Top 9 Castles around Fehring

The most popular castle is Riegersburg Castle, known as the "strongest fortress of the Western world" and considered the largest in Styria. Other highly appreciated castles include Kornberg Castle, a historic residential palace, and Poppendorf Castle, which features a romantic chapel and a castle tavern.

Yes, Riegersburg Castle is very family-friendly, offering three museums including a redesigned Witch Museum, and impressive daily bird of prey shows. Kornberg Castle also hosts various events and exhibitions that can be engaging for families, and Poppendorf Castle has a large park to explore.

The castles in the Fehring region offer a rich historical tapestry. Riegersburg Castle, first documented in 1128, is famous for its impregnable fortifications that withstood numerous attacks. Schloss Bertholdstein, located directly in Fehring, was built between 1170 and 1179 as a fortified castle and later expanded to protect against Turkish incursions, featuring one of the longest arcades in Central Europe.

Riegersburg Castle is dramatically perched on a massive basalt rock, an extinct volcano, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The region itself is known for its diverse terrain, including the Raab Valley and remnants of volcanic activity. Schloss Bertholdstein also stands on a hill, providing picturesque views to the east, west, and north.

The area around Fehring offers various outdoor activities. You can find easy hikes like the "Hatzendorf Art Garden loop" or the "Fehring loop" in the Easy hikes around Fehring guide. For cycling enthusiasts, there are MTB trails, including the "Stream in Raab Nature Park – Roman burial mounds loop," detailed in the MTB Trails around Fehring guide, and gravel biking routes in the Gravel biking around Fehring guide.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, Riegersburg Castle offers access via climbing routes. Specifically, the Leopold Via Ferrata provides a medium difficulty (C) climb along the southwest wall of the castle, with optional extensions for more experienced climbers (D/E), ending directly at the castle tavern.

The castles are generally enjoyable throughout the warmer months. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring the grounds and nearby hiking trails without extreme heat or cold. While some castles might have limited access or specific events during winter, the dramatic setting of places like Riegersburg Castle can be particularly atmospheric under snow.

Visitors frequently praise the impressive scale and preservation of castles like Riegersburg Castle, often describing it as a "picture book castle" with fantastic views. The historical significance, the unique setting on volcanic rock, and the engaging bird of prey shows are also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the blend of history, nature, and the opportunity for both leisurely exploration and more challenging climbs.

Yes, for Riegersburg Castle, you can park your car at the foot of the castle. For other castles, parking facilities are generally available, though it's always advisable to check specific castle websites for detailed information on parking options and any associated fees.

While Riegersburg Castle is a major attraction, Schloss Bertholdstein in Fehring offers a more secluded experience. Although not regularly open to the public, its historical significance, impressive architecture, and past as a convent and film set make it a noteworthy landmark. Access is generally limited to special occasions, offering a unique glimpse into a less commercialized historical site.

Yes, several castles offer dining options. Kornberg Castle features an à la carte restaurant and offers knight's dinners. Poppendorf Castle has a cozy castle tavern popular with guests. At Riegersburg Castle, you can find a castle tavern, and there are cafes and restaurants in the nearby towns.

Riegersburg Castle offers good accessibility options. Visitors can reach the castle via a historic footpath for those who enjoy a walk, or by a convenient funicular lift, making it accessible for those who prefer not to walk or climb. Other castles like Kornberg Castle are generally more easily accessible by car with parking close by.