Hochosterwitz Castle: description, history, excursions

Castles of Austria - a display of the former power of the empire and the memory of the great victories and exploits. The architecture of each is in unity with nature. Gohosterwitz is a castle in Carinthia. The road from Salzkammergut, for example, takes three hours. But tourists still go to the castle in a crowd to admire the unusual structure on top of the mountain. We suggest getting to know the Gokhostervitz closer.

Excursion to the history

Such castles of Austria as Gohosterwitz are not simply residences of aristocrats and nobles. First of all, it was a fortress. Castle Gohosterwitz (Austria) was erected on the slopes of a solitary rock at the end of the ninth century. In those days, these territories were in the hands of the Slovenian principality of Carantania. It is from here that the modern name of the lands, Carinthia, has gone. The rock towered above the sea level for 160 meters. In good weather, it has a beautiful view. Therefore, it is not surprising that it was here decided to erect a fortress in order to warn of a possible enemy.

Until the 15th century, the castle of Hochosterwitz belonged to the family of Osterwitz. Then the fortress passed into the possession of Emperor Frederick III. And one of his descendants gave the castle to the viceroy of Carinthia.

Our days

Until the 16th century, due to the change of owners, the fortress underwent a change. After that, there were no changes and improvements in architecture.

Today, one of the most famous Austrian families - Hevenhüller - owns the castle of Hochosterwitz. They do not live in a fortress, but in a house nearby. But despite this, tourists can visit only part of the castle.

Territory of the fortress

The castle of Hochosterwitz is located in the center of four massive walls, some of which are made of rock stones. As you approach the house, the fence becomes thicker. They form the outer and inner courtyards of the fortress. In the outer courtyards there were still several buildings that were household and were intended for housing servants. Also there is an ancient church. The patio is central and surrounded by arches. Here is the birthplace of the chapel of Hevenhuller. For tourists it is closed. A well deserves special attention is a well with groundwater, which is made right in the rock. Thanks to him and a large number of food stocks defenders could hold themselves in siege for several years.

In addition, the walls represent a whole labyrinth, and to get to the castle, you need to overcome fourteen gates. They have a unique design, so they do not repeat. For example, on the first gate there is a large coat of arms of the Hevenhuller family. You can also see images of the flags of Carinthia. Immediately behind the gate there are different traps and statues: a bunch of boulders, which must fall on the heads of opponents, then the figure of the founder of the fortress, dressed in armor. If you believe the legend, then beyond the fourth gate anyone who wanted to grab the castle could not pass. The most interesting thing is that this is not just a fence. The gate is a real structure. If you are curious as to how they look inside, you can consider the plates with the image of the interior, which are attached to the walls.

The closer to the top of the castle, the more obstacles on the road become: the number of alleys and roads increases several times. Overcome the whole way you can walk or cheat and climb a special elevator. Those who have finally managed to reach the summit can visit the upper courtyard and the museum located in the walls of the castle of Gokhostervitz.

Interior decoration

Behind the walls of the castle are the restored medieval interiors and the museum of Hoevenhüller, which presents an extensive collection of various attributes of the time and objects related to the history of the fortress.

The Hövenhüller Museum houses a large collection of interesting things, among which there are commemorative tourist diaries, which authorship belongs to the King of England James I. Also there are exhibitions of Renaissance paintings and the military glory of the castle. Exhibits of the latter are medieval weapons and armor. For example, one armor differs from the rest with its enormous size. She was once worn by Burghauptman Shenk - a giant 225 cm tall, who lived in a castle and was needed in order to frighten the attackers with one of his own. His growth for medieval times was amazing, so armor and preserved to this day.

And then there is a statue of praying George Havenhuller. Also in the museum are preserved various books, scrolls, porcelain, samples of seals, household items and much more. As for weapons, there are really many different copies. After all, it was actively used during the active defense of the castle Gokhostervitz.

Castle for tourists

The length of the whole way to the castle of Gokhostervitz is 620 meters. Tourists are invited to pass it on their own or use the alternative - to climb the elevator. But then it is impossible to examine all fourteen gates and most of the territory of the fortress. The funicular is equipped with only one booth for six people. Therefore, sometimes you can wait a long time for your turn.

You can buy themed souvenirs both at the entrance and inside the castle. But if you want to save a little, it's best to do it in Klagenfurt. Within the walls of the castle are several small cafes, where you can have a snack and a little rest after a heavy climb. A full dinner here you will not be served, but coffee or tea with Austrian sausages will be offered. You can also drink local beer.

Inside, some rooms and the Hövenhüller Museum are open to visitors. It is forbidden to make photographs for memory by rules. Also there are observation platforms, from which in clear weather you can see the surrounding area up to 30 km.

Excursions to the castle

Gohosterwitz Castle (Austria) operates from 9:00 to 18:00 from May to September inclusive, and from October to the end of April - from 10:00 to 17:00. You can get there by private car or by sightseeing bus.

The cost of admission ticket (valid for 2016): 12 euros. But if you have a Carinthia guest card, then the price will be 10.80 euros. For groups of ten people discounts are made. Those wishing to climb to the top with the elevator will have to pay another 6 euros. Back descent is free.

The cost of an excursion in the walls of the castle Gohosterwitz is included in the price of the entrance ticket. It is advisable to save it for the rest of your walk.