Top 16 Castles in Bezirk Wels-Land
Castles in Bezirk Wels-Land offer a glimpse into Upper Austria's rich past and architectural heritage. This region features historical structures ranging from medieval fortifications to Renaissance castles. Visitors can explore various sites that showcase centuries of history and diverse architectural styles. The area provides opportunities to engage with historical landmarks within a distinct regional setting.
Best castles in Bezirk Wels-Land
- The most popular castles is Haiding Castle, a castle that was originally a fortified moated castle built around 1312. Its history includes changes in ownership and periods of decay and renovation.
- Another must-see spot is Irnharting Castle, a castle consisting of two parts built on islands within a large square pond. Visitors can expect to see a complex with a gate tower and a preserved moat.
- Visitors also love Würting Castle, a moated castle first mentioned in 814 as a Romanesque farm. It was rebuilt in 1462 and has undergone significant historical changes.
- Bezirk Wels-Land is known for moated castles, historical castle ruins, and renovated historical sites. The region offers a variety of castles to see and explore, each with its own historical narrative and architectural features.
- The castles in Bezirk Wels-Land are appreciated by the komoot community, with 13 highlights, more than 90 photos, and over 220 upvotes.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Wels Town Square
Highlight • Settlement
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Wels Castle
Highlight • Castle
More information is available at wels.gv.at/lebensbereiche/bildung-und-kultur/museen-in-wels/burg-wels.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Schloss Puchberg
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Irnharting Castle
Highlight • Castle
Two damsels were riding out in 1329 and got lost in the woods west of Gunskirchen. They asked God for help and promised to build a small church. But soon they were found and saved. In gratitude, her father had a small church built and a magnificent castle next to it.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Pollheim Castle
Highlight • Castle
Polheim Castle was first mentioned in documents in 1237 and was probably built by the influential ruler in Wels, Albero von Polheim. The Polheimers were an aristocratic family from Pollham near Grieskirchen, which acquired an important property complex in Wels around 1200. This complex was later broken through by the construction of the city walls.
Text / Source: Austria Forum
austria-forum.org/af/AustriaWiki/Ledererturm
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Lichtenegg Castle
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Schloss Aigenegg
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Haiding Castle
Highlight • Castle
The Knights of Gelting settled in Haiding around 1312 and built a fortified moated castle here. The Schaunbergers, who claimed this area for themselves, took the castle, burned it down and forced the Geltings to declare that they never wanted to build Haiding as a castle again. After the Schaunbergers were conquered by the Habsburgs, Ulrich Geltinger received Haiding in 1386 as a sovereign fief. After this family died out, a Hostorffer received the estate – presumably as a princely caretaker. It is unknown how the property came to the Rondinelli; In any case, a Hans Sigmund Rondinelli sold the Haiding seat to Count Engelbert Katzianer; As late as 1674, a Sigmund Ferdinand Katzianer was resident on the property, which had grown into a castle. In 1727 the castle was owned by Count Wilhelm Strattmann. He had bought the castle from the Katzians and added his entailed estate to the Peuerbach estate. Until the abolition of the entail in 1825, Haiding belonged to the Strattmann-Batthyany estates. After a division of property, Haiding passed to Prince Philipp Batthyany. In 1879 Prince Wilhelm Alfred Montenuovo, who was married to Juliane Batthyany, inherited the castle. Three years later, the prince sold the uninhabited castle to Hans and Maria Pauler, who used it as a farm. At the beginning of the 20th century the castle was left to decay. It was only renovated in 1970 by the master builder and penultimate owner Friedrich Achleitner and now by his son. The building is a historical monument.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Würting Castle
Highlight • Castle
After a few changes of ownership in the 17th and 19th centuries, the castle was in a pitiable condition when it was sold again in 1921. The new owner Heinrich Gutman therefore had the castle completely renovated and refurbished. During the Nazi era, Würting was an SA school, and the valuable facility disappeared at that time. After the end of World War II, refugees were billeted until 1952, when the Gutman family returned the property. However, the decay was already far advanced, and so the castle changed hands several times until 1975, when it was finally bought by the paleontologist Dr. Schaffer was bought. It now houses his collection. Unfortunately, Dr. Schaffer did not manage to stop the decay, and so the castle, which is not open to the public, is still left to decay today.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Bernau Castle (Pernau Moated Castle)
Highlight • Castle
The rectangular moated castle of Bernau dates from the middle of the 16th century and it was not until 1732 that it received its baroque façade. The three-storey building was built on a high base and has four round corner towers. The castle can be reached via a brick bridge. Upon entering, the groined and barrel-vaulted ceilings on the ground floor are immediately noticeable.
