultural preservation in a spirit of collaboration and vision.
The facility will feature flexible spaces, advanced amenities, and a discreetly integrated parking structure, ensuring the site’s timeless beauty remains undisturbed.
NEWS
In June 2026, Schloss Blühnbach welcomed Larissa Friedrich and Xaver Grundner, students from the College of Forestry in Bruck an der Mur, who are carrying out a scientific study using the Foundation's historic collection of chamois antlers. By analysing specimens dating back to around 1900, their research will investigate how antler characteristics have changed over more than a century, contributing to a greater understanding of the Blühnbach Valley's wildlife heritage.
On 30 May 2026, Schloss Blühnbach welcomed members of the Großglockner–Heiligenblut Ibex Conservation Association for an educational visit to the Blühnbach Valley. Led by Managing Director Markus Lackner, the group explored the castle and reflected on the shared values of conservation, stewardship, and the preservation of Austria’s natural and cultural heritage. Visitors expressed particular admiration for the castle’s remarkable state of preservation and historic collections.
This spring, Blühnbach Castle became the setting for scenes from Die Toten von Salzburg, one of the German-speaking world’s most successful television crime series. Cast and crew spent several days filming the episode Jagdfieber within the castle and across the surrounding estate, bringing the historic interiors and dramatic Alpine landscape to the screen. Discover more about the production and view a selection of behind-the-scenes photographs from the shoot in the full article.
On 28 March 2026, Schloss Blühnbach welcomed guests for a special chamber concert presented in collaboration with the International Mozarteum Foundation Salzburg. Against a striking Alpine backdrop, young musicians performed works by Mozart on historic instruments from the composer’s own collection, offering an intimate morning of music, heritage, and Easter traditions within the castle’s historic interiors. Read the full article to discover more about the performers, the programme, and the atmosphere of this unique gathering at Schloss Blühnbach.
OKTOBERFEST 2025: A CELEBRATION OF HERITAGE AND HARMONY
Schloss Blühnbach recently came alive for the Frederick R. Koch Foundation's Biennial Oktoberfest, a vibrant celebration of Austrian culture and community. Guests enjoyed authentic Bavarian music by "Duanix Musi," a traditional luncheon, and a crossbow competition supporting the local Heimatverein D’Blühnbachtaler. More than just a party, the event embodied the Foundation's mission to foster cultural appreciation and connection, successfully bringing local heritage and a global audience together in harmony.
CHAMBER MUSIC ILLUMINATES BLÜHNBACH: A CELEBRATION OF MOZART AND AUSTRIAN HISTORY
On August 10th, the Frederick R. Koch Foundation of Austria hosted a chamber concert at Schloss Blühnbach with Mozarteum University alumni, highlighted by the rare sound of Mozart’s own violin. In partnership with the International Mozarteum Foundation, this unforgettable event embodied our mission to celebrate artistic excellence and bring history to life through music.
PHILIPPE JAROUSSKY LEADS MASTERCLASS AT SCHLOSS BLÜHNBACH
In the heart of Austria’s Alps, the Frederick R. Koch Foundation of Austria welcomed internationally renowned countertenor Philippe Jaroussky to Schloss Blühnbach for an unforgettable summer masterclass. Bringing together gifted young vocalists from Vienna, Munich, and Salzburg, the day was a rare fusion of world-class artistry, mentorship, and inspiration. Within the castle’s historic walls, music and tradition met in a shared pursuit of excellence—leaving lasting impressions on students, guests, and the future of classical performance.
FRK FOUNDATION APPOINTS JOHN CAHALANE AS ITS INVENTORY CURATOR
The FRK Foundation is delighted to welcome John Cahalane as its new Inventory Curator. With more than 30 years of experience in fine art collections and logistics, including senior leadership roles at Sotheby’s London, Cahalane brings deep expertise to the stewardship of the Foundation’s significant holdings. His appointment signals an exciting new chapter in the Foundation’s mission to preserve, digitise, and share its cultural legacy with the world.
FRK FOUNDATION COLLABORATES WITH THE GOTHIC AND MINING MUSEUM LEOGANG
The FRK Foundation is delighted to collaborate with the Gothic and Mining Museum Leogang on two cultural initiatives celebrating Alpine history and heritage—most notably the loan of our Renaissance painting Saint Daniel Instructs Miners and a historic ibex trophy for their 2025 exhibition on carved ibex horn art.
REMEMBERING FREDERICK R. KOCH: A TRIBUTE AT SCHLOSS BLÜHNBACH
In August 2022, the FRK Foundation hosted a private celebration at Schloss Blühnbach to honour the life and legacy of Frederick R. Koch and to mark the launch of the Foundation’s Austrian chapter. The weekend reflected Mr. Koch’s enduring passion for history, restoration, and the arts.
SUPPORT US
If you are moved by our work, you are warmly invited to contribute to our mission.
With Frederick Koch's vision and legacy as our guide, we seek to foster an environment where the arts and humanities flourish. We support exceptionally talented artists and intellectuals in scholarship, performance, and vision; and through the preservation of Mr. Koch's collections and historic properties, we provide the landscape and resources for programs that spark creativity, enhance artistic growth, and enrich society. We are grateful for your support!
The FRK Foundation a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, and donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.
OTHER WAYS TO DONATE
** Give a gift in the form of stocks
** Make a gift by way of a wire transfer
(Please contact Billie Jordan at bj@frkf.org for account details)
or
** Mail a check payable to:
The FRK Foundation
6 E. 80th St.
New York, NY 10075
THE FRK SOCIETY
Join us in becoming a vital part of Frederick Koch’s legacy by supporting future generations through your planned giving. The FRK Society is designed for those who wish to leave a lasting impact on the work of the FRK Foundation and the Frederick R. Koch Foundation of Austria through their wills or estate plans. Just as Mr. Koch’s magnificent homes embody enduring beauty and historical significance, the generosity of our FRK Society members will continue to support programs that inspire creativity, promote artistic growth, and enrich society. Every gift, regardless of size, holds great significance!
For additional information and assistance, please contact
Billie Jordan at bj@frkf.org
JOIN US ON THE JOURNEY
For more information on how you may become a part of the preservation of Schloss Blühnbach’s remarkable history while shaping its extraordinary future where history continues to inspire and educate generations to come, please contact us below. We are most grateful for your enthusiasm and support.