Popular excursion destination with wonderful panoramic views, castle church, museum and restaurant. An experience for the whole family.

The armoury, weapons collection and interesting collection of pictures from the Renaissance period bear witness to the history of this unique fortification. In addition to the possibility of ascending through the historically interesting 14 castle gates, you can also reach the castle by taking the Prince Max Railway. An extensive cultural program with concerts, picture exhibitions and festivals invites you to discover the castle in its diversity. In the castle restaurant visitors are spoiled with local Carinthian cuisine. In addition to the well-stocked museum and the culinary offerings, you can also immerse yourself in the world of medieval craftsmanship at the castle.

worth knowing
Ceramic remains indicate that the rock was inhabited from the early Bronze Age onwards. Other finds are from the Hallstatt and La Tène cultures, but most of them can be attributed to Roman times. Spinning whorls, loom weights, iron slags suggest a permanent settlement.

In 860 A.D. the rock cone was documented as Astarwizza (= Scharfenberg). The castle was in the possession of the archbishopric of Salzburg until the middle of the 12th century, then as a princely fief until 1478 in the hands of the taverns of Osterwitz. From 1509 the archbishop of Salzburg rebuilt the castle. In 1541 the castle was pledged to Georg von Khevenhüller and bought by him in 1571. From 1570 to 1583 Khevenhüller had the castle extended to its present form as an example of Mannerist artistry. Since then the castle has been in the possession of the Khevenhüller family without interruption.

A popular legend tells of the siege of the castle by Countess Margaret of Tyrol, who was deceived by a trick of the castle's inhabitants. Historically, however, this story is very unlikely.

Characteristic and interesting from a fortification point of view are the fortifications of the castle path with 14 large gate buildings, which wind their way up through the rocky terrain in several turns. This road overcomes deep ravines with a moderate gradient, occasionally along chiseled out rock walls or widening to form weapon sites, until it reaches the main castle. A second access, called the Narrensteig, leads over the steep, rocky western slope, is partially carved into the rock and leads into the castle without touching the gates of the main path. The blocking of this access was achieved by a fortified transverse wall at the lowest part with some additions that no longer exist today. Both defensible entrances existed already in ancient times, as the chronicler Unrest reported from the 13th century.

Due to its age, the castle is both a medieval and a fortress in the modern sense. A document from 1388 mentions the original construction, consisting of a square tower or keep, the adjoining living quarters (palas), the small castle chapel and protective walls with battlements (Wintperge) and embrasures, when the crossbow was still the main weapon. The actual core of the complex, the stronghold, is an independent fortified body that includes older parts. The gates, partly in red sandstone, partly in green chlorite slate and enriched with white limestone or marble, are remarkable as Mannerist architecture.

Essential for the defensive strength of the castle were the gates protecting the access path. Their skilful construction made the castle impregnable, as an enemy had to conquer gate after gate and was constantly exposed to defensive fire from all sides.

www.burg-hochosterwitz.com/

Burg Info
Hochosterwitz 1
9314 Launsdorf
Tel: +43-4213-2010
E-Mail & Ticketreservierung: reservierung@burg-hochosterwitz.com

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