After much research (and a lot of fun since I really enjoy looking at and researching castles of the world), we have this long list of the best castles and palaces in Austria.
Like many other countries, the age, style, size, purpose and grandiosity varies tremendously. From basic defense fortifications to luxurious vacation palaces, Austrian rulers, monarchs, nobility and merchants have built stunning homes and structures over the centuries.
1. Ambras Castle
Considered one of the most popular tourist attractions of the Tyrol, Ambras Castle is a Renaissance castle built in the 16th century on top of the of an earlier 10th-century castle, which was the seat of power for the Counts of Andechs. Archduke Ferdinand II, the son of Emperor Ferdinand I ordered two Italian architects to turn the existing medieval fortress into a Renaissance castle for his untitled wife Philippine Welser whom he had married secretly. The castle was preserved by the succeeding owners and in 1919, it became the property of the Republic of Austria upon the dissolution of the Austria-Hungary Empire. Today, the castle serves as a museum showcasing a beautiful vintage collection of arts and paintings.
About the Ambras Castle
- Where: Tyrol, Austria
- When: 16th century
- Who built it: Archduke Ferdinand II
- Style: Renaissance style
- What is it now? Museum / Tourist attraction / Open to the public
- Current owner: Republic of Austria
2. Artstetten Castle
Located in Artstetten-Pöbring, Austria, the original Artstetten Castle was built in the 13th century and later on became a castle. The current Artstetten castle was extensively redesigned by Archduke Carl Ludwig, the brother Emperor Franz I. The emperor brought the castle, who was owned by numerous families over the centuries in 1823. The castle was then given to Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austrian 1889 and made another extensive renovation. He made it his final resting place together with his morganatic wife Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, who was assassinated in 1914. Currently, the castle is still a private property of the Hohenberg family.
About the Artstetten Castle
- Where: Artstetten-Pöbring, Austria
- When: 16th century
- Who built it: Unknown / Renovated by Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austrian
- Style: Renaissance style / Historicist architecture
- What is it now? Privately owned
- Current owner: Hohenberg family
3. Belvedere Palace
The Belvedere is a historic building complex in Vienna, Austria designed by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt for the brilliant military strategist Prince Eugene of Savoy, conqueror of the Turks in 1718. The Belvedere is consists of two Baroque palaces, the Lower Belvedere and the Orangery and were built to serve as Prince Eugene of Savoy’s summer residence.
About the Belvedere Palace
- Where: Vienna, Austria
- When: 1718
- Who built it: Prince Eugene of Savoy
- Style: Baroque architecture
- What is it now? Belvedere Museum
- Current owner: Austrian Government
4. Castle Burghausen
Located in Burghausen, Upper Bavaria, the Burghausen Castle is the longest castle complex in the world confirmed by the Guinness World Record company. It is believed that the castle was founded in the 11th century, and was the home of the Wittelsbachs, then became the property of Duke Otto I of Wittelsbach, who extended the property. Vast numbers of royalties lived in the castle and survived many wars as well.
About the Castle Burghausen
- Where: Burghausen, Austria
- When: 11th century
- Who built it: Unknown
- Style: Gothic style
- What is it now? Tourist attraction / Open to the public
- Current owner: Austrian Government
5. Old Castle (Stuttgart)
The Old Castle or commonly known as Altes Schloss was originally a water castle built in the 10th Century for the protection of the stud garden, giving its name, Stuttgart. It was also the residence of the Counts and later some Dukes of Württemberg who successively owned the castle. The castle suffered major damages and was renovated in 1971 by Paul Schmitthenner, giving the castle its renaissance look. Today, the castle houses a historical museum.
