There are hundreds of mediaeval castles in Austria. Many of them are well preserved and in fantastic locations. Riegersburg castle in south-eastern Styria is impressive, inside and outside.
From whatever direction you arrive, the Riegersburg Castle firmly stands out sitting on top of a volcanic peak 480 metres above sea level. Don’t worry the volcano has been extinct for a couple of million years. If you love castles and the Middle Age this one is a must-visit.
Location, location, location
The knights of the 11-century knew how to pick the location for their castles, and Rudiger von Hohenberg built an impressive castle, firmly standing out in the hill country in southeastern Styria. Probably not only for the great views of their lands, but more so for defence. In this part of the Habsburg Empire, the late Middle Ages were an almost continuous period of armed conflicts with local feuds or wars between the Bavarians, which inhabited the area and the neighbouring Hungarians. Thus, the castle was extended over the centuries to the impressive stronghold you see today. Today Riegersburg Castle is owned by the Princely Family of the microstate Principality Liechtenstein, who bought it in 1822.
Exploring the castle
Arriving at the first gate across the drawbridge you can see the deep traces of history. The cart tracks have dug deep grooves into the basalt rock over the centuries. Astonishingly, the castle builders dug out a second moat in the volcanic rock to make it even harder for any attackers. You can get up on the ramparts of the outer walls. Between the inner and outer walls, you can also see a blacksmith’s workshop, where you can watch real blacksmiths at work during special venues. For visitors, the second gate also means that you must pay to go further. Nonetheless, the entrance fee starting from € 6,50 (adulsts) and upto € 31, deepending on how much you want to see is worthwhile.
<Click on the images to enlarge >
Historical insights
The castle houses a Witches Museum and a Weapons Museum, in addition to a series of rooms that are open to the public. The Witches Museum tells the true horror stories about the witches who were brought before the court by the Duchy of Styria between 1673 – 1675. The Weapons Museum has a substantial collection of arms from the Middle Ages up to the 17th century. Not only for warfare but also for hunting and performing purposes. You can also get hands-on with the historical weaponry, as a few items such as a sword, a knight’s helmet and a gun can be held by the visitors. Relax, they are of course not useable and are chained or wired in place.
Life at the castle
25 of the castle’s 108 rooms are open to visitors. You can walk through Riegersburg Castle on your own or join a guided tour. When exploring the castle from the inside, don’t forget to look up! There are some amazing ceiling paintings in some of the castle halls. For example, room 9 has some stunning artwork painted by an unknown Italian artist in 1589. What a shame he didn’t sign his masterpiece for history. We spent a couple of hours on our own without stress seeing the castle from inside. The rooms open to the public are nicely restored. Some empty, others staged to show how life at the castle was at certain points during its history.
ADVERTISEMENT
Stunning views
You don’t have to visit the inside of the castle, even though it would be a pity to miss it. Tickets to the outer and inner castles (including museums) can be bought separately. If you only want to enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape or visit the restaurant, this will only set you back a few euros. South-eastern Styria is known for its many vineyards and the also grows grapes on its castle grounds. Sometimes you can find some big birds wandering around the castle grounds. They belong to the Greifvogelwarte Riegersburg which rears birds of prey. We didn’t do the “Birds of prey flying show” which takes place daily and where you can see different birds like owls, falcons and eagles fly.
Village and waterpark
The village below Riegersburg Castle, with the same name as the castle, is also worth a visit. You find a few eateries and accommodations around the small square and on the side streets. On hot summer days, there is a waterpark, Seebad Riegersburg, nearby. It’s a small but well-made artificial lake, surrounded by a nice park where you can spend the day chilling and swimming. Hence, if you stay nearby Riegersburg has enough activities to keep you busy for a few days and is perfect for families.
Check out these links:
Riegersburg Castle official website
Riegersburg Tourism
Styria / Steiermark Tourism
-
With the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine filling the air, Vienna’s Christmas markets offer a delightful blend of traditional crafts, festive treats, and holiday cheer. Whether you are searching for handcrafted gifts or want to soak in the festive atmosphere, the Christmas markets in Vienna are a must-visit during the holiday season. Viennese […]
-
With a culinary heritage reflecting diverse cultural influences and historical roots, Austria offers a hearty and flavorful gastronomic adventure. Signature dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Knödel and Tafelspitz showcase the country’s love for robust flavours and quality ingredients. Street foods like Käsekrainer add a savoury touch to Austrian culinary traditions. Buschenschanks in Austria: A Blend of […]
-
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a city where history and innovation intertwine seamlessly. As you wander its streets, you’ll encounter a fascinating array of architectural styles, each telling a unique story. From Gothic cathedrals to avant-garde masterpieces, Vienna invites you to explore its rich heritage. Let’s embark on a visual tour of the city’s […]
-
The contrast between the forest groves and the straight-lined vines in the hilly landscape that characterizes the view is fascinating. What’s more, the small villages you pass are nothing more than clusters of houses. However, in these picturesque clusters of homes, you’ll find what makes the region worth a visit: the restaurants and wine shops […]
-
Austria boasts a number easy accessible viewing platforms, where you simply board a cable car. To truly appreciate the Alps, you have to get up on the mountains. 1. Dachstein Skywalk From Ramsau, in Styria, you can pick up the cable car to the Dachstein massif. You can enjoy the stunning view from 2 spectacular […]
-
Are you looking for some excellent ski resorts near Vienna that you can easily access by train? We’ve got you covered! Check out these fantastic ski destinations that offer excellent family-friendly slopes and unforgettable skiing experiences. Hop on a train and get ready for an adventure. Stuhleck ski resort – Spital am Semmering At Stuhleck in […]