Battles & Campaigns · 1809
Battle of Ebelsberg
Ebelsberg, Linz, Upper Austria, Austria
What happened
Hiller's Austrians held Ebelsberg on the Traun River, near Linz, to slow the French march on Vienna. Masséna's troops attacked across a long bridge, fought through the town and took the castle on the hill. Hiller then withdrew, and a fire destroyed most of the town.
Why it matters
It did not stop the French, and Vienna fell in mid-May. Historians have called the fight unnecessary, because another French corps was already crossing the river upstream.
What came next
Hiller crossed to the north bank of the Danube on 7 May. The next big battle was Aspern-Essling on 21–22 May.
Did you know?
The bridge was one of the few things in the town left standing.
Timeline
- 24 Apr 1809Hiller strikes back at Neumarkt-Sankt Veit.
- 3 May 1809Battle of Ebelsberg.
- 7 May 1809Hiller crosses the Danube.
- 21–22 May 1809Battle of Aspern-Essling.