About the Old Castle (Stuttgart)
- Where: Stuttgart, Germany
- When: 10th century
- Who built it: Unknown
- Style: Medieval architecture / Renaissance style
- What is it now? Historical Museum
- Current owner: Austrian Government
6. Castle Niederweiden
A baroque palace in Engelhartstetten in Marchfeld, Schloss Niederweiden is a baroque palace built in 1693-1694 by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach for Ernst Rüdiger von Starhemberg under the name Jagdschloss Engelhartstetten. Later on in 1725, the castle was brought by Prince Eugene of Savoy, who created the vast garden and the agricultural section with fruits and vegetable area. During the mid 18th century, Maria Theresa purchased Schloss Niederweiden and quickly made drastic changes to the palace, commissioning the head architect to the Court, Nikolaus von Picassi to remodel the palace to its present state. After her death, the Niederweiden’s life declined and was forced into State ownership. Now the Schloss Niederweiden serves as an exhibition venue on a permanent basis.
About the Castle Niederweiden
- Where: Engelhartstetten, Austria
- When: 1693-1694
- Who built it: Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach for Ernst Rüdiger von Starhemberg
- Style: Baroque architecture
- What is it now? Exhibition venue / Open to the public
- Current owner: Austrian Government
7. Castle Esterhazy
Located in Eisenstadt, Austria, the capital of the Burgenland state, Schloss Esterházy was constructed in the late 13th century, and later on became a property of the Hungarian Esterházy family in 1622. The Gothic style castle was then turned into a Baroque palace by Paul I, Prince Esterházy upon acquiring the property in the 17th century and became the noble family’s main residence and administrative center. Up to this day, the Esterházy family owns the castle and made it open to the public.
About the Castle Esterhazy
- Where: Eisenstadt, Austria
- When: 13th century / Reconstructed in the 17th century
- Who built it: Unknown / Reconstructed by Paul I, Prince Esterházy
- Style: Gothic style / Baroque architecture
- What is it now? Open to the public
- Current owner: Esterházy Foundation
8. Eggenberg Castle
Built in 1460, the Eggenberg Palace in Graz was originally a medieval palace before it became a Baroque beauty in 1625. Hans Ulrich von Eggenberg the former Governor of Inner Austria and Imperial Prince commissioned the court architect Giovanni Pietro de Pomis to lead the reconstruction and turn it into his imperial residence. The palace has a vast and rich history throughout the centuries and is granted the title of the most significant Baroque palace complex in Styria and is listed on UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites.
About the Castle Esterhazy
- Where: Graz, Austria
- When: 15th century
- Who built it: Reconstructed by Hans Ulrich von Eggenberg
- Style: Gothic style / Baroque architecture
- What is it now? UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site / City of Graz – Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg
- Current owner: The State of Styria
9. Gmunden Schloss or Schloss Ort
Situated in the Traunsee lake, in Gmunden, Schloss Ort was founded around 1080 by Hartnidus of Ort and was improved on the following centuries, most notably in the 13th century by Hartnidus V. Brothers Friedrich and Reinprecht I of Wallsee purchased the castle in 1344 in the possession of the Wallsee family until 1483 when the Schloss Ort was given to Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor. Currently, the castle is being used for a study center of the Federal Ministry for Land and Forestry.
About the Schloss Ort
- Where: Gmunden, Austria
- When: 11th century
- Who built it: Hartnidus of Ort
- Style: Medieval architecture
- What is it now? Study center of the Federal Ministry for Land and Forestry
- Current owner: Municipality of Gmunden
10. Grafenegg Castle
The magnificent Grafenegg Castle was built in Gothic style, Baroque architecture, Biedermeier and Neo-gothic styles, making it not only a world-class castle but the most important castle complex of Romantic historicism in Austria that was once owned by the Duke of Ratibor, Prince of Corvey of the House of Hohenlohe.
About the Grafenegg Castle
- Where: Grafenegg, Austria
- When: Unclear
- Who built it: Unclear
- Style: Mix of the Gothic style, Baroque architecture, Biedermeier style and Neo-gothic style
- What is it now? International festival venue / Open to the public / Tourist attraction
- Current owner: Municipality of Grafenegg
11. Hardegg Castle
Hardegg Castle, locally known as Burg Hardegg is a 12th-century castle that was passed on to different noble families in the past centuries. It was reconstructed by Prince Johann Carl Khevenhüller-Metsch in the 19th century and inserted his family crypt. Today, the castle is open to the public for free.
