Best castles around Ferlach include historical edifices that reflect the region's rich past. Ferlach, a town in Carinthia, Austria, is known for its historical significance, particularly its centuries-old gunsmith tradition. The area features a mix of well-preserved castles and evocative ruins, often set amidst natural landscapes. These landmarks offer insights into local craftsmanship and historical events, making them points of interest for visitors.
Last updated: September 29, 2026
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The castle was partially destroyed by the earthquake of 1348, but was immediately rebuilt. For the year 1349, Hollenburg is documented as the seat of a district judge.
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The freely accessible Hochwart Castle ruins, also known as the "Black Castle," serve as a reminder of the dramatic end of the once mighty fortress of the Counts of Celje, whose line died out in 1456. Destroyed in a succession dispute, the castle was never rebuilt; today, parts of the main tower and walls of the 12th-century chapel still stand in the forest. However, the ruins are unsecured and at risk of collapse, situated partly on steep slopes, and the last 600 meters are only accessible on foot.
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The most coveted spot on Lake Wörthersee is undoubtedly the Maria Loretto peninsula in Klagenfurt's eastern bay. This magical place manages to bridge the gap between pristine nature and opulent festivities. Anyone who has experienced the Lendspitz nature reserve or witnessed the breathtaking view from Maria Loretto Castle will fall in love with this narrow gem forever. Whether it's a photo spot for a wedding or pure romance away from the crowds – everyone can escape the everyday here. Its high recreational value makes this peninsula the place to be! Anyone who has experienced the Lendspitz nature reserve or seen the breathtaking view from Maria Loretto Castle will fall in love with this narrow gem forever.
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In this place, you can let go of time. Not because it passes too quickly, but because it ceases to be important. On the Maria Loretto peninsula, the world seems to whisper instead of speak. The water sparkles as reliably as an old poem that you want to reread again and again. Palm trees and plane trees share the view of the shore, while the castle stands discreetly in the background – as if it knew its impact and no longer needed to prove it. Here, you take off your shoes because the gravel path suggests it. You sit down on a marble bench, perhaps drink a glass of wine in the shade of the linden trees, or simply dip your feet in the turquoise water. And suddenly you understand why people used to build avenues to the lake: not out of a desire for representation, but to create a dignified path to happiness. If you're in a hurry, it's best to stay outside. If you have the heart for it, you can enter.
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The oldest part of the castle is the square Romanesque tower in the northwestern part. Later, a Gothic palace with living quarters on four floors was built in the opposite part. In the 16th century, a central Renaissance palace with an inner courtyard was built between the two buildings. The southern slope below the castle was intended for terraced gardens, and in the lower part there was a complex of outbuildings with a mill and sawmill. Text / Source: Radovljica Tourist Information Center: Linhartov trg 9, 4240 Radovljica https://www.radolca.si/de/radovljica-sehenswuerdigkeiten/burgen-und-schloesser/burg-kamen
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Grad Kamen / Kamen Castle, Zijalka Kamen Castle (German: Burg Stein) was built in the 12th century by the Counts of Ortenburg. It later became the property of the Counts of Cilli and in 1469 it passed into the possession of the Counts of Lamberg. In the 18th century, the counts gave up the castle and moved to the more comfortable Katzenstein Castle in the center of Begunje. Text / Source: Radovljica Tourist Information Center: Linhartov trg 9, 4240 Radovljica https://www.radolca.si/de/radovljica-sehenswuerdigkeiten/burgen-und-schloesser/burg-kamen
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Lake Bled / Bled Lake Formation of the Lake The unique shape of the lake as we know it today is no coincidence. Its location once occupied a tectonic basin, carved out over the years by the Bohinj Glacier. Its path was obstructed by an enormous rock, which it eroded so persistently that only the current island remained. The ice melted, the basin flooded with water, and Lake Bled was formed. With depths of up to 30 meters in some places, it is a delight for divers. The lake is home to 19 different species of fish, including carp, catfish, and lake trout, and its surface is home to ducks, swans, and a diverse range of vegetation. Text / Source: Bled Tourism https://www.bled.si/
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Lake Bled / Blejsko jezero The origin of the lake The unique shape of the lake as we know it today is no coincidence. In its place there was once a tectonic basin, which was formed over the years by the Bohinj glacier. On its way it was obstructed by an enormous rock, which it eroded so stubbornly that only the current island remained. The ice melted, the basin was flooded with water and Lake Bled was formed, which delights divers with its depth of up to 30 meters in some places. The lake is home to 19 different species of fish such as carp, catfish and lake trout, and its surface is home to ducks and swans as well as a diverse range of vegetation. Text / Source: Bled Tourism https://www.bled.si/
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Castles around Ferlach, such as Ferlach Castle, reflect the region's rich past, particularly its centuries-old gunsmith tradition. These historical edifices showcase various architectural styles and historical periods, from medieval fortresses to later Baroque expansions, offering insights into local craftsmanship and historical events.
