A castle represents might on the one hand and fear of loss of power on the other. Owing to its awe-inspiring size and its position high above the country it signalized its defensibility to approaching aggressors already from afar. However, castles also served as a refuge for rulers who sought its protection from uncompromising enemies. Austria is a country of castles, a name that its province Burgenland (land of castles) bears witness of.
Below you will find a list of Castles and Palaces Listed by Provinces, with links for further details.
Burgenland
Güssing Castle Built on a volcano hill in the midst of the magnificent landscape of southern Burgenland, the romantic fortress Güssing is one of the most beautiful castles of Austria – and rightly so. Established as early as 1157 as a wooden defence fortress, the castle today accommodates an important museum and has something to offer for guests of all age groups. Particularly impressive is the fantastic panorama which one can enjoy from atop of the bell tower. Güssing Castle
Bernstein Castle Once the oldest defence fortress of Burgenland, the Bernstein Castle today accommodates a hotel and restaurant. The outer castle courtyard as well as the artistically significant knight’s hall are accessible to visitors by day. The ascent is well worth your while, for in addition to a tour of the impressive castle and its environs one can enjoy a wonderful view all the way to the East Styrian hill country. Bernstein Castle
Forchtenstein Castle The Forchtenstein Castle is more than just a mighty fortress construction. Out of a completely maintained armoury chamber with weapons, valuable booty treasures and trophies from the Turkish wars as well as silver jewellery and Exotica from far away countries can be found in the exhibition rooms. With over 20,000 exhibits the Forchtenstein Castle museum belongs to one of the biggest private museums of Central Europe. Forchtenstein Castle
Schlaining Castle Besides the cast iron art collection and the picture gallery, special exhibitions take place annually at Schlaining Castle. Particularly worth seeing are the knight’s hall with its decoration paintings as well as the castle chapel with organ and high altar, dating back to 1750.
Esterházy Palace The castle, located in the Burgenland metropolis Eisenstadt, has been owned by the Esterházy family since 1622 and is the most important cultural monument of this region. Its special location and generous construction lend a special attraction to this landmark of Burgenland. The former moat castle was developed in the middle of the 17th century into a splendid baroque castle and, among other things, was a place of creation for many years for Joseph Haydn. The hall named after him is the showpiece of the castle and one of the most beautiful and acoustically most attractive concert halls of the world. Esterházy Palace
Carinthia
Hochosterwitz Castle Carinthia’s landmark is one of its kind and is among the most impressive castles of Austria. This extraordinary enclosure with its 14 castle gates is just a few kilometres away from Klagenfurt. The castle was documented for the first time in the year 860 and was developed to its present form until 1586. Today, one can visit the castle museum and view its collection of weaponry, armour and objets d’art. Hochosterwitz Castle
Hollenburg Located in one of the most beautiful valleys of Carinthia, Hollenburg is majestically situated on top of a steep cliff. Documented for the first time in 1142, it is not only one of the most beautiful castles of Carinthia, it is also the cultural-historic centre of the Rosental valley. A special attraction for its guests is the 80 m long, covered bridge over which one gets to the castle gate and to the castle courtyard. From there a path leads to the keep, from which guests can enjoy a beautiful view of the Rosental valley.
Landskron Castle Located near the enchanting lake Ossiachersee is one of the most beautiful such constructions of Carinthia. The foundation walls of a fortress from the 14th century form the fundaments of the castle built in1552. In 1812 it was destroyed by fire and since then is in dilapidation. Among other things, an outwork, the keep and the Gothic chapel are still preserved to this day. The castle ruin Landskron pampers guests with an exclusive restaurant, and animal lovers can enjoy the monkey park and the bird-watching haunt. Landskron Castle
Porcia Palace The Porcia Palace is probably the most famous Renaissance castle north of the Alps. The four-wing 3-storey palace from the early Renaissance period has been the property of the city Spittal an der Drava since 1938 and fascinates its guests, above all, with its inner courtyard with the 3-storey arcades. The museum of local history, whose focal points are the history and folklore of Upper Carinthia, is also worth seeing. During the summer months summer festivals are performed in the arcaded courtyard.