About the Hardegg Castle
- Where: Hardegg, Austria
- When: 12th century
- Who built it: Unknown
- Style: Medieval architecture
- What is it now? Open to the public
- Current owner: Town of Hardegg
12. Hellbrunn Palace
Hellbrunn Palace is an early Baroque villa built in 1613–1619 by Markus Sittikus von Hohenems, Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg in the city of Salzburg, Austria. Hellbrunn Palace was built to serve as a day residence in summer, as the Prince-Archbishop usually returns to Salzburg in the evening, meaning, the Palace has no bedroom. Today, it houses the ethnographical section of the Carolina Augusteum Museum of Salzburg.
About the Hellbrunn Palace
- Where: Salzburg, Austria
- When: 1613–1619
- Who built it: Markus Sittikus von Hohenems
- Style: Baroque architecture
- What is it now? House of the ethnographical section of the Carolina Augusteum Museum of Salzburg
- Current owner: City of Salzburg
13. Hochosterwitz Castle
Hochosterwitz Castle is considered one of Austria’s most impressive medieval castles. Located in Sankt Georgen, Carinthia, the castle was believed to be founded in the 9th century. A deed issued by Louis the German, King of East Francia, donating several of his properties in the former principality of Carantania to the Archdiocese of Salzburg was found. The castle remained in the possession of the Archdiocese of Salzburg until Archbishop Gebhard of Salzburg ceded the castle in the 11th century. The castle was then passed on to different noble families in the following centuries and currently, it is owned by Khevenhüller noble family.
About the Hochosterwitz Castle
- Where: Carinthia, Austria
- When: 9th century
- Who built it: Osterwitz dynasty
- Style: Medieval architecture
- What is it now? Open to the public
- Current owner: Khevenhüller noble family
14. Hofburg Palace
Vienna’s Imperial Palace, the Hofburg was the seat of the Habsburgs, rulers of Austria for centuries until the end of WWI. It is one of the largest palace complexes in the world and boasts different architectural styles, from Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque to Rococo. The Royal Chapel is the oldest part of the complex, which was built in the 13th century. Currently, the Hofburg is the official seat of the Austrian Head of State, the Federal President.
About the Hofburg Palace
- Where: Vienna, Austria
- When: 13th century
- Who built it: Dukes of Austria
- Style: Gothic style / Renaissance style / Baroque architecture / Rococo architecture
- What is it now? The official seat of the Austrian Head of State, the Federal President
- Current owner: Austrian Republic
15. Hohensalzburg Fortress
The Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. It was built at the behest of the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg in the 11th century to protect their interests. It was then modified and extended during the following centuries and remained in the possession of the Archbishops of Salzburg for a long period of time before it was surrendered without a fight to French troops under General Jean Victor Marie Moreau during the Napoleonic War of the Second Coalition in 1800 after the last Prince-Archbishop Count Hieronymus von Colloredo fled to Vienna. Today, the castle is a popular tourist attraction and is one of the best-preserved castles in Europe.
About the Hohensalzburg Fortress
- Where: Salzburg, Austria
- When: 11th century
- Who built it: Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg
- Style: Medieval architecture
- What is it now? Tourist attraction
- Current owner: State of Salzburg
16. Hohenwerfen Castle
Hohenwerfen Castle, also known as the sister of Hohensalzburg Fortress were both built by the Archbishops of Salzburg in the 11th century. Together with Hohensalzburg, it remained in the possession of Archbishops of Salzburg for a long period of time until the last owner, Archduke Eugen of Austria sold the castle to the Salzburg Reichsgau administration in 1938 and today, the estate is now owned by the state of Salzburg.
