Landskron Castle

Landskron Castle is a ruin on a rocky cone northeast of Villach in Carinthia, Austria, at 658 meters above sea level. It dates from the early 14th century; in 1351 Duke Albert II of Habsburg bought the fortress. In 1542 Christoph von Khevenhüller acquired it and had it rebuilt in Renaissance style. A lightning strike started a fire in 1812, after which it was not rebuilt. Since 1953 the remains have been conserved, and there is a restaurant within the walls.

From the panoramic terrace you look over the Villach basin, Lake Ossiach, the Kanzelhöhe, the Karawanks and the Julian Alps. The hill is also home to the Adlerarena with about 50 birds of prey and free-flight shows of around 40 minutes, and the Affenberg with about 180 Japanese macaques, which can only be entered on a guided tour of roughly 45 minutes.

Practical notes: it is about a 15-minute drive from Villach. A toll road leads to the parking lot at the top; alternatively, park for free at the foot and walk about 20 minutes. The Affenberg is open from late March to early November; check show times in advance.