Ferlach Castle, a listed manor house from the 16th century, now serves as a cultural hub. It houses a museum dedicated to Ferlach's renowned gunsmithing tradition, along with the Horten hunting collection. You'll also find a city library, a café, and a wedding hall within its premises. The castle's park is a popular venue for events, offering a pleasant outdoor space.
Yes, you can explore the Ruins of Hohenwart Castle, also known as the "Black Castle." These freely accessible ruins are a reminder of the once mighty fortress of the Counts of Celje. Parts of the main tower and walls of the 12th-century chapel still stand, though the ruins are unsecured and partly on steep slopes, with the last 600 meters accessible only on foot.
Hollenburg Castle, dating back to the 12th century, is enthroned on a rock that drops steeply to the Drau. Its freely accessible Burghof and Söller offer a dream view of the Karawanken mountains. Additionally, the Maria Loretto Peninsula, while not strictly a castle, features Maria Loretto Castle and provides breathtaking views over Lake Wörthersee.
Ferlach Castle is considered family-friendly, offering a museum, a café, and a nature park. The Maria Loretto Peninsula is also a family-friendly spot where you can enjoy the lake, beach, and beautiful surroundings.
The area around Ferlach offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as the "Drau Cycle Path – Lake Feistritz loop," which is a challenging 72 km ride. For hiking enthusiasts, there are routes like the "Tscheppa Gorge Waterfall – Tschauko Falls loop." Mountain biking is also popular, with trails like "From the Rosental to the Radsberg." You can explore more options on the cycling guide, hiking guide, and MTB trails guide for Ferlach.
Ferlach Castle itself houses a café, making it convenient for visitors. The Maria Loretto Peninsula also features one of the most beautiful lakeside restaurants on Lake Wörthersee, perfect for rejuvenating after your visit.
Ferlach Castle stands out due to its role as a cultural center that preserves the town's unique heritage. It houses a museum dedicated to Ferlach's centuries-old gunsmithing tradition, which was historically significant as a primary armorer for the Habsburg monarchy, along with the Horten hunting collection.
While specific seasonal considerations for each castle are not detailed, generally, spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring the castles and their surrounding natural landscapes. Summer can also be a good time, especially for castles with parks or nearby lakes like Ferlach Castle or the Maria Loretto Peninsula.
Yes, for Hollenburg Castle, the Burghof (courtyard) and Söller are freely accessible, allowing visitors to enjoy the views of the Karawanken. The Ruins of Hohenwart Castle are also freely accessible, though caution is advised due to their unsecured nature.
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The well-preserved structures and evocative ruins, often set amidst scenic landscapes, offer insights into the region's past. The community has shared over 900 photos and given more than 2600 upvotes, highlighting the visual appeal and historical interest of these sites, such as the gunsmithing museum at Ferlach Castle and the dramatic setting of Ruins of Hohenwart Castle.


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