Austria is one of Europe’s most beautiful and historically rich countries. Few castles look more impressive than those in Austria, whether they’re at the foothills of a mighty Alpine mountain or dominating a city skyline; the country is home to over 1,000 of them. These castles are a mixture of former Alpine fortresses dating back almost 1,000 years, to hugely impressive medieval structures which became stately homes during the Early Modern period.
Whether you’re a cultural enthusiast or a history lover, there are few better countries to visit for castle exploration than Austria. Here are 7 of the most beautiful castles in the country.
Which Castles Are The Most Beautiful in Austria?
1. Hochosterwitz Castle – Launsdorf
As well as being visually impressive, Hochosterwitz Castle also holds an accolade that many castles do not: it has never been conquered or invaded before. This is even more impressive given that the earliest mention of a fortress where it is located in Launsdorf dates back to 860 CE!
The castle sits atop a 172-metre-high limestone rock, making it the most spectacular visual point in the region. On a clear day, the castle can be seen from as far as 30km away. The surrounding Carinthian countryside, with its lush green fields and rolling hills, stretches for miles around the castle, creating the perfect panorama from the castle’s walls.
An iconic feature of Hochosterwitz Castle is that there are 14 different defensive gates along several winding paths up to the castle to navigate before reaching the main structure – perhaps another reason why it has never been conquered.
However, today, guests can either hike up to the mighty castle or take a lift, before exploring the medieval armoury museum in the castle’s walls. This is a perfect place for history lovers and keen photographers alike to visit in Austria.
2. Ambras Castle – Innsbruck
Innsbruck is one of the most well-known areas in Austria when it comes to skiing, thanks to its Alpine surroundings and natural high elevation, so where better to place a strategic castle?
Ambras Castle sits high in the Alps above Innsbruck, dominating the Tyrol landscape below.
Once the home of Archduke Ferdinand II, this Renaissance-era castle houses one of Europe’s earliest museum collections, which was assembled by the Archduke himself during the 16th century: the majority of the collection can still be seen today, offering a real insight into the history of the castle and the surrounding region.
While the surrounding scenery on its own is breathtaking, the castle’s gardens are also equally beautiful, with ponds, waterfalls and a huge array of wildflowers which are best viewed during the summer months.
For art and history lovers, a visit to Ambras Castle is a must – and even better, you could combine it with a cable car trip up into the Austrian Alps for an incredible day out.
3. Riegersburg Castle – Styria
Rising above an ancient volcanic rock formation, Riegersburg Castle is one of Austria’s most unique and beautiful castles.
Perched on the edge of a 482-metre-high ancient volcanic cliff, the 11th-century fortress dominates the Styrian landscape below. From the castle walls, you’re rewarded with 360° views over the countryside.
The castle itself combines elements of medieval and Baroque architecture, with its thick stone walls standing strong underneath the red-tiled roof, which offers a stark contrast which somehow still works and makes it look even more imposing.
One of the most interesting and unique features of the castle is the Witch Museum, which dates back to one of the darkest periods in Styria’s history, where, during the 17th century, over 200 witch trials took place in and around Riegersburg Castle, the majority of which condemned local women to death on jumped-up charges of witchcraft. The museum pays tribute to these women and offers an open and honest reminder about the castle’s history.
4. Ort Castle – Gmunden
Often regarded as Austria’s most romantic castle, Ort Castle is located in Gmunden on a small island in Lake Traunsee, connected to the shoreline by a wooden bridge.
As far as fairytale castles go, Ort Castle could easily have been plucked out of a fantasy novel, with the reflective waters of the lake creating shimmering images of the castle, while the Alpine backdrop provides the ultimate fantasy novel setting.
While history buffs will undoubtedly enjoy learning about the history of the castle, which dates back to the 11th century, the castle is also an ideal place to visit for photography or art enthusiasts, as well as scenic travellers.
Due to its small size, the Ort Castle can be explored in around an hour or so, making it the perfect Austrian castle to visit if you’re only in the area for a short time or have a busy schedule. Visit during the summer for some of the most incredible sunsets over the lake you will ever experience.
