The best hikes from bus stations around Stausee Dobra

From the 15th century onwards, Lichtenfels changed hands frequently until the castle came to Rastenberg in 1628. As the new owners moved their seat of power to Rastenberg, the slow decay of Lichtenfels began in 1774. In 1790, the Freiherrn von Bartenstein, who owned Rastenberg and Lichtenfels, sold the majority of the castle's roof to Stift Zwettl. The reason for this was the roof tax introduced by Emperor Joseph II, which was calculated based on the size of the roof areas. Numerous noble families throughout the country had their cold and uninhabitable castles de-roofed at that time to save taxes. In 1804, the last inhabitant left Lichtenfels castle, which has been owned by the Thurn-Valsassina family together with Rastenberg since 1872. The Romanesque chapel, formerly dedicated to the Apostle Paul, was a destination for small pilgrimages for a long time; the last one took place in 1960 from Friedersbach. Lichtenfels castle ruins can be visited all year round (at your own risk).

On a peninsula in the Ottenstein reservoir, the Lichtenfels castle ruins rise picturesquely. Before the creation of the reservoir (1954-1957) and the construction of the federal road B38 with the bridge completed in 1957, the Lichtenfels castle, first mentioned in 1248, stood lonely on a rocky ridge high above the Kamp river. In the 13th century, an important ministerial family resided here, initially bearing the nickname „Tursen“, deriving from Rauheneck castle near Baden, and towards the end of this century took the name „Lichtenfels“. Under their rule were numerous surrounding places, such as Friedersbach, for example. During the Hussite invasions of 1427/28, Lichtenfels served as a storage place for the archives and treasures of the Zwettl Abbey.

A great castle ruin. The keep can be climbed. A small donation is requested. From the tower, a flight on a steel cable to the opposite bank of the Kampsee is even offered. Events also take place here.

No Merlot here — the shelf stands empty, quiet, waiting for a bottle that never comes. Kein Merlot hier — das Regal bleibt leer, still, wartend auf eine Flasche, die nie kommt. Pas de Merlot ici — l'étagère reste vide, silencieuse, attendant une bouteille qui n'arrive jamais. No hay Merlot aquí — el estante queda vacío, silencioso, esperando una botella que nunca llega.

No Merlot here — the shelf stands empty, quiet, waiting for a bottle that never comes. Kein Merlot hier — das Regal bleibt leer, still, wartend auf eine Flasche, die nie kommt. Pas de Merlot ici — l'étagère reste vide, silencieuse, attendant une bouteille qui n'arrive jamais. No hay Merlot aquí — el estante queda vacío, silencioso, esperando una botella que nunca llega.

The Ottenstein reservoir, is the largest of the Kamp lakes and is among the richest waters in fish in Austria and at the same time among the best predatory fish waters in Europe. Its water surface is 4.3 km² and extends with its fjord-like, branched side arms, with a length of more than 14 km, up to Zwettl. The deepest point is 69 m.

Schloss Waldreichs was first documented in 1258. Around 1400, Kaspar and Bernhard von Waldreichs are mentioned as feudal lords. After its destruction by an executionary army of the estates in 1446–1448, it was rebuilt as a fortress around 1450 under Hans Harrasser. The present-day ruin in the east wing, the chapel, and the eastern tower date from this period. In 1460, it was enfeoffed to Vinzenz Stodoligk. From 1519–1536, it was united with the Lordship of Ottenstein. Between 1530–1534, it was converted into a moated castle under Eustach Stodoligk. From 1533, it was a free property. In 1536, the complex passed to the Barons of Altena, who expanded it with a zwinger and a manor farm. After its conquest and plundering by imperial troops, the complex was rebuilt again and subsequently changed owners frequently. When it passed to Heinrich von Pereira-Arnstein in 1815, it was united with the Lordship of Wetzlas.

Schloss Waldreichs was first mentioned in documents in 1258. Around 1400, Kaspar and Bernhard von Waldreichs are mentioned as feudal lords. After its destruction by an execution army of the estates in 1446–1448, it was rebuilt around 1450 under Hans Harrasser as a fortress. The present ruin in the east wing, the chapel, and the eastern tower date from this period. In 1460, it was enfeoffed to Vinzenz Stodoligk. From 1519–1536, it was united with the Herrschaft Ottenstein. From 1530–1534, it was converted into a water castle under Eustach Stodoligk. From 1533, it was a free property. In 1536, the complex passed to the Barons von Altena, who expanded it with a zwinger and a manor farm. After its conquest and plundering by imperial troops, the complex was rebuilt again and subsequently changed owners frequently. When it passed to Heinrich von Pereira-Arnstein in 1815, it was united with the Herrschaft Wetzlas.