Hochosterwitz Castle
Sankt Georgen am Längsee, Austria
A castle on a limestone crag reached through 14 gates along a winding path. An inclined lift saves the climb.
Hochosterwitz Castle is a hilltop castle in Carinthia, Austria, on a limestone or dolomite rock near Sankt Georgen am Längsee, about 7 km east of Sankt Veit an der Glan on the edge of the Zollfeld plain. It stands 664 meters above sea level. The rock has been settled since the Bronze Age and was first documented in 860. In 1541 the fief passed to Christoph Khevenhüller; the Khevenhüller family still owns the castle.
Between 1570 and 1586 Georg Khevenhüller expanded the castle, adding an armory and 14 gates as protection against Ottoman raids. The ascent along the roughly 620-meter path leads through all 14 gates. Alternatively, there is a modern lift. Inside you can see an armory, a weapons collection and Renaissance paintings.
Practical notes: the castle traditionally opens at the end of March, daily from 10 am to 5 pm, last admission 3:30 pm; check the times beforehand. Sources give different heights for the rock (150 to 172 meters).
- Nearest town
- Sankt Georgen am Längsee, Austria
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 46.7536, 14.4506
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Austria: Vignette needed for motorways. Vehicles over 3.5 t need a GO-Box for distance-based tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Am MesseparkplatzMotorhome stopover19 km from Hochosterwitz Castle · 4 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposal
- Ferienzentrum SüdCampsite20 km from Hochosterwitz CastleTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Campingplatz Klagenfurt am WörtherseeCampsite21 km from Hochosterwitz CastleTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- PanoramacampingCampsite21 km from Hochosterwitz CastleTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Stausee campingCampsite23 km from Hochosterwitz Castle · 72 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToilets
- Camping SeewirtCampsite24 km from Hochosterwitz CastleTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in Austria · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Hochosterwitz Castle?
Hochosterwitz Castle is in Sankt Georgen am Längsee, Austria, at GPS 46.7536, 14.4506. It is about 18 km from Klagenfurt.
Can you camp near Hochosterwitz Castle?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Bergschusterhof, about 6 km away; within 25 km there are 17 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Hochosterwitz Castle?
Hochosterwitz Castle is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Carinthia’s warm lakes: Ossiach and Wörthersee.
What is there to see near Hochosterwitz Castle?
Places worth a stop nearby: Maria Wörth (27 km), Pyramidenkogel Tower (28 km), Logar Valley (43 km) and Rinka Waterfall (44 km).
When is the best time to visit Hochosterwitz Castle?
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)