Velden Palace The 2-storey renaissance castle with its striking four towers - located in the lively town at Lake Wörthersee - was built in the 15th century. In 1920 Velden was extensively renovated and adapted into a palace hotel. Since 1952 it has served as set location for numerous films and series such as “Ein Schloss am Wörthersee” ("A castle at the Wörthersee"). Velden
Lower Austria
Schloss Hof Palace Built in 1726 for Prince Eugene of Savoy, Hof Palace was renovated and enlarged under Empress Maria Theresia to create Austria’s largest country palace. Following its heyday in the Baroque, however, the rural retreat began to lose its attraction for the Habsburgs, and its precious interior equipment was eventually removed to furnish other palaces. Meanwhile most of the original objects are back at Hof Palace. Today’s visitors can view the Imperial Apartments, the splendid Festival Hall and the Chapel – extending over two levels and domed by a cupola – just as the best artists of the time designed them. Schloss Hof Palace
Greifenstein Castle Located majestically on a cliff above the southern Danube bank, the Greifenstein castle is a breathtaking view, leaving its guests in awe. Established in the early 11th century, the castle suffered many sieges and destruction, but was always rebuilt. Today the castle accommodates exhibitions as well as a restaurant. Important Note: Due to a major fire Greifenstein castle remains closed to visitors for the time being. Greifenstein Castle
Rappottenstein Castle Built in the second half of the 12th century, the Rappottenstein castle belongs to the most important and best preserved castles of Austria. The magnificent construction is inhabited to this day and is open to the public. Due to its secure location on a granite rock, the castle with its five forecourts was never conquered. Particularly impressive are the beautiful renaissance court and the castle garden with a spectacular view. For some years the castle has been a centre of attraction for music lovers: during the summer months friends of classical and modern music and poetry truly get their money’s worth, for the castle is used in summer for cultural events. Rappottenstein Castle
Dürnstein Ruins The ruins lie above the charming city Dürnstein in the beautiful Wachau. Only the walls of the main castle remain, but are visible far into the Danube valley. Better preserved, however, are the ruins of the former castle chapel, which is connected - as is the entire castle construction - with the city by walls and defence towers. In 1193, King Richard the Lion-hearted was guarded at the Dürnstein castle, which is 20 walking minutes away from the Old Town. Dürnstein Ruins
Rosenburg Renaissance Palace Located majestically above the Kamp lies one of the most beautiful and most significant castles of the country. In the 16th century the castle that was already built in the 12th century was turned into a magnificent Renaissance palace. The inside of the Rosenburg is equally impressive. A real feast for the eyes awaits guests, with precious pieces of furniture, pictures and objets d’art, library and castle chapel. Other attractions are the daily bird’s of prey shows and the fairytale world.
Raabs Castle The impressive irregular fortress, located high above the Thaya, belongs to the oldest castles of the country. Built in the second half of the 11th century, today it offers guests something quite worth seeing. The stone spiral staircase and the medieval frescoes are just as impressive as the renaissance vault and the castle chapel. During the summer months exhibitions and concerts are also a great attraction.
Salzburg
Finstergrün Castle To be able to live in a real castle once - here this dream could come true. Annually, many young persons spend their holidays during the summer months here, as during this time the castle is operated as a youth holiday home. After the building was destroyed in 1841 by a fire, it was extensively rebuilt until 1900. Finstergrün was reconstructed into a castle in the style of the 13th century and was given a more beautiful appearance, in form of smith-iron fittings, door locks and gates.
