Top 7 Castles in Föhrenberge Nature Park

Hark, noble knights, and hear the tidings of the venerable castle of Perchtoldsdorf! As early as the eleventh century, this stone fortress was erected, after the brave Bavarian Duke Henry the Quarrelsome defeated the furious Hungarians in 991 and took the land around Vienna and the eastern edge of the Alps under his protection. On the southern slope of the mighty Vienna Woods, a chain of ramparts was raised to secure the east from enemies. One link in this defense was the Perchtoldsdorf castle, a stately tower of solid stone, surrounded by ramparts, a moat, and a protective palisade. It was built by a noble family of Babenberg vassals, whose splendor is also reflected in the name of the legendary "Berchtold", that knight to whom the place owes its fame, although he is not attested in old writings. Thus, the castle bravely watched over the land and its people!

A wonderful place to experience history firsthand.

Remains of the walls of the so-called Johannes or pilgrimage chapel, which Prince Johann I of Liechtenstein had built in the pine forest of the Kalenderberg in 1818. Because of its somewhat unusual roof shape, this chapel was popularly known as the "Pfefferbüchsel". It was destroyed in the revolutionary year of 1848 and not rebuilt. Source: www.mariaenzersdorf.gv.at/Pfefferbuechsel_2

view of the castle

A Beautiful Castle

The Pfefferbüchsel is a former chapel on the calendar mountain that was built in the 19th century by the Prince of Liechtenstein. It had an unusual roof shape that was reminiscent of a spice jar, and was therefore popularly called the pepper box. The chapel was destroyed in the revolutionary year of 1848 and was not rebuilt. The remains were renovated in 2018 and are now an interesting testimony to the history and culture of the Calendar Mountain. The Calendar Mountain is a popular excursion and hiking spot in the Vienna Woods, which offers many historical and natural sights, such as Liechtenstein Castle, the amphitheater, the Black Tower and the Eye Glasses. The mountain also has archaeological significance as it has finds from the Neolithic and Bronze Age, referred to as the Calendar Mountain culture. The mountain is part of the Föhrenberge Nature Park and offers a diverse range of flora and fauna.

The castle and church of Perchtoldsdorf are two historical sights in the market town of Perchtoldsdorf in the Mödling district in Lower Austria. The castle is a tower castle that was built before the year 1000 to protect the Babenberg area from the Hungarians. The church was originally the castle chapel, which was elevated to a parish church in the 13th century. The castle and church form a mighty complex on the market square in Perchtoldsdorf, which offers a beautiful view over the Vienna Woods and the city of Vienna. The castle and church of Perchtoldsdorf have a long and eventful history that is associated with many personalities and events. The castle was the ancestral home of the Lords of Perchtoldsdorf, who took part in important battles such as Dürnkrut and Jederspeigen. The castle was destroyed and rebuilt several times, including by Duke Frederick the Quarrelsome and the Turks. The castle was also owned by the Dukes of Austria, who used it as a hunting lodge. The church was expanded and redesigned several times, including Gothic frescoes, Baroque altars and a Rococo organ front. The church also houses the burial place of the Lords of Perchtoldsdorf, which is decorated with artistic gravestones. Today, the castle and church of Perchtoldsdorf are not only cultural monuments, but also lively places for events, guided tours and church services. The castle offers various rooms and courtyards for conferences, congresses, celebrations, banquets, weddings and much more. The church is an active parish that regularly offers masses, devotions, concerts and other spiritual offerings.

07/28/2023 - From here there are beautiful, comfortable and interesting hiking routes. But you should also visit the excellent Heurigen afterwards - good wine and food/desserts 😊.