5. Kreuzenstein Castle – Leobendorf
Found just outside of Vienna, the Austrian capital, Kreuzenstein Castle is exactly what comes to mind if you’re asked to picture a medieval castle.
This is because, unlike many castles from the Middle Ages, which generally can be explored as ruins, during the 19th century, Kreuzenstein Castle was carefully reconstructed to look how it would have looked during its heyday – and as such, it stands today as a proud symbol of medieval Austria.
Overlooking the Danube region of the country from its hilltop perch, the castle is one of the country’s most visually impressive – and one of the most well-preserved, too.
Inside the castle, guided tours are available, or visitors can take it at their own pace. The castle’s huge halls and courtyards have been used on various film and TV sets, perhaps most notably in Netflix’s 2019 series, The Witcher.
Kreuzenstein Castle’s armouries are equally impressive, with authentic pieces of armour dating back hundreds of years, making it an ideal castle to visit for history and culture enthusiasts.
6. Hohenwerfen Castle – Werfen
Another Alpine fortress, this time towering above the Salzach Valley, Hohenwerfen Castle is easily one of the most beautiful in Austria.
This medieval castle, carved into the Alpine rock on which it sits, is found 632m above sea level, and can be seen for miles and miles around.
Because of its idyllic location, it has also featured in numerous films and TV shows, even serving as the primary base in the 1968 action film Where Eagles Dare. And if it was good enough for Clint Eastwood and Richard Burton, then it’s good enough for visitors today!
The surrounding heavily forested valleys look stunning any time of year, but when they’re dusted in snow in early spring, they look simply phenomenal. Inside the castle, the famous falconry show is a must-watch, as these impressive birds soar at incredible speeds in and around the castle grounds.
Whether you want to enjoy the castle from outside or inside, Hohenwerfen Castle is a must-visit in Austria.
7. Tratzberg Castle – Jenbach
While some Austrian castles are famous because of their incredible defensive fortifications, Tratzberg Castle has the unique feature of being a former noble residence and was designed for aesthetic purposes, rather than defensive ones.
What is even more remarkable is that the interiors of Tratzberg Castle remain almost completely intact – an impressive feat given that construction began in the 16th century.
As for the surrounding settings, think dramatic Alpine scenery at unprecedented levels. Sitting on the edge of a heavily forested ledge, not far from Innsbruck and high in the Alps, the views are simply incredible – it’s little wonder that it was a favourite noble residence.
Inside, the fully furnished and historically preserved rooms are available to tour at your own pace, or with one of the castle’s very own knowledgeable tour guides. Taking in the scenery in every room is like stepping back centuries in time, making it one of the most immersive and beautiful castles in Austria.
Tratzberg Castle is also ideal to visit with children, with numerous activities in the castle aimed at children, including a knight’s quiz, fairytale audio tours, and perhaps most impressively, the “Tratzberg Express” – a train ride to reach the castle from the town below.
FAQs
How much time does it take to visit an Austrian castle?
Generally, it is recommended to set aside anywhere from one hour to around four hours to fully experience an Austrian castle.
Are Austrian castles accessible by public transport?
Most castles close to cities such as Vienna and Salzburg are accessible by bus or train, but some of the more rural hilltop fortresses will require a car to visit them.
When is the best time of year to visit Austrian castles?
Generally, spring and early autumn are the best times to visit Austrian castles due to the clear Alpine views and pleasant weather.
Can Austrian castles be visited year-round?
Most Austrian castles are open year-round, but some close during the winter months, especially those high in the Austrian Alps. Check with individual castles and their opening hours before visiting.
Should tickets for Austrian castles be booked in advance?
Yes, you should book tickets to Austrian castles in advance to avoid disappointment and save money compared to on-the-gate prices.
Get ready to plan your trip to Austria
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chester Ollivier
Chester is passionate about exploring new places through food, history and heritage. Whether he is uncovering hidden gems in North East England or travelling to exotic locations across the globe, his enthusiasm for food and history fuels his adventures. His love for writing, combined with his intrigue of different cultures and their histories has led him to pursue a career as a travel writer.