Hohenwerfen Castle The castle, built in the eleventh century, is the most important country castle near the Hohensalzburg fortress. The architecturally remarkable building, once the archbishop’s defence fortress, is today an excursion destination well-worth seeing: an interesting weaponry exhibition as well as flight shows of the local falconry await visitors. Castles in Salzburg
Hohensalzburg Fortress The landmark of Salzburg captivates not only with its beautiful silhouette against the townscape of Salzburg. Hohensalzburg is the largest entirely preserved castle of Central Europe. Established in 1077, its actual construction history, however, ended only in the 17th century. Until 1803, the castle was the seat of the archbishops; today it is open to the public as a museum. Castles in Salzburg
Hellbrunn Palace The palace, built from 1612 to 1615, has many unique attractions to offer. The remarkable architecture as well as the trick fountains and the "mechanical theatre " (by water driven marionettes) are a fascination for all visitors. Museum lovers get their money’s worth, too: the "month castle" accommodates the Salzburg folklore museum, and adjacent to the wonderful Areal there is the famous Hellbrunn zoo. Hellbrunn Palace
Mirabell Palace Built in the 17th century, it served in present times until 1950 as the living quarters of the president of the Salzburg Festivals. Today, the Mirabell Palace accommodates the official residence of the Salzburg mayor as well as different departments of the city administration. The castle with its classicistic facade enchants guests not only with perhaps the most beautiful wedding hall of the world, but invites to a fascinating journey by the extraordinary "Zwergerlgarten" and the maze with its highlight - the ‘hedge theatre’.
Styria
Gallenstein Castle The castle, built in1278, controls the whole Saint Gallener valley and from nowhere else does one have such a wonderful view. In the Middle Ages it served the Admont monastery as a place of refuge, which could never be taken. Unfortunately, not much is left of the former glory of the castle. However, after restoration some of its former beauty is still apparent. The concert hall located under the castle chapel is scene of various cultural events.
Riegersburg This mighty castle is situated majestically on a 482 meter high volcano. The Riegersburg, built in the 11th century, got its present form in the 17th century and through its position and strong defence enclosures, is the most important border fortress in eastern Styria. Since 1822 Riegersburg has been in the private possession of the Liechtenstein family about whose 900-year-old history guests can inform themselves in the museum in the state rooms of the castle. The witch-museum and the eagle haunt where daily breathtaking bird shows take place, are other points of attraction.
Eggenberg Palace The fascination of the biggest baroque castle in Styria lies undoubtedly in its architectural concept: 365 windows offered the castle’s inhabitants a different view every day of the year. Established in 1460 as a medieval fortress, Eggenberg castle was extensively developed in the baroque period. Particularly worth seeing are the large arcaded courtyard, the state rooms and the planet hall. Another attraction are the departments of the regional museum Johanneum which accommodat, among other things, archaeological as well as prehistorical and early-historical collections. The big English nature reserve surrounding Eggenberg castle invites guests to long walks. Eggenberg Palace
Burgau Castle Originally, the castle, documented for the first time in 1367, was built as a defence tower and was surrounded by ditches. The 3-storey castle consists of a rectangular inner court as well as a 2-storey fore-castle and is part of the Styrian "Schlösserstrasse" (‘Castle Street’). For centuries the castle lay at the border and therefore fell victim to numerous attacks by the Turks, Kuruzzen and Hungary. Due to the plunders and destruction, the Burgau castle had to be reconstructed and rebuilt during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Today concerts, exhibitions and theater performances take place here regularly.
Herberstein Palace As one of the most interesting art monuments of Styria, the Herberstein castle is definitely worth a visit. The development from a simple defence construction into a magnificent renaissance castle can still be seen today. Construction was begun as early as the 13th century, and the castle harbors legacies from 7 centuries. In the family and castle museum of the Herberstein family, in whose possession the castle has been since 1290, the everyday life of the count of Herberstein is revealed to the visitor. The zoo surrounding the castle is another attraction. Herberstein Palace
Tirol
Laudegg Castle Laudegg Castle is called the "most beautiful castle of northern Tirol" – and rightly so. With an enormous residence tower, keep, wall, gates, chapel and renovated residential building it today serves as living quarters. Built in the 13th century, it was destroyed by fire and war, before it ‘blossomed’ again after various restorations and enlargements at the beginning of 16th century. In summer, guided tours through the castle take place once a week.
Kufstein Fortress With its 26,000 m2 surface area, the fortress encloses a bigger area than the Old Town of Kufstein. With the panorama rail one can easily reach the well preserved fortress located on a hill. The archaeological exhibition is well worth seeing, just as the former state prison in the emperor’s tower (‘Kaiserturm’). To round off the tour, it is quite worthwhile to listen to the tunes of the ‘hero’s’ organ – which sounds daily - in memory of the fallen in the First World War.
