Heidenreichstein Castle

Heidenreichstein Castle, locally known as Wasserburg Heidenreichstein, lies in a village with the same name, in the province of Lower Austria in Austria.

Heidenreichstein Castle claims to be the mightiest and best surviving water castle in Lower Austria.

The castle is entered through two gate buildings, each with its own drawbridge. The castle itself consists of a mighty, square keep, whose original entrance is situated at 14 meters high. West of the keep is a courtyard with industrial buildings. At its corners are several strong, circular towers. The castle was never taken or destroyed.

The castle is first mentioned in 1200 in connection with an Otto von Heidenreichstein. The keep probably dates back to 1190 and most of the other buildings to the 15th and 16th centuries.

From 1348 until 1641, the castle was owned by the powerful Puchheim family, who also owned Grub Castle and nearby Litschau Castle. In the 15th century, the castle was besieged in vain by an army of rebellious farmers and followers of Jan Hus.

From 1684 until 1947, the castle was owned by the family of Prince Pálffy and their heirs. At present, the castle is owned by the Kinsky family, who still live there.

The castle can be visited, and there's a castle museum inside, open during the summer months for a small fee. The first times I visited it was always out of season, but the last time I was lucky. Photographing the interior of the castle is not allowed. It's a very nice castle with some peculiar shapes.

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