Hochosterwitz Castle

Hochosterwitz Castle near Launsdorf in Carinthia stands as a remarkable medieval fortress atop a 172-meter high dolomite rock, dominating the landscape near Sankt Georgen am Längsee. First documented in 860, the castle's current impressive form resulted from expansion and renovation by Italian Renaissance architect Domenico dell'Allio after Georg Khevenhüller acquired it in 1571, and it has remained in the Khevenhüller family ever since. The castle's well-preserved state allows visitors to explore its 14 distinct defensive gates, each with unique architectural and historical features, while its armory museum houses an exceptional collection of medieval weapons and armor revealing insights into the fortress's military history. Though the steep climb to the summit challenges some visitors, the effort is rewarded with spectacular vistas of the surrounding Carinthian Alpine landscape. On-site dining in the castle's restaurant offers traditional Austrian cuisine in a historic setting, making Hochosterwitz a major landmark and tourist attraction in Austria's southern region.