Top 18 Castles around Japons
Best castles around Japons are found in a region characterized by its river valleys, rocky outcrops, and historical significance in Lower Austria. This area features a collection of medieval complexes, castle ruins, and transformed palaces, many strategically located above rivers like the Thaya. These sites offer insights into the region's past, from border defenses to aristocratic residences. Visitors can explore various architectural styles and historical periods within these structures.
Best castles around Japons
- The most popular castles is Ruins of…
Last updated: June 23, 2026
Ruins of Kollmitz Castle
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Eibenstein Castle Ruins
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The relatively well-preserved complex, picturesquely enthroned on a vertically falling rock above the …
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Schüttkasten Primmersdorf
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Raabs an der Thaya Castle
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Wildberg Castle
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Tips from the Community
A lovingly maintained castle ruin in the middle of the Waldviertel Kamp landscape
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Opening Hours 2025: April 26 - September 28 Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays Hourly guided tours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., no registration required (last tour at 5 p.m.) Group tours and weekdays by appointment with Mr. Karl Michael Liemberger at +43677/623 412 26
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Museum of the Kollmitz RuinsThe two former castle rooms in the outer bailey to the right of the entrance have been adapted as a museum and snack bar. Exhibits on the history of the castle and various finds are on display here. A documentation on the life and work of the topographer Georg Matthäus Vischer (1628 - 1696) can also be viewed.VisitYou can get the key for the towers and for the museum visit at the snack bar of the Kollmitz Ruins: open daily from May to October from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in good weather, July & August until 6 p.m.Admission: adults € 2.00, children € 1.00.Free admission for NÖ-CARD holders! For group registrations please call +43 664 4615881 (Mrs. Martina Rieder).
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Beautiful old ruin to visit, in summer also a snack station on site
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Knives are usually associated with Wildberg Castle, which is now privately owned. But Messern offers much more... for example, the starting point for many nice hikes
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Raabs Castle on the Thaya is one of the earliest stone castles built in what is now Austria. In the 16th and 18th centuries, the medieval castle was finally transformed into a palace by the Puchheimers and is now privately owned by Richard Pils. Website Raabs Castle: https://www.bibliothekderprovinz.at/schloss-raabs/ guides from the arcaded courtyard over the bridge to the hunger tower, past the keep, into the courtyards, to the castle fountain, via the baroque staircase to the exhibition rooms, through the large and small knight's hall to the balcony with a view of the town of Raabs. May 26 – September 25, 2022 on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays on the hour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m outside of guided tour times for groups by prior arrangement If you are coming from further away, it is advisable to contact us in advance, otherwise you may find yourself standing in front of closed gates (note is on the gate)! Raabs Castle can only be visited inside as part of a guided tour. Direct contact tours: Karl Michael Liemberger Phone ++43 (0) 677 623 412 26
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Primmersdorf Castle is located in the eponymous Gutsweiler Primmersdorf in the municipality of Raabs an der Thaya in the district of Waidhofen an der Thaya in the northern Waldviertel region of Lower Austria. The castle with its outbuildings is under monument protection (list entry). The castle, built in the middle of the 17th century as a successor to a medieval castle from the 13th century, was owned by the Herzogenburg Abbey from 1696 to 1851 and was used as a dairy. The plans of the three-storey baroque building with volute gables on the long sides are attributed to Jakob Prandtauer. The last aristocratic owner, Baron von Freyenfels, handed over the dilapidated castle to the state of Lower Austria. Today privately owned and restored, it has been expanded with apartments and an art studio. The Schüttkasten Primmersdorf association has been using the Schüttkasten for exhibitions and events since 1993. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schloss_Primmersdorf
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On the edge of the castle complex, Jakob Prandtauer erected the three-storey granary with a curved baroque gable structure in 1706 on behalf of the Canons of Herzogenburg. The former granary still has the original baroque wooden construction. The beautifully renovated, listed granary of the former Primmersdorf Castle has been available to everyone for cultural events, seminars, private and public celebrations since it opened at the end of May 2005, in the spirit of the artists around Henri Rousseau. The "Schuettkasten" has established itself as a place for cultural encounters thanks to its spacious, versatile rooms. Formerly a place where the agricultural harvest was kept, today it is a place where spiritual food is kept and distributed. http://vesnadesign.net/txt/sk/schuettkasten.html
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of castles can I expect to find around Japons?
