In the northwest of Austria, in the region of Lower Austria called the Waldviertel, right on the border with the Czech Republic, there are several excellent attractions suitable for the whole family. These attractions are a combination of history, nature, and local cheese production. In this article, we will detail each of these attractions.
1. Heidenreichstein Castle (Wasserburg Heidenreichstein)
Heidenreichstein Castle is surrounded on all sides by moats that were designed to protect it from attackers, and it stands at an altitude of 556 meters above sea level. It is, in fact, the most beautiful of Austria’s moated castles. The oldest part of the castle was built as early as 1160, and over the years it was expanded and fortified walls were added. The western wall, for example, rises to a height of 40 meters and is 4 meters thick.
To this day, entry to the castle is possible via two drawbridges, just as it was when the castle was inhabited in the Middle Ages.
The castle passed through many hands, from one noble family to another, until it was purchased in 1945 by the Kinsky family. The total area of the castle and its lands is 2,850 hectares. This area includes 170 hectares of ponds, 85 hectares of agricultural land, and 10 hectares of streams. To this day, the castle serves as the residence of the Kinsky family.
The castle rooms are impressive and still contain antique furniture from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The various rooms are beautifully decorated.
Part of the castle now serves as a museum where you can take a guided tour.
This is what the castle looks like:
Guided Tours of the Castle
1. The Classic Tour:
Tuesdays to Sundays at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM. This tour lasts about 50 minutes.
Entrance and Tour Cost:
- Adult – €11.80
- Child (6-15) – €6.50
- Senior – €10
You can book tickets online in advance.
2. Combined Tour: Castle + The Secret Passage:
Tuesdays to Sundays at 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM. This tour lasts about 90 minutes. The tour is not suitable for children under 6 or for people with disabilities.
Entrance and Tour Cost:
- Adult – €16.80
- Child (6-15) – €11.50
- Senior – €15
You can book tickets online in advance.
Additional Essential Information for Visiting Heidenreichstein Castle
Address: Schremser Strasse 1, 3860 Heidenreichstein
Map:
2. Heidenreichsteiner Moor Nature Park (Naturpark Heidenreichsteiner Moor)
Near the village of Heidenreichstein is a beautiful nature reserve with a large moor at its center. It is a reserve rich in beautiful vegetation and various animals that have made their home in this bog. Within the reserve, there is an easy walking trail of about 3.5 kilometers, suitable for families with young children (even with strollers). The reserve also has a small museum describing the development of the moors, the special findings discovered in them, the craft of making peat bricks for heating, and more.
The main attractions of the reserve are:
- The natural sculpture – the Hanging Rock
- The observation tower
- The walking trail over the bog
- A natural pond with swimming opportunities
- A shop and restaurant
The nature reserve is open to visitors all year round. You can reach the entrance to the reserve with a 20-minute walk from the castle.
Address: Waidhofener Strasse 80, 3860 Heidenreichstein
Map:
3. The World of Cheese (Käsemacherwelt)
This place is a wonderful experience for children and parents alike. You can learn about the unique cheese-making process of one of Austria’s most popular cheese brands. On a guided tour, you will pass through the cheese-making stations and get to taste a variety of local products. The guided tour and tasting last about an hour.
This is what the cheese factory’s visitor center looks like:
Tour Times:
- March – October: Tuesdays to Sundays, and holidays at 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM.
- November and December: Tuesdays to Sundays, and holidays at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
Costs:
- Adult: €9.90
- Senior: €8.90
- Student: €8.90
- Child up to age 6: Free
- Child (6-14): €6.90
You must book tickets for the tours in advance directly on the factory’s website.
Address: Litschauer Strasse 18, 3860 Heidenreichstein
Map:
