Heidenreichstein Castle
📍 LOCATION
Burg Heidenreichstein is located in the state of Lower Austria (Niederösterreich), in the northern Waldviertel region, within the Gmünd district, close to the border with the Czech Republic.
- Address: Schloss 1, 3860 Heidenreichstein, Austria
- Coordinates: 48°49′41″N, 15°8′14″E
- Altitude: Approximately 560 meters above sea level
It is a region of forested landscapes and peat bogs, ideal for hiking, ecotourism, and cultural tourism, making the castle a central historical and natural attraction in this part of Austria.
BURG HEIDENREICHSTEIN – HISTORY AND TODAY
🏰 HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE
- MEDIEVAL ORIGINS (12TH CENTURY)
Founded around 1160–1190 by Heidenreich, a member of the Kuenringer family. The main tower (bergfried) dates from this time.
- ORIGINAL STRUCTURE
Built on a small elevated hill surrounded by moats: to the south by the Hauswehrteich, to the east by the Romaubach, and to the north and west by defensive trenches. Access is through two drawbridges and a Renaissance gate. Walls up to 4 m thick.
- ARCHITECTURAL EVOLUTION
In the 15th–16th centuries, auxiliary buildings and a residential wing with spiral staircases were added. It combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, with furnishings and weapons from the 12th to 18th centuries.
- NO WARTIME DESTRUCTION
The castle was never occupied or destroyed in war, surviving conflicts like the Hussite Wars and the Thirty Years' War.
🔄 OWNERS AND CURRENT USE
| Period | Owners |
|---------------|-----------------------------------------------------------|
| 12th–13th c. | Counts of Raabs and the Puchheim family |
| 1679–1947 | Palffy family (converted it into a family trust) |
| 1947–1961 | Count Rudolf van der Straten-Ponthoz |
| Since 1961 | Kinsky family (private residence, museum, agricultural HQ) |
The current forestry company manages 2,850 hectares of forest, eco-heating, fish farming, and agriculture. Since 2018, the estate is run by a heritage management company.
🏛️ PUBLIC VISITS
- SEASON 2025: April 12 to November 2
- SCHEDULE: Tuesday to Sunday and holidays at 9:30, 11:00, 14:00, and 15:30; in summer, also Wednesdays at 20:00 (night tours).
- DURATION: 50 minutes. Visitors explore furnished rooms, towers, and historic corridors.
TICKETS:
- Adults: €11.80
- Seniors/students/disabled: €10.00
- Children (6–15 years): €6.50
- Family (2 adults up to 2 children): €27.00
🔧 RESTORATIONS AND UPDATES
- Southwest tower roof restored with 10,000 tiles. €150,000 investment.
- Interior courtyard façades renovated with government support.
- New company structure to preserve the estate and ensure future stability.
🌿 NATURAL SURROUNDINGS
Next to the castle lies the Heidenreichstein Moor Nature Park (30 ha), with peat bogs, forest, and rare flora/fauna. A 10,000-year-old ecosystem.
✨ CONCLUSION
Burg Heidenreichstein is the largest and best-preserved water fortress in medieval Austria. Never taken or destroyed, it merges history with modern functions: private residence, museum, and sustainable economic hub.
Wikipedia
Website:https://www.kinsky-heidenreichstein.at/
