Top 14 Castles around Höflein
Castles around Höflein offer a journey through centuries of history, from Roman military outposts to medieval fortifications. Located in Lower Austria, the region features historical sites that provide insight into ancient trade routes and noble residences. While some sites are privately owned, others offer accessible glimpses into the past. The area combines historical exploration with natural landscapes, making it suitable for those interested in cultural heritage.
Best castles around Höflein
- The most popular castles is Eckartsau Castle, a castle…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Orth Castle on the Danube, National Park Center
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Eckartsau Castle
Highlight • Castle
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
Petronell Castle
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Trautmannsdorf Castle
Highlight • Castle
burgen-austria.com/article-month.php?id=242
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Eckartsau Castle
Highlight • Castle
schlosseckartsau.at
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more castles around Höflein.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Lost place... dilapidated castle in a huge area.
0
1
Orth Castle is one of the oldest surviving castles in the region and has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages. The castle was first mentioned in the 12th century and was originally a medieval moated castle. In the 16th century, the castle was converted into a Renaissance palace. Over the centuries, it served various noble families and was later taken over by the municipality. Today, it is a listed building, is an important part of Lower Austria's cultural heritage and is particularly known as the Danube-Auen National Park Center. The castle houses the national park's visitor center, which is dedicated to the unique flora and fauna of this protected floodplain landscape. Orth Castle is located right in the heart of the Danube-Auen National Park, one of the last great floodplain landscapes in Central Europe. It combines historical architecture with modern environmental education. An ideal place to learn more about the fascinating floodplain landscape and its importance for nature conservation while enjoying the beauty of the surroundings.
0
0
Petronell Castle was first built in the 11th century. The four-winged castle complex that still exists today was planned by Dominio Carlone (around 1615 - 1679) on behalf of the Abensperg-Traun family. The castle is decorated with frescoes by Caprovo Tencalla. The castle was owned by the Abensperg and Traun families for 17 generations and was sold to a private investor in 2006 and can therefore only be viewed from the outside. More on the history: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schloss_Petronell
2
1
Beautiful castle! Unfortunately you have to take quite a detour to get to the courtyard.
1
0
Eckartsau Castle, the headquarters of the Donau-Auen National Park of the Austrian Federal Forests, also has an information point for the Donau-Auen National Park including a castle café and the WILD°WECHSEL exhibition. Visit the national park information point, which will advise you on your personal excursion wishes. Ask about the most beautiful hiking and cycling trails or book a guided excursion in the Donau-Auen National Park on land and water. You can also book castle tours here. The castle café will spoil you with pastries, small snacks and cold and warm drinks while you rest in the idyllic courtyard of the castle. The WILD°WECHSEL exhibition tells the story of the transformation from an imperial hunting ground to a national park: Of course, the Donau-Auen cannot be easily put into two rooms. But interesting views and insights are guaranteed here. Roam through the floodplain forests on a special kind of stalking trip. Find your way. Observe and explore the surroundings. Become the target of others. Race through time and see for yourself. Cross the turbulent stream of history with its stages. From the monarchy to the present day. Become a part of our history! Spot animals, master the hunting language and become a goal scorer. Prepare to be surprised - at second glance everything is different. Visiting the exhibition is free of charge.
1
0
On the castle island you don't need much luck to see pond turtles, grass snakes, ground squirrels and you can look into the storks' nests.
1
0
Welcome to the gateway to the Au Orth Castle has an eventful history. Built in the 12th century as a medieval moated castle and once the hunting lodge of Crown Prince Rudolf, it was used as a museum from 1950 onwards. In 2005, after reconstruction and renovation, it reopened as the castleORTH National Park Centre. Information point and visitor centre for the Danube-Auen National Park are now located here. Individual guests, groups, kindergartens and schools are welcome. You will find the following under one roof: - Tourism and National Park information point with booking and shop - Exhibition of the Danube Auen rooms and National Park Lounge - Auen adventure area on the castle island with underwater observation station - Observation tower with the new exhibition "Eavesdropping on nature" - Tournament courtyard with the plant presentation "Pannonian Gardens" - Family celebrations, summer holiday programme, performances by the travelling Autheater - museumORTH, which focuses on the history of the Danube community of Orth - Historically significant Renaissance spiral staircase
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites related to castles can I visit in Höflein?
