Plizio Visual Lab
Heidenreichstein Castle
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Historical site
Heidenreichstein Castle in the Lower Austrian Waldviertel region is regarded as Austria's most significant water castle and is one of the few fortresses that was never taken by force. The complex was constructed around 1190 and expanded during the 15th and 16th centuries into its present form. A deep moat, which can be crossed via two drawbridges, surrounds the fortified inner castle with its massive keep. The walls of the outer and main castle are up to four meters thick, underscoring its impregnable status. Inside, valuable Gothic and Renaissance furnishings have been preserved, including historical furniture, weaponry, and a castle chapel. Since 1961, the castle has been owned by the Kinsky family and is accessible to the public through guided tours. Particularly impressive is its defensive engineering concept, which successfully repelled attacks during the Hussite Wars and the Thirty Years' War, bringing the facility almost unchanged through the centuries.
- Location: Austria, Austria
- Top sights: Burg Heidenreichstein · Gemeindeau · Moor und Torfmuseum
- Nearby: Waidhofen an der Thaya (13 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -3 | -1 | 3 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 14 | 8 | 3 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 43 | 32 | 43 | 38 | 78 | 90 | 89 | 88 | 62 | 45 | 38 | 36 |
📋 Practical info
Address
Schloßplatz 1, 3950 Heidenreichstein
Hours
Apr-Oct: Tue-Sun tours at 10:00, 11:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00
Entry
€11.00 (visit only with a guided tour)
Website
Transit
Bus 170 from Gmünd or Waidhofen/Thaya.
Parking
Free parking spaces directly opposite the castle moat.
Accessibility
Narrow spiral staircases and historical thresholds, not wheelchair accessible.
Photos
Allowed in the outer courtyard, not permitted inside during the tour.
Best time
Spring, when the moat looks particularly pretty.
Audio guide
no (personal guided tour is mandatory)
Geography
Facts
- The castle was founded as a water castle around the year 1190.
- The keep is the oldest part, dating back to the 12th century.
- The defensive walls reach a thickness of up to 4 meters.
- The facility features two drawbridges that are still fully functional.
- Heidenreichstein was besieged during the Hussite Wars in the 15th century.
- The Kinsky Foundation took over the castle in 1961.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Heidenreichstein Castle (7)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is Heidenreichstein Castle a water castle?
Yes, it is one of the best-preserved medieval water castles in Austria.
How do you cross the moat?
Access is provided by two fully functional drawbridges.
Was the castle ever conquered?
No, Heidenreichstein Castle is considered to have never been stormed or captured.
Are there guided tours of the castle?
Yes, visiting the interior rooms is only possible with a guided tour.
What is the oldest part of the castle?
The keep (Bergfried) dates back to the 12th century and is the oldest part.
Heidenreichstein Castle: where is it located?
Heidenreichstein Castle is located in Austria, Austria.
Heidenreichstein Castle: what is there to see?
Highlights include Burg Heidenreichstein, Gemeindeau, Moor und Torfmuseum.
Heidenreichstein Castle: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Heidenreichstein Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Heidenreichstein Castle in the Lower Austrian Waldviertel region is regarded as Austria's most significant water castle and is one of the few fortresses that was never taken by force.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Austria →
History & landmarks
Vienna City Hall
Vienna City Hall is a neo-Gothic monument and a strong city marker on the Ringstrasse.
Austrian Parliament
The Austrian Parliament on the Ring stands for democracy, history, and monumental state architecture.
Burgtheater
The Burgtheater is the most important German-language spoken theater and a cultural calling card of Vienna.
MuseumsQuartier
The MuseumsQuartier is one of Europe's largest cultural areas and a magnet for modern Vienna visits.
Vienna Secession Building
The Vienna Secession Building is an icon of modernism and a strong architecture SEO target in Austria.
Anker Clock
The Anker Clock is one of Vienna's best-known clocks and a small but very distinctive city marker.
House of Music
The House of Music in Vienna combines museum, sound experiments, and music history in a modern way.
Karlskirche
Karlskirche is one of Europe's most famous Baroque churches and a core Vienna SEO landmark.
Nature
Pielach
The Pielach is an important river in Lower Austria and shapes the Pielach Valley with its calm landscapes and village centers.
Lake Klopein
Lake Klopein is considered one of Austria's warmest bathing lakes and is a classic Carinthian summer holiday spot.
Möll River
The Möll is an Alpine river in Carinthia and stands for crystal-clear water, narrow valleys, and the power of mountain nature.
Lake Faak
Lake Faak is one of Carinthia's most colorful lakes and stands for turquoise water, summer holidays, and excellent bathing quality.
More places
Wachau Vineyards
The Wachau vineyards are among Austria's best-known agricultural landscapes and shape the UNESCO valley along the Danube.
Aggstein Castle
Aggstein Castle is one of the most impressive ruins in the Wachau and a magnet for medieval and Danube tourism.
Mauthausen Memorial
The Mauthausen Memorial is one of the most important places of remembrance in Austria and Europe.
Port of Linz
The Port of Linz is an important Danube port and a central link in Upper Austria's industrial and supply chains.
voestalpine Linz
voestalpine in Linz is the symbol of Austrian steel and high-tech production.
Kahlenberg
The Kahlenberg above Vienna is a famous viewpoint and a strong natural SEO target in the capital region.
Historic Centre of Vienna
The Historic Centre of Vienna brings imperial tradition, Baroque architecture, and UNESCO atmosphere together in a compact area.
Aspern-Essling Battlefield
The Aspern-Essling Battlefield recalls one of the most famous clashes of Austria's Napoleonic era.