About the Hohenwerfen castle
- Where: Salzburg, Austria
- When: 11th century
- Who built it: Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg
- Style: Medieval architecture
- What is it now? Tourist attraction / Museum
- Current owner: State of Salzburg
17. Schloss Eckartsau
Built around 1720, the Schloss Eckartsau is a former moated castle from the 12th century that was bought by Franz Ferdinand Count Kinsky in the 18th century. He had the castle rebuilt into the current hunting lodge following the Neo-Baroque architecture by Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlach. Many nobles had owned Eckartsau, most notably was Emperor Charles I, who made the property his residence. Currently, the Eckartsau houses the headquarters of the Donau-Auen National Park and is open to the public.
About the Schloss Eckartsau
- Where: Eckartsau, Austria
- When: 1720
- Who built it: Franz Ferdinand Count Kinsky
- Style: Neo-Baroque style
- What is it now? Headquarters of the Donau-Auen National Park
- Current owner: Republic of Austria
18. Kaiservilla
The Kaiservilla in Bad Ischl was originally a Biedermeier villa belonging to a Viennese notary named Josef August Eltz until it was purchased by Dr. Eduard Mastalier in 1850. When Franz Joseph got engaged to Princess Elisabeth of Bavaria in 1853, Franz Joseph’s mother, Princess Sophie of Bavaria then bought the Kaiservilla as an engagement present for the couple. Although Princess Elisabeth of Bavaria loathed villa and her mother-in-law in equal measure, she still spent some time there, but the Emperor wanted the Kaiservilla and turned it as his permanent summer residence. Today, the mansion is currently in-use by their great-grandson Archduke Markus Emanuel Salvator as his official residence.
About the Kaiservilla
- Where: Bad Ischl, Austria
- When: Unknown
- Who built it: Unknown
- Style: Neoclassical style
- What is it now? Residence of Archduke Markus Emanuel Salvator
- Current owner: Archduke Markus Emanuel Salvator
19. Kreuzenstein Castle
Kreuzenstein Castle, locally known as Burg Kreuzenstein is located in the city of Stockerau was originally built in the 12th century by the Counts of Formbach. The castle passed into the possession of the Counts of Wasserburg through marriage later on and became a property of the Habsburgs in 1278. During the 30-Years War, the castle was conquered for the first time in its history and fell into the hands of the Swedish Field Marshall Lennart Torstensson, who destroyed three parts of the castle on his departure. It was reconstructed later on by the Counts of Wilczek when it came to their possession. Count Johann Nepomuk Wilczek led the reconstruction in a style entirely different from the original Romanesque-Gothic style, as he rebuilt the castle mixing an old and new medieval architecture style. Today, the Kreuzenstein Castle was the former titular home of the Lazarus Union Knighthood of Honour and is a great tourist attraction owned by Johan-Christian Count Wilczek.
About the Kreuzenstein Castle
- Where: Stockerau, Austria
- When: 12th century / Reconstructed in the 19th century
- Who built it: Count Johann Nepomuk Wilczek
- Style: Neo-medieval architecture
- What is it now? Museum / Tourist attraction
- Current owner: Johan-Christian Count Wilczek
20. Landeck Castle
The Landeck Castle was built in the 13th century by the Counts of Tyrol to serve as the site of the court and administration. During the 16th century, the castle was run by three administrators known as the Kurpfalz, the bishop of Speyer and the counts of Zweibrücken. The Kurpfalz, later on, became the sole owner of the castle until the French Revolution. Upon its renovation in the 20th century, the Landeck Castle became a popular event location and a regional museum that is still serving the people of Landeck up to this day.
About the Landeck castle
- Where: Landeck, Austria
- When: 13th century
- Who built it: Counts of Tyrol
- Style: Gothic style
- What is it now? Regional museum / Events location
- Current owner: State of Tyrol
21. Laxenburg Water Castle
Laxenburg Water Castle or commonly known as Altes Schloss was originally a water castle built in the 10th Century for the protection of the stud garden, giving its name, Stuttgart. It was also the residence of the Counts and later some Dukes of Württemberg who successively owned the castle. The castle suffered major damages and was renovated in 1971 by Paul Schmitthenner, giving the castle its renaissance look. Today, the castle houses a historical museum.
