Attractions and Places To See in Probstwald - Top 11

Wartenstein Castle sits majestically overlooking the Schwarza Valley. This historic complex has shaped the landscape on the edge of the Rax region for centuries. From here, breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys unfold.

The parish church of Schottwien, with its distinctive tower, dominates the townscape. Dedicated to St. Giles, the church boasts a long history and combines Gothic and Baroque elements. It is a peaceful spot in the heart of the village, offering views of the surrounding mountains.

Nice rest area, it's 2.3 km from Schlagl to here. The onward path to the Kummerbauerstadel was closed on January 31, 2026 due to weather damage.

The **Schottwien Church**, also known as the **Schottwien Branch Church**, is an important religious building in the region. Here are some interesting facts about the church: 1. **Patronage**: - The church is dedicated to **Saint Vitus**, one of the **Fourteen Holy Helpers**. The patronage is celebrated on **May 15th**. 2. **Architecture**: - The current Gothic church complex dates back to buildings from the **14th and 15th centuries**. It was harmonized in 1511, giving it its current appearance. 3. **Location**: - The church is located in the district of **Schottwien**, which is part of the deanery of **Gloggnitz** in the vicariate of **Unter dem Wienerwald**. 4. **Place of Pilgrimage**: - Nearby is the **Maria Schutz Pilgrimage Church**, which stands prominently on the northern slope of the **Sonnwendstein** and is considered the "Jewel of the Semmering Region." 5. **Parish Life**: - The Schottwien parish is active within the community and offers various events and services that promote the spiritual life of the congregation. The Schottwien Church is thus a fascinating example of the region's connection between history, architecture, and spirituality.

Well-preserved, privately owned castle, not open to the public. More details: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Wartenstein

Built in 1787 by Georg Brenner. As a thank you for his animals being spared from a plague. Rebuilt in 2017/18 by the Bauer family.

The renovation has been completed.

The castle is privately owned and can only be viewed from the outside. The original building dates from the 12th century and only included a keep, a palace, a chapel and a small courtyard. The first expansion of the complex took place in the middle of the 13th century. The first lords of the castle were Hermannus de Wartenstein, who was first mentioned in a document around 1190, and the ministeriale Chunradus de Wartenstaine, who is mentioned in a document from 1220. In 1287 Heinrich von Stubenberg acquired the castle. He was succeeded as owner by Erchengerus de Wartenstein. In the 14th century the castle came into the possession of the sovereign and was subsequently mortgaged several times up until the 15th century, for example by Leopold III to the Counts of Cilli. Around 1470 Emperor Friedrich III handed the complex over to the Order of St. George. After the Hungarian King Matthias Corvinus took over the castle without a fight in 1487, it fell back to the Habsburgs after his death in 1490. In 1529, Wartenstein Castle was destroyed during the First Turkish Siege of Vienna. The entire Wartenstein domain was purchased in 1609 by Georg Bernhard von Urschenbeck, who had been the tenant of the castle since 1547. Subsequently, in the 1640s, major renovations were carried out under the new owner Georg Andreas von Petschowitz (also Petschowitsch). In 1720, the Neapolitan Counts Stella acquired the complex, followed by the Caracciolo family. However, they did not live here, and the castle was also devastated by the French in 1809, so that Wartenstein was already pretty dilapidated when it was bought by the House of Liechtenstein in 1870. Franziska, Princess of Liechtenstein, arranged for the complex to be renovated in the spirit of Romanticism. The renovations were led by Ignaz Bankó, house architect of Prince Johann II of Liechtenstein. In April 1945, the Russian-German front moved closer to the castle; it was badly damaged by fighting. In 1957, the Swedish industrialist Axel Leonard Wenner-Gren bought it from the Liechtensteiners and dedicated it to his Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research of New York, for which it was again restored and modernized. Wartenstein Castle was then owned by the American Raymond A. Rich, whose heirs sold it in 2019. More on the history: http://burgenkunde.at/niederoesterreich/noe_burg_wartenstein/noe_burg_wartenstein.htm