Top 12 Castles around Bezirk Steyr-Land

Steyr's Old Town is one of Austria's most atmospheric historic city centers. Situated at the confluence of the Enns and Steyr rivers, it combines a medieval urban structure with well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings. Around the town square with its magnificent burgher houses—including the famous Bummerlhaus—narrow lanes, courtyards, and squares unfold, reflecting the former prosperity of this iron-producing city. High above, Lamberg Castle sits atop the walls of the ancient Styraburg, the city's origin. A visit to the Old Town leads past characteristic facades, across bridges to the riverbanks, and to viewpoints offering particularly evocative vistas of the historic ensemble. Overall, Steyr's Old Town presents a harmonious blend of history, architecture, and picturesque urban ambiance.

From the cycle path along the Enns River, there is a beautiful view of Steyr's old town and Lamberg Castle perched above it. Along the river, you can see the closely packed historic buildings, which rise in tiers from the riverbank, marking the transition from the river area to the old town. The castle sits on a raised position above the town and is clearly recognizable as the dominant structure from this perspective. Overall, Steyr is a worthwhile destination for a bike tour or a detour from the main route.

small, quiet, good for a break 😉

The two-winged Renaissance castle dates back to 1588. Further renovations were commissioned around 1670 by the canons Siegbert von Geilenkirchen and Thomas von Kandlberg. It is characterized by an arcaded walkway facing the courtyard. These arcades were enclosed by outbuildings until the renovation. The rooms on the upper floor also served as the official residence of the caretaker – and thus of the courts – for a long time. The Knights of Kast occupied the castle as a summer residence. The dilapidated castle was finally purchased by the municipality of Sierning in 1969 and renovated by the Traunviertel Cultural Association and the town of Sierning. An annex was added to the building, which houses the Sierning municipal office. Following the revitalization of the castle courtyard and the installation of state-of-the-art infrastructure, including a new castle café, it is now possible to host any event. The flagship events are the summer arts and crafts market with up to 10,000 visitors, the Sierning Advent with its Advent village in the castle courtyard, and the Guard Festival. Numerous cultural events and concerts take place throughout the year, both in the castle and in the covered courtyard.

In 1279, Feyregg Castle was mentioned in a document from the Lambach Abbey. The early medieval part of the castle, including the east tower and its immediate surroundings, is still visible from the time of the Followers (until 1407). The old Gothic gate, as well as a bay window and various vaults, can still be seen in the inner courtyard. Around 1500, the Sinzendorf family built the long wing of the old castle. Around 1600, during the Peasants' War, Feyregg suffered greatly and, after the Peasants' War, was sold to the Spital am Pyhrn Abbey in 1629. It became the residence of the provosts. This was arguably Feyregg's most prosperous period. It was also at this time that the castle was extensively rebuilt and given a Baroque style by the Upper Austrian architect Prunner. In 1809, the Spital am Pyhrn Abbey was dissolved, and in 1812, the well-known wealthy merchant Franz von Plank, a native of Linz, purchased the Feyregg estate. Otto and Ruth Harmer purchased the castle and the farm in 1937. It was thoroughly renovated that year, and in 1969, the hotel "Schloss Feyregg" was established in the old castle, offering all the modern amenities.

Bernhard von Losenstein had the current castle built in 1515 and gave it the name "Losensteinleiten". When a Turkish army under Kassim Pasha made the area unsafe in 1532, the castle suffered greatly. It is said that a hunter defended himself with many guns and shot a Turkish leader. This heroic act frightened the Turks and they fled. Between 1550 and 1570, the castle was enlarged by Georg Achaz von Losenstein. His wife was called Christina von Bergheim. The family died out with Franz Anton von Losenstein in 1692. The property passed to the Princes of Auersperg and their successors until 1950. From 1955 to 1993, Losensteinleiten Castle was owned by the Camillian Order, which ran a private high school with public rights until 1976. From 1978 to 1983, the Upper Austrian state government housed an agricultural college for girls. From 1985 to 1993, the Camillians ran the St. Kamillus retreat and education center in Losensteinleiten Castle, with a focus on the training and further education of people working in the service of the sick, especially in the denominational hospitals in Austria.

The castle, which stands on a conglomerate rock in front of the mouth of the Steyr, was a well-fortified fortress until the 18th century. It was probably built after the defeat of the Magyars in the Leckfeld Battle (955) to secure the eastern border of the empire. It is first mentioned in a document in a report on the synod held by the Bishop of Passau in Mistelbach near Wels in 977.

Don't just walk past the building, but through the courtyard! But there's a big "danger" that you'll stop and stare in amazement ;-)