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Raabs Castle
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castle
Raabs Castle stands majestically on a steep rocky ridge directly at the confluence of the German and Moravian Thaya rivers in the Waldviertel region of Lower Austria. As one of Austria's oldest stone castles, it was first documented in 1100 and is historically regarded as the mother of all Austrian castles. For centuries, it served as the administrative center of the County of Raabs and played a crucial role in securing the border against Bohemia. The architecture of the complex combines Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance elements, with the massive keep and the Gothic chapel being particularly noteworthy. In the 16th century, under the Lords of Puchheim, the medieval fortress was expanded into a representative Renaissance palace. Today, the castle is privately owned and serves as a venue for cultural events and exhibitions that document the rich history of the region and the Raabs lordship.
- Location: Lower Austria, Austria
- Top sights: Grenzlandmuseum · Ruine Buchenstein · Burg Raabs
- Nearby: Waidhofen an der Thaya (15 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 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 14 | 8 | 3 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 40 | 31 | 41 | 36 | 76 | 84 | 82 | 81 | 64 | 44 | 38 | 36 |
📋 Practical info
Address
Burgplatz 1, 3820 Raabs an der Thaya
Hours
Guided tours Sat, Sun 2:00 PM (June-Sept)
Entry
10€ per person
Website
Transit
Bus from Waidhofen an der Thaya
Parking
Parking lot directly in front of the castle gate.
Accessibility
Limited accessibility due to historic pavement.
Photos
Permitted in the courtyards, interior only without flash.
Best time
During concert events in the summer.
Audio guide
no
Geography
Facts
- The first documentary mention of the castle occurred in the year 1100.
- It is located at the confluence of the German and Moravian Thaya rivers.
- The castle was the ancestral seat of the Counts of Raabs.
- In the 16th century, the site was converted into a Renaissance palace.
- The castle chapel features valuable Gothic frescoes.
- The complex includes a prominent keep that is 12 meters wide.
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 Raabs Castle (7)
Thayatal Vitalbad🎡 recreation
A modern leisure pool with a wellness area and sauna in Raabs an der Thaya.
🌐 thayatal-vitalbad.at🕒 Mo-Fr 14:00-21:00; Sa,Su 12:00-20:00
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is Burg Raabs also called 'Rakous'?
It is the Czech name from which the Czech designation for all of Austria (Rakousko) is derived.
Can the castle be visited today?
Yes, the castle is privately owned but is opened for cultural events and guided tours (May-Oct).
Where do the rivers meet at Burg Raabs?
The castle stands on a rock above the confluence of the German and Moravian Thaya rivers.
Is the castle suitable for weddings?
Yes, the romantic setting and the chapel make it a popular location for weddings.
How old is Burg Raabs?
The first documentary mention dates back to 1100; it is one of Austria's oldest stone castles.
Raabs Castle: where is it located?
Raabs Castle is located in Lower Austria, Austria.
Raabs Castle: what is there to see?
Highlights include Grenzlandmuseum, Ruine Buchenstein, Burg Raabs.
Raabs Castle: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Raabs Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Raabs Castle stands majestically on a steep rocky ridge directly at the confluence of the German and Moravian Thaya rivers in the Waldviertel region of Lower Austria.
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