The Japons region, located in Lower Austria, is rich in history and features a diverse collection of medieval complexes, castle ruins, and transformed palaces. Many are strategically positioned above rivers like the Thaya, showcasing various architectural styles and historical periods.
Which are the most popular castles to visit in the Japons area?
Among the most popular are the Ruins of Kollmitz Castle, an impressive medieval complex high above the Thaya, and Eibenstein Castle Ruins, picturesquely situated on a vertically falling rock. Visitors also highly appreciate Raabs an der Thaya Castle, one of the earliest stone castles in Austria, which was later transformed into a palace.
Are there any castles around Japons that offer guided tours?
Yes, Ruins of Kollmitz Castle offers guided tours by appointment, and it also has a snack station. Raabs an der Thaya Castle also provides guided tours, which are often the only way to visit its interior, including exhibition rooms and knight's halls. It's advisable to check their websites or contact them directly for current schedules and booking information.
What historical insights do the castles in Japons offer?
The castles around Japons provide deep insights into the region's past, serving as border defenses, aristocratic residences, and centers of power. For example, the Ruins of Kollmitz Castle was built to defend the border against Bohemia, while Raabs an der Thaya Castle evolved from an early stone fortress into a palace. Wildberg Castle even housed a printing press for Protestant writings, making it a center of Protestantism in Lower Austria during the 16th century.
Can I visit castles that have been restored or transformed into palaces?
Absolutely. Raabs an der Thaya Castle, for instance, was transformed into a palace in the 16th and 18th centuries and is now privately owned, offering guided tours. The Schüttkasten Primmersdorf, originally a medieval castle, was rebuilt in the 17th century as a Baroque building and is now privately owned, restored, and used for exhibitions and events.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Japons?
The region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, cycling, and easy hikes. For example, there are gravel biking loops like the 'Groß-Siegharts Castle – Drösiedl Castle loop' and cycling routes such as the 'Viewpoint of Raabs Castle – Ruins of Kollmitz Castle loop'. For hikers, the 'Ruins of Kollmitz Castle – Kollmitz Berg loop' is a popular easy option. You can explore more routes in the Gravel biking around Japons, Cycling around Japons, and Easy hikes around Japons guides.
Are there any castles that are not open to the public?
Yes, Wildberg Castle, located high above the Taffatal, is privately owned and currently not open to the public. While its historical significance is notable, visitors cannot access its interior.
What kind of views can I expect from the castles in Japons?
Many castles in the Japons region are strategically located on hills or above river valleys, offering breathtaking views. For instance, the Ruins of Kollmitz Castle is enthroned high above the Thaya, providing wonderful views of the surroundings. From the balcony of Raabs an der Thaya Castle, you can enjoy panoramic views of the town of Raabs.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the castles around Japons?
Visitors appreciate the historical depth and the picturesque settings of the castles. The well-preserved structures, like the meter-high walls and towers of Ruins of Kollmitz Castle, offer a tangible connection to the past. The scenic locations, often above rivers like the Thaya, are also highly valued for their beauty and photographic opportunities.
Are there any castles that require caution due to their terrain?
Yes, for Eibenstein Castle Ruins, while the initial area is suitable for families, other parts require sure-footedness and appropriate caution due to steep drops. It's always recommended to wear suitable footwear and be mindful of your surroundings when exploring ruins.
How can I learn more about the history of a specific castle?
Many castles, especially those offering guided tours or exhibitions, provide detailed historical information on-site. For example, Raabs an der Thaya Castle has exhibition rooms. For others, local information boards or dedicated websites (if available) can offer further context. The komoot community tips for each highlight often contain historical facts and links to external resources.
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