Hochosterwitz Castle — Attraction in Sankt Georgen am Längsee

Hochosterwitz Castle, situated in Carinthia, Austria, is a breathtaking medieval fortress that stands as a testament to the region's rich history and architectural prowess. Perched atop a steep limestone cliff, this iconic castle offers visitors a remarkable blend of natural beauty and awe-inspiring defensive structures.

As you approach the castle, its imposing walls and towers command attention, evoking a sense of medieval grandeur. The castle's strategic location provided a vantage point for monitoring the surrounding landscape and defending against potential threats.

Ascending the winding pathway to the castle's entrance, visitors are greeted with a panoramic view of the picturesque Carinthian countryside. The castle's well-preserved courtyards, fortified walls, and imposing towers create an immersive experience, transporting visitors back in time.

Stepping inside Hochosterwitz Castle, you'll discover a treasure trove of historical artifacts and architectural marvels. The castle's museum showcases an impressive collection of weapons, armor, and artworks, offering insight into the lives of the castle's inhabitants throughout the centuries.

One of the highlights of a visit to Hochosterwitz Castle is the ascent up the main tower, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and gain a deeper appreciation for the castle's strategic significance.

The castle's tranquil gardens and courtyards provide a serene escape, allowing visitors to relax and soak in the atmosphere while appreciating the castle's unique blend of natural surroundings and architectural brilliance.

Hochosterwitz Castle stands as a symbol of resilience, having withstood numerous sieges and battles over the centuries. It is a remarkable historical site that offers a captivating glimpse into Austria's medieval past, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking a truly...

The castle looks amazing, and during the walk up, you get to admire the different gates and view as well.

But besides being an impressive building, it's nothing special. There's barely anything in the exhibit, and the audio guide is the worst I have ever heard. I know it's free, but still, the performance and pronounciation is horrible. I believe they also rearranged the rooms, because nothing looked like it was described.

I also didn't like that it was 15:48 when we realized that for the temporary exhibit you need another ticket. Ticket sales stops at 15:30 - which makes sence at the entrance. But inside the castle there should be an option to buy this extension ticket later on. The castles closes at 17:00, so there would have been time for us to check the da Vinci exhibit, especially since there's not really anthing also to see inside. So while the castle looks impressive, and the view is nice, I still think the entrance fee of 18 euro is too steep for what you get in return. I like to learn something in exchange for my money, and that was missing completely for me here. If you are just interested in the view, and don't mind that there is no real museum part, then it won't be a disappointment for you :) Toilets are clean. You should expect to spend 2...

The castle is set in a beautiful natural surrounding and is impressive through the number of gates you have to go through to enter it (or conquer it in the Middle Ages). The tickets are quite expensive (we paid 77 euro for a family of 3 with one-way lift access included). If you purchase 2-way lift access, they are going to be more expensive. You can also climb and descend on foot, in which case the tickets will be a little cheaper.

There were 2 exhibitions in the main castle: a permanent one, which looked a bit dusty and old-school, telling the history of the castle and the family owning it. The temporary exhibition was dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci, and costed extra. There are also a restaurant serving local specialties, toilets and a gift shop. Most defense towers and gates are either permanently closed or under renovation, so they cannot be visited.

You can have some amazing views of the surrounding areas from...