About the Laxenburg Water Castle
- Where: Stuttgart, Germany
- When: 10th century
- Who built it: Unknown
- Style: Medieval architecture / Renaissance style
- What is it now? Historical Museum
- Current owner: Republic of Austria
22. Mirabell Palace
The Mirabell Palace is a historic building in the city of Salzburg, Austria built in the early 17th century at the behest of Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich Raitenau. The Italian architecture-inspired palace was then redesigned into a lavish Baroque architecture 1721 to 1727 with Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt leading the construction. After successive ownership, the palace was purchased by the City of Salzburg in 1866 and was used temporarily for the mayor’s office and housed several departments of the municipal administration. The Marble Hall of Mirabell Palace was also the venue of Gretl Braun and SS-Gruppenführer Hermann Fegelein. Gretl was the sister of Eva Braun, later wife of Adolf Hitler.
About the Mirabell Palace
- Where: Salzburg, Austria
- When: 17th century
- Who built it: Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich Raitenau
- Style: Baroque architecture / Neoclassical style
- What is it now? Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg / UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Current owner: Republic of Austria
23. Moosham Castle
A medieval spur castle located in Unternberg, the Moosham Castle was possibly built during the 12th century was seized by the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg in the 13th century. The castle served as the residence of an episcopal burgrave and under the direct order of Prince-Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach, the castle was rebuilt and extended. The Moosham Castle witnessed the execution of hundreds of people after the Zaubererjackl witch trials. Believing the people they caught were true witches, the people were tortured and burned, others were hanged or decapitated – some of them were alive after having had their hands cut off and marked with a burning iron. Those times were truly a horror story, creating the other name for the castle, The Witches Castle and leaving it haunted even to this day.
About the Moosham Castle
- Where: Unternberg, Austria
- When: 12th century
- Who built it: Unknown
- Style: Gothic style
- What is it now? Open to the public
- Current owner: Private owner
24. Palace Hermesvilla
The Hermesvilla located in the Lainzer Tiergarten, Vienna was a former hunting area for the Habsburg nobility. Emperor Franz Joseph I decided to build the Villa Hermés to encourage his traveler wife, Empress Elisabeth to stay in Vienna. Designed by architect Karl Freiherr von Hasenauer, the villa was constructed between 1882 and 1886 following the Baroque architecture style. The royal couple would regularly spend time together in the villa every year.
About the Palace Hermesvilla
- Where: Vienna, Austria
- When: 1882-1886
- Who built it: Emperor Franz Joseph I
- Style: Baroque architecture
- What is it now? Vienna Museum
- Current owner: Republic of Austria
25. Pottenbrunn Castle
The Pottenbrunn Castle is consists of two parts called the Old Castle and the New Castle. It was expanded to a double-winged residential Renaissance castle by Sabastian Grabner the Younger.
About the Pottenbrunn Castle
- Where: Pottenbrunn, Austria
- When: Unclear
- Who built it: Unknown / Expanded by Sabastian Grabner the Younger
- Style: Renaissance style
- What is it now? Unclear
- Current owner: Republic of Austria
26. Schloss Hof
The Schloss Hof located in Austria near the border of Slovakia once belonged to Prince Eugene of Savoy, which he purchased late in his life in 1726. He commissioned the architect Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt in 1729 to lead the development and redesigning of the building into the Baroque architecture. Prince Eugene used Hof as his hunting lodge until his death and left the property to his niece, Anna Victoria through his last will. It was then purchased Empress Maria Theresa of Austria later on and became part of the imperial estates.
