Top 15 Castles around Parndorf

The Heimenburg castle ruins on the Schlossberg above Hainburg are among the oldest castle complexes in Austria and look back on a history of almost a thousand years. Between the preserved walls, the former significance of the fortress can still be well imagined. In addition, the exposed location offers a magnificent view over Hainburg, the Danube and the surrounding landscape. 🏰🌄

The Götzenturm (Idol Tower) is a medieval defensive tower on the city wall of Hainburg an der Donau, built in the 13th century as part of the city's fortifications. Often referred to today as the "Water Tower," the building originally had nothing to do with water supply – the name was erroneously coined by locals. The tower was part of the fortifications for the city's defense and, with its solid construction, small window openings, and elevated position, offers a good overview of the Danube and the surrounding area. For cyclists on the Danube Cycle Path or passing through Hainburg's old town, the Götzenturm is a striking landmark and an impressive relic from the time when Hainburg was one of Austria's most powerful fortress towns.

Petronell Castle was first built in the 11th century. The four-winged castle complex that still exists today was planned by Dominio Carlone (around 1615 - 1679) on behalf of the Abensperg-Traun family. The castle is decorated with frescoes by Caprovo Tencalla. The castle was owned by the Abensperg and Traun families for 17 generations and was sold to a private investor in 2006 and can therefore only be viewed from the outside. More on the history: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schloss_Petronell

Water tower (Idol tower), Hainburg a.d. Donau The Idol farm in the north-eastern part of the town was traditionally owned by the so-called Lords of Röthelstein, named after the extensive castle and fortification complex located about 2 km downstream on a steep rock massif above the Danube. The Röthelstein castle was founded around the middle of the 12th century by the Sonnberger family, who originally lived in the central castle on the Schlossberg. In the 13th century they were among the most powerful city ministerials in Hainburg. The Idol farm served them primarily as a power base in the town, as well as for managing their huge properties and fishing grounds in the Danube floodplains opposite, and undoubtedly also for Danube trade. The only, but extremely monumental, remnant of the Idol farm is the one built in the first half or shortly after the middle of the 13th century. The octagonal Götzenturm, built in 1444, forms the north-east corner of the city fortifications. Its first and second floors were used exclusively for military purposes (mainly to cover the nearby harbor area), while the third floor with its late Romanesque double windows undoubtedly served a representative residential function. The adjacent eastern city wall is probably one of the few places in the city fortifications that, like the Vienna and Hungarian gates and the castle's ring wall, had an external defensive gallery from which the attackers could be fought effectively from above. This information was kindly provided by Mr. Mag. Scholz and Mr. MMag. R. Woldron. Many thanks to the Monument Office, the Vienna City and State Archives, the Boltzmann Institute and the Lower Austrian State Archives. Text / Source: Donau Niederösterreich Tourismus GmbH, Schlossgasse 3, A-3620 Spitz/Donau https://www.donau.com/de/roemerland-carnuntum-marchfeld/imx/ausflug-freizeit/der-wasserturm/e30b7b356921629ae2dc8079dbed134b/

The secret landmark of Neusiedl - cozy up here with a wonderful view over Lake Neusiedl.

Tabor - ruins are the city's secret landmark For a long time, this castle ruin was thought to be a Roman building. In fact, it dates back to the Middle Ages. Experts have differing opinions about its function: some believe it was a royal residential castle, others a defensive tower. The wall construction suggests that the building was built in the 14th/15th century. In any case, Tabor was later used for defensive purposes. In 1708, it was fortified with palisades and wooden posts, but was still unable to withstand the onslaught of the Kurucs. The Tabor ruins are located on a hill and from the high walls of the ruins you have a wonderful view of the city and the lake.

Spacious castle with well-kept garden.

Eckartsau Castle, the headquarters of the Donau-Auen National Park of the Austrian Federal Forests, also has an information point for the Donau-Auen National Park including a castle café and the WILD°WECHSEL exhibition. Visit the national park information point, which will advise you on your personal excursion wishes. Ask about the most beautiful hiking and cycling trails or book a guided excursion in the Donau-Auen National Park on land and water. You can also book castle tours here. The castle café will spoil you with pastries, small snacks and cold and warm drinks while you rest in the idyllic courtyard of the castle. The WILD°WECHSEL exhibition tells the story of the transformation from an imperial hunting ground to a national park: Of course, the Donau-Auen cannot be easily put into two rooms. But interesting views and insights are guaranteed here. Roam through the floodplain forests on a special kind of stalking trip. Find your way. Observe and explore the surroundings. Become the target of others. Race through time and see for yourself. Cross the turbulent stream of history with its stages. From the monarchy to the present day. Become a part of our history! Spot animals, master the hunting language and become a goal scorer. Prepare to be surprised - at second glance everything is different. Visiting the exhibition is free of charge.