Burg Heidenreichstein is recognized as the most beautiful moated castle in Austria, a medieval fortress founded around 1180-1190 in Lower Austria's Waldviertel region. Built by the burgrave Heidenreich, the castle was strategically positioned to protect two key trade routes leading to Bohemia. The castle's remarkable defensive architecture includes water defenses on three sides—a pond to the south, the Romau stream to the east, and moats to north and west—with access granted by two Renaissance-style gates with drawbridges. Never destroyed throughout its history, the castle remains the residence and administrative seat of the Heidenreichstein estate, owned since 1961 by the Kinsky family. Interior rooms are accessible via guided tours showcasing furnishings from various eras.