About the Schloss Hof
- Where: Schlosshof, Austria
- When: 18th century
- Who built it: Prince Eugene of Savoy
- Style: Baroque architecture
- What is it now? Cultural Heritage Site
- Current owner: Republic of Austria
27. Schloss Leopoldskron Palace
Schloss Leopoldskron is a rococo palace and a national historic monument in the city of Salzburg, Austria. It was built in 1736 by the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg, Leopold Anton Freiherr von Firmian to serve as a family estate. Schloss Leopoldskron was passed onto many different owners. In 1918 it was bought by Max Reinhardt, the director, and co-founder of the Salzburg Festival. However, Reinhardt had to abandon the palace due to increasing abuses against the Jews. Upon his departure, Hermann Göring of the Nazi Germany assigned the palace to Princess Stephanie von Hohenlohe, a double spy for both Germany and Britain. When von Hohenlohe was discovered, she fled to England, then America and the palace was once again returned at the hands of the Nazis until the end of the war. Soon after in 1959, the Salzburg Global Seminar bought the palace and became a member of Castle Hotels & Mansions, Historic Hotels of Europe, and partner of Europe’s biggest climate-protection network, the Climate Alliance Austria.
About the Schloss Leopoldskron
- Where: Salzburg, Austria
- When: 18th century
- Who built it: Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg, Leopold Anton Freiherr von Firmian
- Style: Rococo architecture
- What is it now? House of the Salzburg Global Seminar
- Current owner: Salzburg Global Seminar
28. Schloss Niederweiden
A baroque palace in Engelhartstetten in Marchfeld, Schloss Niederweiden is a baroque palace built in 1693-1694 by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach for Ernst Rüdiger von Starhemberg under the name Jagdschloss Engelhartstetten. Later on, in 1725, the castle was brought by Prince Eugene of Savoy, who created the vast garden and the agricultural section with fruits and vegetable area. During the mid 18th century, Maria Theresa purchased Schloss Niederweiden and quickly made drastic changes to the palace, commissioning the head architect to the Court, Nikolaus von Picassi to remodel the palace to its present state. After her death, the Niederweiden’s life declined and was forced into State ownership. Now the Schloss Niederweiden serves as an exhibition venue on a permanent basis.
About the Schloss Niederweiden
- Where: Engelhartstetten, Austria
- When: 1693-1694
- Who built it: Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach for Ernst Rüdiger von Starhemberg
- Style: Baroque architecture
- What is it now? Exhibition venue / Open to the public
- Current owner: Republic of Austria
29. Schonbrunn Palace
Located in Hietzing, Vienna, the Schönbrunn Palace was the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. In 1569, Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II purchased a large floodplain of the Wien river and built a quarry there to serve as the court’s recreational hunting ground. There was a mansion called the Katterburg in the area he bought, and when Empress Maria Theresa received the estate as a wedding gift, he turned the mansion into Neoclassical style palace that is known as the Schönbrunn today. Many royalties succeeded the palace until the World War 2 when the Schönbrunn was requisitioned to provide offices for both the British Delegation to the Allied Commission for Austria and for the headquarters for the small British Military Garrison in Vienna. It was then owned by the Schloss Schönbrunn Kultur-und Betriebsges.m.b.H., under the Republic of Austria since 1992 and became part of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
About the Schonbrunn Palace
- Where: Vienna, Austria
- When: 18th century
- Who built it: Empress Maria Theresa
- Style: Neoclassical style
- What is it now? UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Current owner: Schloss Schönbrunn Kultur-und Betriebsges.m.b.H.
30. Schonbuehel Castle
A castle in the town of Schönbühel-Aggsbach the Schloss Schönbühel was believed to be built in the 12th century and has been repeatedly restored and reconstructed. Marchwardus de Schoenbuchele used the castle as a defensive fortress and gained its nickname, “keeper of the Wachau”. The longest family who owned this castle was the Starhemberg family, who ruled the castle for more than 400 years. The last Starhemberg owner, Prince Ludwig Josef von Starhemberg sold it to Count Franz von Beroldingen. Later on, his family would sell the Schönbühel estate to Count Oswald von Seilern und Aspang, whose family still owned the Schloss Schönbühel up to this date.
About the Schonbuehel castle
- Where: Schönbühel-Aggsbach, Austria
- When: 12th century
- Who built it: Marchwardus de Schoenbuchele
- Style: Medieval architecture
- What is it now? Tourist attraction
- Current owner: Count Oswald von Seilern und Aspang’s family
31. Seefeld Castle
The Seefeld Castle was believed to be built from a 13th-century building that has been extensively modified. Believed to be built by the Lords of Seefeld originally, the additional buildings were built by the succeeding owners and were renovated in recent years. Today, the Seefeld Castle serves as part of a museum.
