Austria: A land where storybook castles crown soaring peaks and whisper tales of ages past. From mighty medieval fortresses to romantic hilltop ruins, Austria’s enchanting “Fairytale Fortresses” from my experience, have a magic all of their own. And if you’ve ever dreamt of knights, princesses, and hidden treasure, Austria is the place where those fantasies spring to life. Let me unlock the gates to these Austrian Castles!
Key Takeaways
- Austria boasts an incredible variety of castles, from mountaintop strongholds to elegant palaces.
- Many castles offer guided tours, museums, and special events throughout the year.
- Consider visiting in the shoulder seasons (spring/autumn) for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
- Some castles have been converted into unique hotels.
- Austria’s castles offer a magical journey through history and a chance to step into your own fairytale.
Majestic Mountaintop Strongholds
Hohensalzburg Fortress: Salzburg’s Guardian
Perched high above Salzburg’s Baroque rooftops, Hohensalzburg Fortress is Austria’s picture-perfect icon, and you can see why. When I was there, its whitewashed walls gleamed against the Alps, truly a sight to behold, I didn’t want to leave! With over 900 years of history, it’s one of Europe’s largest fully-preserved medieval castles. Take the funicular up, explore the courtyards and ramparts, and delve into princely chambers housing fascinating museums.
Recommended tour: Hohensalzburg Entry Ticket
Hochosterwitz Castle: A Gateway to the Past
In the heart of Carinthia, you will find Hochosterwitz Castle! Its dramatic beauty always takes my breath away. It sits atop a sheer rock pinnacle, accessible by a winding path with 14 fortified gates! Once inside, the medieval atmosphere is undeniable, echoing armouries, rustic chapels, and tales of battles long ago.
Open daily from 9:00 and prices start at €11 for children and €18 for adults!
Liechtenstein Castle: A Romantic Revival
Nestled in the Vienna Woods, Liechtenstein Castle blends medieval origins with a whimsical 19th-century makeover. Destroyed by Ottomans, it lay in ruins for centuries until the ruling Liechtenstein family rebuilt it in a Romantic style. To me, it feels like the classic princess in the tower kind of place!
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Fairytale Castles of the Danube Valley
Burg Kreuzenstein: Rise of a Reborn Fortress
Imagine a castle built from the fragments of others – that’s Kreuzenstein! Much of it was destroyed in wars, but it was painstakingly reconstructed using medieval pieces from across Europe. The result is a fascinating architectural blend. For me, exploring its maze-like rooms is an adventure in itself and you definitely not miss this castle!
Schloss Artstetten: Habsburg Legacy
From my experience the home to Archduke Franz Ferdinand (whose assassination sparked WWI), Artstetten is steeped in Habsburg grandeur and is absolutely gorgeous! The castle’s museum delves into the Archduke’s life and tragic ending, while the manicured gardens offer a respite in true royal fashion.
Tickets start at €10 and the castle is open daily from April to November.
Aggstein Castle Ruins: Danube Legends
Overlooking the mighty Danube River, Aggstein’s crumbling walls tell tales of rebellious robber knights and imprisoned kings. While a ruin, the climb up offers stunning views and a sense of the fortress’s former strategic power, and for me this makes it a truly unique experience. The views are ridiculous, as pictured below! You can almost hear the clash of swords and the whispers of bygone plots!
Hidden Gems of Austrian Castles
Schloss Riegersburg: Styrian Treasure
Mighty Riegersburg Castle stands guard over the rolling hills of Styria. Its 11th-century origins give it an authentic medieval feel. Don’t miss the fascinating “Witches Exhibition” that explores the region’s superstitious past.
Burg Mauterndorf: Lungau’s Stronghold
In Salzburg’s scenic Lungau region, Mauterndorf Castle exudes rustic charm. This former toll castle houses a captivating local history museum and offers panoramic views. To me, it feels like an undiscovered treasure nestled in the mountains.
Schloss Tratzberg: A Tyrolean Time Capsule
Tyrol’s Tratzberg Castle is a Renaissance delight and one you shouldn’t miss, trust me! Opulent rooms overflow with original furnishings and artworks, making it feel like you’ve stepped back centuries. The Emperor Maximilian I even resided here, how’s that for royal pedigree?
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Austrian Castles Off the Beaten Path
Burg Forchtenstein: Mattersburg’s Protector
Guarding the Burgenland region (I highly recommend! It’s beautiful), Forchtenstein boasts an impressive treasury filled with weapons and glittering valuables. It’s hilltop location provides stunning views across the plains, and from my experience it is a reminder of its strategic past.
Schloss Herberstein: A Baroque Beauty
With its elegant gardens and Baroque facade, Herberstein offers a taste of refined castle life. Be sure to explore the “Gironcoli Museum” featuring contemporary art – a surprising and delightful contrast to the historic setting. Wiki – Herberstein
Inside Austrian Castles: What to Expect
Armouries & Artifacts: Prepare to be wowed by suits of armor, gleaming swords, and centuries-old treasures. You’ll see how knights lived, fought, and feasted!
Imagine standing next to a suit of armour and realising someone actually wore that into battle, because that’s exactly how it felt from my experience! For me, it makes those history lessons feel way more real. And the weapons? Forget video games, these swords are the real deal. Don’t forget to search for the weirdest-looking treasures, those usually have the best stories.
Guided Tours & Historical Tales: Knowledgeable guides often bring castle stories to life. From sieges to scandals, you’ll discover the juicy bits that history books sometimes leave out.
Some guides dress in period costumes, which always adds to the fun factor. Ask about the castle’s resident ghost, most of them have at least one! Pay attention to the juicy details, like who had an affair with whom, or where they hid the secret escape tunnels. You know, the important stuff!
Festivals, Concerts & Events: Many castles host medieval jousts, summer concerts, and even spooky Halloween events. Check their websites for a truly immersive experience!
Nothing beats seeing knights charging at each other in a jousting tournament! The clash of lances and the cheers of the crowd, it makes you feel like you’ve travelled back in time. If there’s a concert in a castle courtyard, the atmosphere is out of this world. And keep an eye out for special events, I once got to try my hand at archery during a medieval festival!
Related articles: How to plan a trip
Practical Planning: Getting Around: Trains, Buses, Cars
Austria has an excellent train network connecting major cities, great for reaching popular castles. Trains are super comfortable, and the scenery whizzing past your window is gorgeous.
Local buses often serve smaller towns with castles nearby. These are a great way to get a feel for the Austrian countryside and discover little villages along the way.
Renting a car gives you the most flexibility, especially for remote fortresses. If you love road trips and exploring at your own pace, this is the way to go. Just remember, some castle roads get pretty narrow and winding! An adventure in itself.
Be sure to check out our other guides to Austria, because it really is a country that needs exploring and experiencing!
Final Thoughts
Well there you have it! I have shown you iconic fortresses to hidden treasures, and I have to say that Austria’s fairytale castles really do transport you back in time. I want you to dream of gallant knights, whispering ruins, and royal splendour, because there’s an Austrian castle waiting to ignite your imagination.
Have you explored an enchanting Austrian castle? Share your favourite experience in the comments below!
Related articles: 3 Days in Salzburg Itinerary: Sound of Music & Mozart
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I stay in an Austrian castle?
Yes! Some castles have been transformed into luxurious hotels, offering the ultimate fairytale experience.
Are Austrian castles wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility varies. Some older castles have stairs and uneven terrain, but many are increasingly working on improvements. Always check a castle’s website for specific accessibility information.
Do I need a visa to visit Austria?
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of EU countries, the US, UK, Canada, and Australia generally don’t need visas for short tourist stays. Always double-check the latest visa requirements.
Are there any special events or festivals at Austrian castles?
Absolutely! Many castles host medieval fairs, jousting tournaments, summer concerts, and Christmas markets. Check individual castle websites for schedules.
What are the opening hours and ticket prices for Austrian castles?
Opening hours and ticket prices vary greatly depending on the castle. Some are open year-round, others seasonally. It’s best to check the individual castle’s website for the most up-to-date information and to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
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