The farm building belonging to Schloss Bernau is opposite. It is adorned by a mighty clock gate tower with an open staircase.
Since the moated castle is privately owned, it can only be viewed from the outside.
.
urlaubstipps.at/oesterreich-poi/detail/401153/wasserschloss-bernau.html
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more castles in Bezirk Wels-Land.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Bezirk Wels-Land
Way of the Book – Hike in the footsteps of the Bible smugglers in Austria
Römerradweg – Follow in the footsteps of Romans along the German-Austrian border
In the footsteps of the Romans – Roman Cycle Path
A heavenly Austrian hike – Benedict Pilgrimage Trail Traunviertel
City hikes in Austria – on foot through Vienna, Wels & St. Pölten
The most beautiful leisurely cycling routes in Upper Austria
Fourteen Wadlbeißer – best road cycling routes in Upper Austria
"Go where the locals go" — Road rides around Wels
Road Cycling Routes in Bezirk Wels-Land
Cycling in Bezirk Wels-Land
Other adventures in Bezirk Wels-Land
Tips from the Community
The building has been beautifully renovated, and the park is also tidy. It's a house that has stood here since the 16th century. Interestingly, this castle once belonged to the Duchy of Brunswick. Marie Valerie, the fourth daughter of Emperor Franz Joseph I, who was born in Hungary, also lived here with her family for a while. The house is very well maintained. Today, there are apartments inside that can be rented. It's a shame that there is a large electrical plant right in front of it. But the whole complex radiates a very peaceful atmosphere. It used to be a moated castle, but there is no trace of that anymore. Nevertheless, it is worth seeing just from the outside.
4
1
Wels Castle is essentially a medieval building. It was the residence of the emperor's stewards. The most significant event in its history was the death of Maximilian I, known as the Last Knight. The castle houses the Wels City History Museum. It showcases the city's history from Roman times to the 21st century through fascinating exhibits. There are also films for illustrative purposes. The museum is also easily accessible with a wheelchair or stroller.
6
1
A pharmacy founded around 1600, which has been owned by the Fritsch-Richter family for over 100 years, has developed into an international healthcare services company (Richter Pharma AG), and the location at Stadtplatz 12 to 14 and Hafergasse 1 to 3 has become a 3,500 m2 inner-city center with a unique world of experience. You can find more information about the history of the pharmacy and the symbolism in the following text. Symbolism: The eagle is considered a symbol of heaven, the snake for the earth, the underworld or wisdom, among other things. The interplay of these symbols can be found in a wide variety of traditions and religions, from the Sumerians to the Maya and the Grail story. The Rod of Asclepius is a staff wrapped around a snake and is also known as a snake staff. Originally it was an attribute of Asclepius, the god of medicine in Greek mythology. Today it is the symbol of the medical and pharmaceutical profession. In Austria, pharmacists use the Aesculapius symbol and form the snake and staff into a large curved A. Can you spot the snake? Source: www.wels.at/welsmarketing/events/top-events/welser-weihnachtswelt/welser-lichterpfad/22-adler.html
5
3
https://www.krenglbach.info/schloss-haiding-einst-und-jetzt Knight von Gelting built a moated castle here in 1312
1
0
Center of Wels The first houses were built in the 13th century
6
2
no or little car traffic, cycle path across the entire main square!!!, top
5
2
Wels Imperial Castle is a palace-like fortress located southeast of Wels's city center. Dating back to the Middle Ages, it was owned by the Babenbergs and the Habsburgs, among others. The building is now owned by the city and houses the Wels City Museum and the Museum of Expellees. Opening Hours Tuesday to Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Saturday 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday and Public Holidays 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The castle was first mentioned in 776 in connection with the Wels settlement "Castrum Uueles." The castle was originally a wooden structure with palisades and was only rebuilt from stone in the 12th or 13th century. At the end of the 12th century, it was pledged to Leopold VI of Babenberg, Duke of Austria, and was subsequently purchased by him in 1222. After the Babenbergs died out, the castle came into the possession of the Habsburgs. Under Emperor Maximilian I, who died there on January 12, 1519, the castle was rebuilt in the late Gothic style from 1508 to 1514. In 1653, the Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand IV donated the castle to Prince Johann Weikhard von Auersperg. In 1865, the Auersperg family sold the castle to Ludwig Hinterschweiger, a Schmalz-seed producer who had the east wing added. Around 1900, it came into the possession of the Blaimschein family, and in 1937, the building was acquired by the city of Wels.
8
1
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of historical castles can I explore in Bezirk Wels-Land?
Bezirk Wels-Land features a diverse range of historical castles, including medieval fortifications, moated castles, and Renaissance structures. You can find sites like Haiding Castle, originally a fortified moated castle from around 1312, and Irnharting Castle, which consists of two parts built on islands within a large square pond.
Which castles offer a deep dive into the region's history?
For an extensive historical experience, Burg Wels is highly recommended. It dates back to 776 and houses various collections, including the city's history from Roman times to the 21st century, agricultural history, and the Austrian Pastry Museum. You can find more information about its offerings here.
Are there any castles known for their unique architecture?
Yes, Schloss Polheim in Wels is notable for its blend of architectural styles, including Romanticism, Gothic, and Renaissance elements. It features a Gothic-style tower, Renaissance window detailing, and a former castle chapel from 1519. Pollheim Castle offers a captivating look into Wels' aristocratic past.
Which castles are suitable for families with children?
Several locations in Bezirk Wels-Land are family-friendly. The Wels Town Square, with its historical charm, is a great place for a stroll. Lichtenegg Castle and Pollheim Castle are also marked as family-friendly, offering historical exploration in a welcoming environment.
Can I visit castles that are still inhabited or used today?
Yes, Schloss Puchberg, built in the 16th century, now serves as an educational center belonging to the diocese of Linz. It offers comfortable accommodation, a sun terrace, garden, bar, and free WiFi, allowing visitors to experience a historic setting with modern amenities. Bernau Castle (Pernau Moated Castle) is privately owned and can be viewed from the outside.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles in Bezirk Wels-Land?
The region offers various outdoor activities. You can explore gravel biking routes like the 'Traun River Cycle Path' or 'Pond on the Ager' loop. There are also running trails, such as the 'Trodatsteg Bridge – View of the Traun River' loop, and MTB trails like 'Stargate Kappern – Roman Bridge'. For more details on these routes, visit the Gravel Biking Guide, Running Trails Guide, or MTB Trails Guide for Bezirk Wels-Land.
Are there any castles with significant natural surroundings or parks?
Schloss Puchberg is situated amidst a magnificent, well-maintained ancient park, offering a peaceful setting. Schloss Polheim also features a beautifully designed castle park, which is highly praised by visitors. These provide a lovely combination of historical architecture and natural beauty.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles in Bezirk Wels-Land?
While castles can be visited year-round, the summer months are particularly vibrant. During this time, the inner courtyard of Burg Wels serves as a venue for folkloric events and concerts, adding a lively cultural dimension to your visit.
Are there any castles that are less known but still worth visiting?
While not as widely publicized as some others, Schloss Aigenegg offers another glimpse into the region's historical architecture. For those interested in early history, Würting Castle, first mentioned in 814 as a Romanesque farm, has a rich and eventful past, though it is not open to the public and can only be viewed from the outside.
What are the public transport options for reaching castles near Wels?
Many castles, especially those within or close to Wels city, are accessible via public transport. Burg Wels is conveniently located in the southeast of Wels city center, making it easily reachable. For castles further afield, local bus services often connect to nearby towns, though checking specific routes and schedules for each castle is recommended.
How long should I allocate for visiting a castle like Burg Wels?
To fully appreciate Burg Wels and its extensive historical museum, which covers 1,000 years of city history, you should allocate a significant portion of your day. With year-round special exhibitions and interactive programs, a visit could easily take 2-4 hours, depending on your interest level.
Are there any castles that highlight medieval fortifications?
Yes, the Medieval Fortifications of Wels offer insight into the city's historical defenses. This highlight provides a look at how the city was protected in medieval times, with Schloss Polheim historically being part of these fortifications.
Most popular routes in Bezirk Wels-Land
Most popular attractions in Bezirk Wels-Land
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Explore Bezirk Wels-Land’s best castles region by region:
Explore more
Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides in Bezirk Wels-Land:
