CASTLES GARS AM KAMP

Schloß Buchberg rises majestically from a rocky crest three kilometres south of Gars am Kamp on the river's right bank in Lower Austria. The fortified residence, documented from 1140-1170, underwent early 17th-century Baroque transformation under Hans Ludwig von Kuefstein, gaining approximately 40 chambers, a castle chapel, ornamental gardens, and innovative water systems while preserving its medieval core. Since 1979, the castle has served as Kunstraum Buchberg, a contemporary art space established by Dr. Dieter Bogner within the castle's historic rooms, blending cultural programming with heritage preservation in the scenic Kamptal region.

Burg Gars, a thousand-year-old Babenberg Castle in the picturesque Kamptal region near Vienna, hosts Oper Burg Gars, Central Europe's largest unamplified opera festival. Founded in 1989, the open-air venue exploits the castle's exceptional natural acoustics, allowing performances by singers and orchestra without electronic amplification across approximately 1,250 seats. Built originally in the 11th century during the Babenberg reign (1075-1095), when Gars briefly served as a capital of ancient Austria, the castle's medieval setting provides an authentic backdrop for summer opera productions directed by Karel Drgáč since 1990.

Gars am Kamp Castle stands as one of Austria's oldest castles, built between 1120 and 1130 as a residence for the noble Babenberger family, including Leopold II and Leopold III. Located in a hilltop complex south of Horn in Lower Austria, the castle's terraced layout descends in three levels along the river, featuring the main castle on the highest level enclosed by a ring wall, 13th-century fortifications on the middle plateau, and an outer bailey on the lowest level. A partially restored Renaissance wing and a gatehouse chapel dating to around 1100 add to its historical richness. Today, the grounds host spectacular summer opera festivals that fill the ancient walls with music, drawing visitors from across the region.