Hochosterwitz Castle

Archaeological finds confirm that the rock was already settled in the early Bronze Age, with further traces from the Hallstatt and La Tène cultures, as well as the Roman period. The first documented mention of the rock cone as "Astarwizza" occurred in 860 AD. Until the mid-12th century, the castle belonged to the Archdiocese of Salzburg, before becoming a sovereign fief of the Schenken von Osterwitz, in whose possession it remained until 1478. From 1509, the complex was rebuilt under the Archbishop of Salzburg. In 1541, the castle was pledged to Georg von Khevenhüller, who purchased it in 1571. Under his patronage, the extensive expansion to its current imposing form took place until 1586. Since then, the castle has been continuously owned by the Khevenhüller family.

Hochosterwitz Castle is located in the municipality of St. Georgen am Längsee in the district of St. Veit an der Glan, in the Austrian province of Carinthia. It stands at an elevation of approximately 680 m above sea level.

Visitors can explore Hochosterwitz Castle from April to October. Access is possible either on foot or via a lift, although the footpath may be temporarily closed.

• Niederosterwitz Castle (Castle), approx. 1.3 km away
• Rottenstein Castle (Castle), approx. 3.2 km away
• St. Georgen Abbey (Sacred Building), approx. 3.2 km away
• Roman City of Noreia (Noricum) (Ancient Buildings), approx. 3.9 km away