Best castles around Garsten include a mix of historical structures and former abbeys. Garsten, located in Upper Austria, is known for its significant historical sites, particularly Stift Garsten, a former Benedictine monastery. While not a traditional defensive fortress, its imposing architecture and cultural importance make it a notable historical landmark. The region offers a variety of historical buildings and landscapes to explore.
Last updated: April 28, 2026
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Steyr's Old Town is one of Austria's most atmospheric historic city centers. Situated at the confluence of the Enns and Steyr rivers, it combines a medieval urban structure with well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings. Around the town square with its magnificent burgher houses—including the famous Bummerlhaus—narrow lanes, courtyards, and squares unfold, reflecting the former prosperity of this iron-producing city. High above, Lamberg Castle sits atop the walls of the ancient Styraburg, the city's origin. A visit to the Old Town leads past characteristic facades, across bridges to the riverbanks, and to viewpoints offering particularly evocative vistas of the historic ensemble. Overall, Steyr's Old Town presents a harmonious blend of history, architecture, and picturesque urban ambiance.
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small, quiet, good for a break 😉
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The two-winged Renaissance castle dates back to 1588. Further renovations were commissioned around 1670 by the canons Siegbert von Geilenkirchen and Thomas von Kandlberg. It is characterized by an arcaded walkway facing the courtyard. These arcades were enclosed by outbuildings until the renovation. The rooms on the upper floor also served as the official residence of the caretaker – and thus of the courts – for a long time. The Knights of Kast occupied the castle as a summer residence. The dilapidated castle was finally purchased by the municipality of Sierning in 1969 and renovated by the Traunviertel Cultural Association and the town of Sierning. An annex was added to the building, which houses the Sierning municipal office. Following the revitalization of the castle courtyard and the installation of state-of-the-art infrastructure, including a new castle café, it is now possible to host any event. The flagship events are the summer arts and crafts market with up to 10,000 visitors, the Sierning Advent with its Advent village in the castle courtyard, and the Guard Festival. Numerous cultural events and concerts take place throughout the year, both in the castle and in the covered courtyard.
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Bernhard von Losenstein had the current castle built in 1515 and gave it the name "Losensteinleiten". When a Turkish army under Kassim Pasha made the area unsafe in 1532, the castle suffered greatly. It is said that a hunter defended himself with many guns and shot a Turkish leader. This heroic act frightened the Turks and they fled. Between 1550 and 1570, the castle was enlarged by Georg Achaz von Losenstein. His wife was called Christina von Bergheim. The family died out with Franz Anton von Losenstein in 1692. The property passed to the Princes of Auersperg and their successors until 1950. From 1955 to 1993, Losensteinleiten Castle was owned by the Camillian Order, which ran a private high school with public rights until 1976. From 1978 to 1983, the Upper Austrian state government housed an agricultural college for girls. From 1985 to 1993, the Camillians ran the St. Kamillus retreat and education center in Losensteinleiten Castle, with a focus on the training and further education of people working in the service of the sick, especially in the denominational hospitals in Austria.
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The castle, which stands on a conglomerate rock in front of the mouth of the Steyr, was a well-fortified fortress until the 18th century. It was probably built after the defeat of the Magyars in the Leckfeld Battle (955) to secure the eastern border of the empire. It is first mentioned in a document in a report on the synod held by the Bishop of Passau in Mistelbach near Wels in 977.
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The multi-towered castle was built around 1600. Today, among other things, the Schloss Mühlgrub cultural association is located in the historic building.
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The extravagant Renaissance castle is a popular excursion destination in Pfarrkirchen near Bad Hall and, in addition to the Italian restaurant "Giuseppes Castello", offers a decor and garden exhibition, a ladies' and gentlemen's hairdresser as well as a digital and advertising agency. Old and new merge into a symbiosis in Mühlgrub. The garden with its beautiful accessories is my favorite here😍.