While traditional, fully preserved castles are rare in Höflein, you can explore the remnants of the Roman small fort, Kleinkastell Höflein. Its remains lie beneath the St. Ulrich church and its surrounding cemetery, with Roman stone material visible in the cemetery wall. The area around the Kirchberg and a nearby Roman villa are signposted for visitors interested in ancient history. Schloss Oberhöflein is a private residence and not open to the public.
Are there any castles around Höflein that are open to the public?
Yes, several castles near Höflein are open to the public. You can visit Eckartsau Castle, which functions as a museum and is located in a national park. Another option is Orth Castle on the Danube, National Park Center, which houses a museum and a national park center, allowing visitors to explore its exhibitions and castle island.
Which castles around Höflein are family-friendly?
Both Eckartsau Castle and Orth Castle on the Danube, National Park Center are considered family-friendly. Eckartsau Castle offers a museum experience, while Orth Castle provides a national park center and a castle island to explore. Trautmannsdorf Castle, though undergoing restoration, is also noted as family-friendly.
What kind of historical insights do the castles around Höflein offer?
The castles and historical sites around Höflein provide a diverse look into the past. The Kleinkastell Höflein offers a glimpse into Roman military history and the ancient Amber Road. Medieval fortifications like Schloss Oberhöflein (viewable from outside) showcase architectural evolution. Castles like Eckartsau Castle, originally a hunting lodge, reflect periods of noble residence and later conversion into museums, detailing centuries of regional history.
Are there any castles near Höflein that are currently undergoing renovation?
Yes, Trautmannsdorf Castle is currently undergoing restoration. While it holds significant historical importance, visitors should be aware of its current state. Additionally, Petronell Castle is also being renovated, but it is private property and access is forbidden.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Höflein?
The region around Höflein offers various outdoor activities. You can find easy hikes, such as the Harrach Park loops or trails through the Donauau. For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are MTB trails like the 'View of Höflein – Römerblick Viewpoint Höflein loop'. You can explore more options in the easy hikes around Höflein guide, the MTB trails around Höflein guide, or the general hiking around Höflein guide.
Are there any castles near Höflein that are privately owned and not accessible?
Yes, Schloss Oberhöflein is a medieval castle that is a private residence and not open for public visits. Similarly, Petronell Castle and Deutsch-Altenburg Castle are also privately owned and not accessible to the public.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Höflein?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical exploration and natural beauty. Many enjoy the fascinating exhibitions at places like Orth Castle on the Danube, National Park Center, followed by a stroll on the castle island. The easy accessibility of sites like Eckartsau Castle, located directly on the Danube cycle path and within a national park, is also highly valued.
Is there a Roman fort in Höflein, and what can I see there?
Yes, Höflein is home to the remnants of a Roman small fort, the Kleinkastell Höflein. While the original fort is not visible above ground, its remains are beneath the St. Ulrich church and its surrounding cemetery. You can observe Roman stone material (spolia) incorporated into the cemetery wall, which also follows the outline of the original Roman walls. An archaeology project aims to make the Roman past more visible, and a Roman villa with a well-preserved heating system has also been discovered nearby.
What is the best way to reach the historical sites in Höflein?
The area around the Kirchberg, where the Kleinkastell Höflein remnants are located, and the Roman villa in Aubüheln, are signposted, making them accessible for those interested in ancient history. For castles like Eckartsau Castle, its location directly on the Danube cycle path makes it easily accessible for cyclists and those arriving by car.
Are there any cafes or facilities available at the castles?
Yes, Eckartsau Castle has a cafe on-site. Orth Castle on the Danube, National Park Center also offers facilities as it houses a museum and a national park center.
What is the historical significance of the Kleinkastell Höflein?
The Kleinkastell Höflein was a Roman military outpost established to secure the Amber Road, an ancient trade route. Its presence highlights the strategic importance of the region during Roman times and offers a unique connection to the broader history of the Roman Empire in Central Europe.
Most popular attractions around Höflein
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Höflein:
