Family outing to Hochosterwitz Castle

Hochosterwitz Castle is one of the first summer excursion destinations in Carinthia to start its season on April 1, 2024.

Free admission with Kärnten Card (excluding lift). The Kärnten Card is available at the castle ticket office and can also be topped up here.

With its 14 gates, the imposing castle is one of the most popular sights in Austria and is particularly popular with families. The 150 meter high castle hill can be easily hiked.

In the Middle Ages, Hochosterwitz Castle served as protection for the population. The construction with its 14 gates made the castle impregnable. Attackers had to conquer the castle gate by gate, which was almost impossible. Today, visitors walk through these historic gates, which can be conquered peacefully. There is also the convenient option of taking a lift up to Hochosterwitz.

Hochosterwitz Castle has been owned by the Khevenhüller family for 470 years. In 1541, initially transferred by the Emperor as a fief to Governor Christoph Khevenhüller, it became the property of Governor Baron Georg Khevenhüller in 1561. He extended it to its present state from 1570 to 1586 before he died in 1587. In his will, which you can see carved in stone at the castle, he states that he built the castle for the good and protection of the people.