Herberstein Castle
The ancient castle is situated in a strategic and protected location in the heart of the forested Feistritz Valley. On three sides, the castle is surrounded by steep, green hills, making it impossible to spot from a distance until you are right upon it. The castle was first established in the 12th century by a local nobleman. In the 15th century, it underwent extensive renovations, and fortified walls were built around it. In the 16th century, the structure was converted into a residence and renovated in the Renaissance style. Beautiful, manicured gardens were built around the castle.
In fact, the counts who lived in the castle were so wealthy that in the 17th and 18th centuries, all of the Styria region was under their ownership.
The Zoo at Herberstein Castle
Within the vast castle grounds, covering an area of 40 hectares, there is a well-kept and diverse zoo. In the 17th century, Count Johann Maximilian I established the Herberstein Animal World (Tierwelt Herberstein) and populated the hills around the castle with deer.
In the 19th century, the park added more animals to the deer enclosure, and in the mid-20th century, the park opened to visitors. Today, the zoo is home to 700 animals from 130 different species. Some of the endangered animals in the park come from 5 continents across the globe.
The well-maintained zoo has a fantastic variety of exotic animals. It houses the largest cheetah enclosure in Europe. This enclosure features a special feeding mechanism that simulates fleeing prey, requiring the cheetahs to chase their food just as they would in the wild. It is truly an impressive sight!
During your visit to the zoo, you can see zebras, bears, pumas, lions, cheetahs, wolves, monkeys, wallabies, llamas, ostriches, deer, donkeys, wild sheep, peacocks, alpacas, bison, antelopes, turtles, parrots, horses, porcupines, and more! Throughout the day, there are animal feedings during which the zoo staff explain about the animals and their care at the zoo.
Additionally, there is a lovely petting corner with sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys, and more.
This is what the Cheetah Feeding looks like
Additional Essential Information for Your Visit
Entry to the castle complex includes several interesting attractions. The admission ticket allows you to join a guided tour of the ancient castle building, visit the zoo, visit the modern art museum of the Austrian artist Bruno Gironcoli, visit the historic castle gardens, and also access a short hiking trail in the natural canyon – Feistritzklamm.
Opening Hours:
The Zoo
- May 1st to September 30th: Every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The park closes at 6:30 PM.
- October 1st to November 2nd: Every day from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The park closes at 5:00 PM.
Castle Tour Times
Tours take place every day the zoo is open at 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.
Costs (Includes zoo visit, castle and garden tour, Gironcoli Museum, Feistritzklamm canyon):
- Adult: €22
- Youth (16-18), Senior, Student: €19
- Child (4-15): €15
- Child under 4: Free
Official Websites
- Official Website of the Zoo
- Official Website of the Castle (German)
- Official Website of the Gironcoli Museum (German)
Parking: There are several parking lots near the entrance. There are about 300 parking spaces for visitors to the castle.
Address: Buchberg 50, 8223, Buchberg bei Herberstein
Map:
Herberstein Castle is about a 5-minute drive from a very large amusement park offering about 100 different attractions for children. The park is located in the town of Stubenberg, next to a lovely lake. Read more about the Stubenberg Amusement Park.
Furthermore, the castle is located northeast of Graz, on the way from Vienna. You can combine the Herberstein Castle with a visit to Graz, the capital of Styria. Read more detailed information about Graz.