About the Seefeld Castle
- Where: Seefeld, Germany
- When: 13th century
- Who built it: Lords of Seefeld
- Style: Gothic style
- What is it now? Museum
- Current owner: Private owner
32. Velden Castle
Originally built in the late 16th century as a residence of count Bartholomäus Khevenhüller, Lord of Landskron Castle, the original Renaissance castle was unfortunately devoured by a fire and was later on rebuilt in a Neo-Renaissance style. It was owned privately in the years to come. It opened as a hotel in 1890 until the German industrialist Gunter Sachs purchased the property in revert it back to a private chateau. The castle was then purchased by the Hypo Alpe Adria Bank in 2003 and reopened it as a hotel under the direction of Horst Schulze, the founder of Ritz-Carlton and Capella. The Hypo Alpe Adria group then sold the property to Karl Wlaschek in 2011 who still owned the castle even after his death in 2015.
About the Velden Castle
- Where: Velden am Wörther See, Carinthia, Austria
- When: 16th century
- Who built it: Count Bartholomäus Khevenhüller
- Style: Neo-renaissance style
- What is it now? Hotel and Resort
- Current owner: Karl Wlaschek
33. Villa Castiglioni
Formerly known as “Villa Grundlstein”, the Villa Castiglioni’s name was given to it by Camillo Castiglioni, a banker, aviator and war profiteer who owned the estate from 1920 until 1926 when he lost his fortune. Built-in 1881 by an Austro-Hungarian aristocrat, the estate is still privately owned up to this date.
About the Velden Castle
- Where: Grundlsee, Austria
- When: 1881
- Who built it: An Austro-Hungarian aristocrat
- Style: Neo-Gothic style
- What is it now? Private property
- Current owner: Private owner
34. Villa Streintz
Originally, the Villa Streintz was the holiday home of Franz Streintz, professor of physics at the Technical University in Graz. He was the one who also commissioned the 19th century estate. Built in a Neo-Gothic style, the Streintz family spent the summer in this villa regularly where the professor and his son Gustav would go for mountain hikes. Today, the villa serves as a private-owned hotel.
About the Villa Streintz
- Where: Millstatt, Austria
- When: 19th century
- Who built it: Franz Streintz
- Style: Neo-Gothic style
- What is it now? Hotel
- Current owner: Private owner
35. Wiesberg Castle
Situated above the Trisanna River, where the Paznaun Valley leads into the Stanzer Valley, the Wiesberg Castle was built in the late 13th century and by the early 14th century, the castle was owned by the Rottenberger family and was passed onto the Dukes of Wolkenstein during the 18th century and used the property until the 19th century. Several hundred local militias defended the area against Bavarian and French troops during the reign of the Dukes of Wolkenstein. Currently, the Wiesberg castle is private property and is not open to the public.
About the Wiesberg Castle
- Where: Tobadill, Austria
- When: 13th century
- Who built it: Unknown
- Style: Gothic style
- What is it now? Private property
- Current owner: Private owner
36. Liechtenstein Castle
Located near Maria Enzersdorf, Liechtenstein Castle was built during the 12th century in the Gothic style to serve as the ruling house of the Liechtenstein family from the Liechtenstein country. It was destroyed by the Ottomans during the Siege of Vienna in 1529 and the Liechtenstein family was forced to abandon the castle. It remained in ruins until 1884 when the Liechtenstein family went back to the castle and reconstructed it. Currently, the castle is privately owned and is open to the public as a public family museum.
About the Liechtenstein Castle
- Where: Maria Enzersdorf, Austria
- When: 12th century
- Who built it: Liechtenstein family
- Style: Gothic style
- What is it now? Open to the public / Public family museum of the Liechtenstein family
- Current owner: Private owner
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