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The most beautiful Austrian castles to visit 

Austria is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Next to the picturesque neighbor, Switzerland, you can enjoy the same types of views, cultural attractions, interesting cities, and friendly people for a fraction of the price. Not to mention Vienna has been ranked in the topmost liveable cities in the past 3 years running, beating out other top contenders like Vancouver and Melbourne! 

Once you have seen all that you can see in Vienna – which we think is impossible – you can start checking out the rolling hills in the countryside and the mountain towns nestled between the Austrian Alps. While walking around these hidden gems and enjoying the nature-centric side of Austrian life, try and make a point to see a few of the dozens of castles scattered around the country. 

But where should you start? How do you find the best options? Here are our favorites for your next Austrian holiday!

Schloss Ort

Schloss Ort – By Bwag – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77565334

Schloss Ort is a castle positioned perfectly on Traunsee Lake near the adventurous Salzkammergut Mountains. If you are in the mood to go for a hike after your castle adventure, this is the place to go! Speaking of adventure, to get to the castle, you have to conquer your fear of heights and cross the 120-meter footbridge to get to the historical fortress. Peckish after your visit? Head to Konditorei cafe for a typical Austrian dessert or head to Kulturcafe Villa for a filling lunch.

Riegersburg Castle

Riegersburg Castle – By Bwag – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=94766876

Second on the list of the top castles in Austria is Riegersburg Castle – this massive building is precariously situated on a dormant volcano in Styria. With the beginning of the castle beginning construction before the 12th century, this intricate castle is the perfect stop for those on a road trip out of the busy city of Grazi in southern Austria.

Burg Kreuzenstein

Burg Kreuzenstein – By Bwag – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=68582979

Built on a wooded hill – with the castle structure perfectly juxtaposed next to the Austrian nature – Burg Kreuzenstein rises to prominence over 250 meters above sea level. After a lengthy restoration process, the castle now contains a mixture of the medieval parts and new types of architecture, creating an interesting mixture between old and new.

Burg Hochosterwitz

View from northwest fortress – By Blawrensen, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1690355

Known as a type of rock castle, Burg Hochosterwitz is one of the most popular attractions for the millions of tourists who visit Australia every year. Interested in medieval stories and architecture? Head here to see this 16th-century built castle that has not changed at ALL since its inception.

But what can you do here besides walking around the medieval structure? We recommend checking out the blacksmith forge, the profession that made the quintessential weapons required for the royal family handguards of the castle. You can even lead to the restaurant in one of the old halls of the castle, plying you with traditional – and hearty – Austrian food.

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Hohensalzburg Castle – By © Ra Boe / Wikipedia – File:Salzburg by-RaBoe 069.jpg (cropped), CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31045029

If You are staying in Salzburg – one of the biggest cities in the country – you can’t miss Hohensalzburg Fortress. Hohensalzburg is an 11th-century fortress that contains plenty for tourists to do on a day out of the city. When looking through the castle, you can visit the fortress Museum, check out the GoldenFortress room, and catch a play at the Marionette Puppet Museum.

For those who just wanna get out of the crowded city streets of the bustling Salzburg, heading to the Salzburg castle just to get the extensive views over the city down below and the picturesque mountain range in the background is ideal. For those staying in the center of the city, you can easily take the funicular up to the top of the castle! If you enjoy getting a little exercise on your holiday, consider hiking to the top of the castle to burn off some of the tasty schnitzel and beer. 

Werfen Castle

View from Hohenwerfen Castle – By User:MatthiasKabel – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1210568

Werfen Castle, also known as Burg Hohenwerfen, is located right next to towering Salburg castle – but is just as good. Even though it is typically overshadowed by the constantly busy Salzburg Castle, Werfen is a 12th-century gem that is a great half-day trip from the center of Salzburg. The views alone are enough reason to head here after wandering around the cheerful Christmas markets or the relaxing beer gardens during the summer months.

Once you soak in some of the best views in the entire country, you can check out the Medieval falconry show, exhibits regarding the history of the property, and other nearby attractions. Since you have spent time here from downtown Salzburg, you can make the most out of your city escape. We recommend checking out the largest ice cave – in the world!