Liechtenstein Castle in Austria: description, excursions, how to get there

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

Austria is a German-speaking country in Central Europe known for its rich history, baroque architecture, stunning alpine scenery and vineyards.

It was here that the great musician Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, physicist Victor Franz Hess and other outstanding personalities forever imprinted on the pages of world history were born.

Among other European countries, Austria is one of the leaders in terms of the number of attractions and memorable places, both created by nature and built by man. Among the latter is Liechtenstein - a castle in Austria, located on the edge of the Vienna Woods. Many stories and mystical legends are associated with it.

History of the name and the castle of the same name in Germany

In German, the castle is called Liechtenstein. This word literally translates into Russian as "Light stone", which is no coincidence, because the castle was built from beige stones taken from a nearby quarry.

It is from this name that the princely family of Liechtenstein got their surname, and not vice versa, as some tourists might think. This dynasty ruled for several centuries and still rules a small state of the same name in Western Europe. Its area is only 160 sq. km.

It is noteworthy that the castle with the same name is located in Germany in the commune of Liechtenstein. It was built in the 19th century and currently belongs to the Dukes of Urach. Like Liechtenstein Castle in Austria, it is open for tourist excursions. Visitors can see an extensive collection of weapons and armor.

In the Middle Ages

According to official data, the history of this Austrian castle dates back to 1130-1135. It was in this time period that the construction of Liechtenstein was completed. It was initiated by a man named Hugo von Liechtenstein, today considered the founder of the princely dynasty.

About the same time, the first written references to the construction, which have come down to modern historians, date back. These documents refer to the castle as the home of the Liechtensteins.

In the following decades, Liechtenstein Castle in Austria was modified and expanded. During its existence, it has changed many owners. In addition to the original owners, representatives of the Kevenhüller, Habsburg and other families lived here.

Several times the castle was destroyed and rebuilt. This happened for the first time in the 1500s during the campaign of Turkish troops.to Vienna, near which the building is located. A hundred and fifty years later, Liechtenstein was restored and again turned into ruins in 1683. The next restoration work began only in the 1890s.

Our days

When World War II began, Liechtenstein Castle in Austria was heavily damaged. At the moment, the castle is still owned by the Liechtenstein dynasty. Tourist excursions are regularly held here now.

Description and photo of Liechtenstein Castle

Liechtenstein cannot be called the largest in terms of area or the tallest castle in Austria. Its distinguishing feature is its unusual shape - the width of Liechtenstein is only 13 m, which is why the castle can be called rather narrow. Length - about 50 m.

Looking from the side, Liechtenstein looks like it's growing out of the rock it's built on.

The castle is one of the few surviving structures built in the Romanesque style, characterized by laconic exterior decoration and a special composition. Around the main tower of Liechtenstein are other buildings in the form of various geometric shapes.

In the interior, as well as in the exterior, elements of the Romanesque style can also be traced. The most important and ancient building of the castle is the chapel of St. Pancratius, where you can see a picture depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. To this day, services are held in the chapel, the beginning of which is announced by the ringing of bells.

Importantremember that you can only take photos and videos outside: inside Liechtenstein Castle, taking photos and recording videos is prohibited. Violation of the rules is subject to a monetary pen alty.

How to get to Liechtenstein Castle

The exact address of the structure: Maria-Endersdorf, 2344, which is a few kilometers from the Austrian capital - Vienna. There are several options for how to get to Liechtenstein Castle. The easiest of them is to get to your destination by car, renting it or ordering a taxi. You need to go from the Vienna railway station to the south along the A21 highway. The journey will take no more than half an hour.

More complex options involve the use of public transport. You need to take the S2 train and get from the Praterstern city metro station to the Modling station. Then you should take the bus to the Giesshuber Strasse stop and, after leaving, follow the signs that will lead directly to the castle.

An alternative way is to take the same train to the Wien Liesing station, and then take the bus to the Maria Enzersdorf Schulplatz stop.

Castle visit

Liechtenstein is open to visitors all year round. Opening hours in spring and autumn - from 10 am to 4 pm, in summer - from 10 am to 5 pm, in winter - from 10 am to 3 pm.

Currently, a visit to Liechtenstein Castle for tourists is available exclusively as part of an excursion group. Tours start hourly, no advance booking required.

The duration of the visit to the castle is 50 minutes. During this time the groupmanages to get around all the premises of the castle, listening to the guide's story about the history of Liechtenstein. The entrance ticket costs 9 euros for adults and 6 euros for children. A family ticket is also available for €25.