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The extravagant Renaissance castle is a popular excursion destination in Pfarrkirchen near Bad Hall and, in addition to the Italian restaurant "Giuseppes Castello", offers a decor and garden exhibition, a ladies' and gentlemen's hairdresser as well as a digital and advertising agency. Old and new merge into a symbiosis in Mühlgrub and offer crafts, commerce and trade at the highest level, as documented in the books since 1299. Really worth seeing. 😍👍🏻
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Garsten is known for its rich history, featuring former abbeys, Renaissance castles, and historic town centers. Among the most popular are Steyr Old Town, which includes the historic Lamberg Castle, and St. Stephen's Church in Sierning, which has an attached Renaissance castle. Visitors also highly appreciate Losensteinleiten Castle, a Renaissance palace near Steyr, and Schloss Mühlgrub, an extravagant Renaissance castle in Pfarrkirchen.
While not a traditional defensive fortress, Stift Garsten is a significant historical structure in the region. It is a former Benedictine monastery with imposing Baroque architecture. Today, the former monastery buildings house a correctional facility, but the magnificent Stift Garsten Abbey Church remains accessible as a parish church. Its opulent Baroque design, frescoes, and stucco work are well worth seeing.
Yes, several sites are suitable for families. Steyr Old Town, with its historic Lamberg Castle, offers many beautiful corners to discover and is listed as family-friendly. St. Stephen's Church in Sierning, featuring a Renaissance castle, hosts cultural events like an Advent village and arts and crafts markets in its renovated courtyard, which can be enjoyable for families. Schloss Mühlgrub also lists itself as family-friendly and offers a decor and garden exhibition.
Near Steyr Old Town and Schloss Lamberg, you can enjoy the scenic confluence of the Enns and Steyr rivers. Losensteinleiten Castle features a large garden with a castle pond, and while the original castle park is gone, slight depressions from the former moat can still be seen in the terrain. Schloss Lamberg also boasts an English landscaped park.
Yes, the region offers various hiking trails. For example, you can find routes like the 'View of Garsten Abbey – Pfarrstiege loop from Steyr' which passes by the abbey. Many other hiking routes are available in the wider Garsten area, including moderate to difficult trails like the 'Damberg Lookout Tower – St. Lawrence Chapel on Damberg loop'. You can explore more options on the Hiking around Garsten guide.
Beyond hiking, the area around Garsten offers opportunities for mountain biking and running. You can find challenging MTB trails such as the 'Hohe Dirn Summit – Anton Schosser Hut loop' or more moderate routes like the 'View of the Enns River – Seebuffet Rubring loop'. For runners, there are trails like the 'Steyr Old Town – Tunnel of Remembrance, Steyr loop'. Discover more details in the MTB Trails around Garsten and Running Trails around Garsten guides.
The best time to visit generally depends on your preferences. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring the sites and enjoying outdoor activities like hiking. During late November and early December, a Christmas market is held in front of the Stift Garsten Abbey Church, providing a unique festive atmosphere. Many cultural events also take place throughout the year, particularly at St. Stephen's Church in Sierning, so checking local event calendars can enhance your visit.
Yes, you can find dining options. St. Stephen's Church in Sierning has a castle café within its renovated courtyard. Schloss Mühlgrub houses an Italian restaurant called "Giuseppes Castello." In Steyr Old Town, which features Lamberg Castle, you'll find numerous cafes and restaurants, including options like Hotel & Restaurant Minichmayr nearby.
Visitors frequently praise the architectural beauty and historical depth of the sites. The medieval charm of Steyr Old Town and the area around Schloss Lamberg are particularly popular. The opulent Baroque design of the Stift Garsten Abbey Church is also a highlight. Many appreciate the cultural events hosted at places like St. Stephen's Church in Sierning and the unique blend of history and modern amenities at Schloss Mühlgrub.
While the main sites are well-known, exploring the smaller towns and villages around Garsten can reveal charming historical elements. For instance, the renovated courtyard of St. Stephen's Church in Sierning, with its Renaissance castle, offers a delightful experience often highlighted by locals. Similarly, the extensive gardens and historical context of Losensteinleiten Castle provide a quieter, yet historically rich, visit.
Garsten itself is well-connected within Upper Austria. For specific castles like those in Steyr Old Town (including Lamberg Castle), public transport options such as buses and trains to Steyr are available, followed by a short walk. For other locations like Sierning or Wolfern (near Losensteinleiten Castle), local bus services might be available, but it's advisable to check specific routes and schedules in advance for the most convenient travel.


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