Schrofenstein Castle Ruins To the north-east of Stanz in the Upper Inntal valley, the ruins lie on a high cliff. The castle, which is accessible only over a narrow drawbridge, was inhabited already as early as the end of the12th century. Near the Wartturm located below, there are a 3-storey habitable keep and a small courtyard with wall. At the beginning of the 19th century the castle began to deteriorate; since the fifties of the 20th century, however, extensive restoration is being done.
Ambras Palace Not only is this castle in Tirol’s capital one of the most beautiful renaissance palaces of Austria, it also accommodates the oldest art and armoury collection of Europe. The fascinating construction is located in a large enclosed park and consists of several complexes of buildings. The upper castle is a 4-storey construction built on top of a rock. The Spanish hall with its precious furnishings and wonderful paintings is well worth a visit. The lower castle was built in the 16th century and contains the museum with weaponry collection, art chamber and antiquarium. Ambras Palace
Tratzberg Palace Castle Tratzberg, one of the best preserved renaissance palaces of Tirol and one of the most beautiful in Europe, is more than 500 years old. Exciting fairy tale tours for children, a hunting hall, the armoury and a castle chapel offer an extraordinary "castle adventure". An absolute must is a visit to the Habsburg hall with the oldest painted family tree of the house of Habsburg. Other sights are the Maximilian chamber, with supposed handwritten inscription of emperor Maximilian I. and the courtyard with its rich sans serif painting. Tratzberg Palace
Upper Austria
Clam Castle It is among the best preserved castles in Austria and was built in 1149. Since then, no one has ever succeeded in conquering the castle; it withstood every attack and people often sought refuge within its walls. The Clam castle consists of three courtyards, a 5-storey palace, a chapel and a keep. It is inhabited to this day and is now and again setting for concerts of classical and modern music.
Piberstein Castle Today’s Cultural Arts Centre was first documented in 1285 and impresses its guests above all with its unique construction. A rock forms the centre around which the core of the castle was built. Its borders are defined by a wall around it and three round towers. The living quarters – which are partly open to the public – can be reached through two courtyards; beyond the walls is a chapel which was built in 1730.
Linzer Palace The castle is located on the banks of the Danube in the capital of Upper Austria and awes guests, above all, with its impressive view of the city and the Mühlviertel. The massive construction consists of two inner courtyards; the south tract and parts of the east and central tract were destroyed in 1800 by a fire. Documented for the first time in 799, the castle has since served as residence for numerous aristocrats, before it became a part of the Upper Austrian regional museum in 1963. The permanent exhibition shows a collection of weapons, musical instruments, glass and metal objects to works of art of the Middle Ages up to the early 20th century. Linzer Palace
Lamberg Palace – Library The Baroque palace in Steyr today was once a mighty castle. After its establishment around 980 it became the residence of the Ottokares. In 1727, a devastating fire in the city destroyed the entire construction; however, it was rebuilt some time later by Count Lamberg. Since then the castle has the character of a baroque palace. With over 11,000 books the library inside the magnificently restored castle is one of the largest private libraries of the country.
Ottensheim Palace Ottensheim Palace was documented for the first time around 1148 - namely as a castle. Only in 1527 was it reconstructed into a palace. Today, only the keep with its towers still remains from the old construction. The courtyard of the castle, which lies on a granite rock above the Danube, is divided into two terraces and is closed off from one side by a tower wing. The beautiful, extensive palace park invites to romantic walks.
Vienna
Schönbrunn Palace “Wagenburg”, the biggest glasshouse in Europe, and Schönbrunn zoo are the ‘highlights’ of the palace grounds. One of the annexes of the baroque building accommodates the ‘Wagenburg’, with the noble equipages of the court. Numerous exhibition rooms can also be viewed in the former Habsburg summer residence, such as the Bergl-rooms. The extensive castle park with the fountain from which the palace got its name – ‘Schönen Brunnen’ (Beautiful Fountain) - and the classicistic Gloriette are not only beautiful accessories, but are well worth a visit to Schönbrunn. Schönbrunn Palace
Belvedere Palace The palace, established in 1714 to 1723 by order of Prince Eugen, consists of two building complexes, the Upper and the Lower Belvedere. The Upper Belvedere is an elongated construction with a 35-axled front. Located inside are a conference hall and audience hall, as well as the mirror cabinet and the main hall with ceiling fresco, a gift of honour from the pope. Today the Upper Belvedere functions as an exhibition room of the Austrian gallery. The centre of the Lower Belvedere is the large marble hall with the famous statue of Permoser, representing the apotheosis of Prince Eugen. The Lower Belvedere also accommodates the Austrian baroque museum, and the Museum of Medieval Austrian Art in the renovated orangery. Both buildings are connected by a beautiful garden with ponds and mazes.
Hermesvilla The two-storey building with its small towers and terraces enchants its guests not only with its unique location. Located in the middle of the former hunting ground, the ‘Lainzer zoo’, in the southwest of Vienna, the Hermes Villa was established in 1882 to 1886 by order of Emperor Franz Josef. During the following years it was a popular place of residence of Empress Elisabeth. The villa got its name from the white marble Hermes statue standing in the garden. Today, the villa accommodates alternating exhibitions and paintings by Rudolf Weyr and Gustav Klimt.
Palais Augarten The former Trautson palace is today seat of the Viennese porcelain manufacture Augarten. Before it was destroyed in 1683 by the Turks, Emperor Leopold had the construction built into a baroque pleasure garden. After the devastation, the garden was recreated in French style, and from 1772 so-called morning concerts took place here. Mozart, later also Beethoven, conducted here occasionally. In the 19th century, Johann Strauss Sr. held his May concerts here. To this day high-quality hand-made porcelain is produced here, and the manufacture is one of the most important in the world.
Villa Wertheimstein The Biedermeier villa is located in one of the most beautiful districts of Vienna. The former ‘Tullner court’, at the end of the Döblinger main street, was destroyed in 1683 by the Turks and was rebuilt after the end of the war. The library and the gorgeous park have been open to the public since 1907. Furthermore, the Hermes Villa also accommodates the Döbling district museum, which was established in 1964.
Vorarlberg
Hohenbregenz, Gebhardsberg From the former castle in Vorarlberg’s capital only the gate, walls, keep and the outer wall of the chapel are still recognizable today. Documented for the first time in the 14th century, it switched owners in 1451 in part to the city of Bregenz, before it was conquered in 1647 and destroyed. From the ruins, the Gebhardsberg castle and its chapel were built. This was destroyed by a fire in 1791. Today, after extensive restorations, the castle is a pilgrimage church and an observation point.
Schattenburg Feldkirch’s present landmark originally served to protect the city and its citizens. It was first documented in 1138 and since then the Schattenburg has witnessed several periods of construction. In the 12th century, the keep and palace were established; in 1500 the development of the defence enclosures took place. The Schattenburg got its name from the Middle High German word "schade" which means so much as "protection", "screen". The museum of local history and the lookout tower are also open to the public.
Glopper Castle The castle, built in 1343, can be reached over a steep driveway and a drawbridge, under which there is a charming pond and a fountain chiselled out of a rock. The name "Glopper" is derived from the word "Gelauber" (deciduous forest). After a fire at the beginning of the 15th century it was rebuilt and was supplemented with a chapel.
Hohenems Castle The Italian renaissance building with forecourt, bossage gate and the inner court decorated with alliance coat of arms was established in the second half of the 16th century. The library of the Count of Hohenems became famous, when in 1755 the manuscript ‘C’ of the Nibelungen lied was found there. Two decades later the manuscript ‘A’ turned up there, too. The very well preserved castle accommodates exhibitions and serves as a venue for concerts and various cultural events.
Tosters Castle Ruins This castle exists since the 13th century, but like many other Vorarlberg castles, was destroyed during the Appenzeller wars in 1405. It was later rebuilt. Below the castle lies the St. Corneli chapel which probably once served as a castle chapel. Next to it is a 1000-year-old, protected yew. The castle, which has been falling into ruins since 1685, is well worth a visit. The observation point provides a rewarding and delightful view.
