Schloß Seebenstein

Schloß Seebenstein : Seebenstein, AT

Our next stop on the trip was friend Daniella's parents, Christine and Hellmut, who live in Seebenstein, just south of Vienna. In the last three months of my time in Austria, I served in the town of Wiener Neustadt and that's where I met Christine and Hellmut and their daughters, Sabine, Daniella, and Sonja. They became very dear friends and we've stayed in touch over the years. I was thrilled they invited us to stay with them. It was such a treat and like being with family again. On our second day in Seebenstein, Christine walked with us to the castle above their town. Unfortunately, it was closed for tours, so we only saw the outside. Still, it was a nice walk.

Wolfsberg

St. Mark's Church and Wolfsberg Castle : Wolfsberg, AT

Originally, I wanted to visit Graz, Austria, because I never had the chance to go there when I lived in Austria 20+ years ago. Unfortunately, we got a little bit of a late start from Klagenfurt and Maya was worried about traffic, so we pressed onwards towards Seebenstein. On our way there, we stopped in the little town of Wolfsberg for some lunch. Not much to see here. Disappointed not to have seen Graz. Oh well. Next trip, I guess.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 5/2012

The Gates of Burg Hochosterwitz

The first gate -- the Fähnrichtor -- as you begin your ascent to the castle :
Burg Hochosterwitz : Launsdorf, AT

One of the features that makes Burg Hochosterwitz unique as far as fortress castles go is its 14 gates. The gates were built such that an assault could be repelled by the castle from all sides, but the attacking enemy could only attempt to break through the gate and was not well positioned for defense. Visitors can walk the 620 meter-long (2,030 ft) pathway through all 14 gates to the castle. Each gate contains a diagram explaining the gate's defensive mechanism. Unfortunately, I forgot to take reference photos for each of the gates. If anyone out there knows the names, leave a comment, bitte schön.

Not really one of the defensive gates, but I liked the bronze bas relief and the view of the church's steeple : 

Burg Hochosterwitz : Launsdorf, AT

One of the last gates we walked through on our way to the top : Burg Hochosterwitz : Launsdorf, AT

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 5/2012

Hochosterwitz

Approaching Burg Hochosterwitz : Launsdorf, AT

Friend Daniella was able to take a day off and went with us to Burg Hochosterwitz -- a medieval fortress in the rolling hills and countryside of Kärnten. First mention of the castle was made in 860 CE/AD. The castle remains the property of the Khevenhüller family and descendents of this family continue to live in part of the castle. (Members of the Khevenhüller family are part of a long, deep line of European royalty and are in the line of succession to the British throne, but are so far down the list, they'll never wear the Crown Jewels.) The rest of the castle is open to the public for viewing and for events. The grounds include a museum and tours, as well as walking paths, some chapels, and really spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. (As an aside, I had forgotten how breathtakingly beautiful Austria is. It is, in my opinion, even prettier than Switzerland. If you don't believe me, the next time you come to Europe, make Austria part of your itinerary.) More photos here.

Views of the surrounding Austrian countryside from Hochosterwitz : Launsdorf, AT

Charlie leads the way at Hochosterwitz : Launsdorf, AT

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 5/2012

Castle Krumlov

Krumlov Castle Tower and surrounding wall : Český Krumlov, CZ

Tromp l'oeil in the castle grounds : Castle Krumlov : Český Krumlov, CZ

The must-see site in Krumlov is its castle. Built in the 13th century, the castle has been beautifully preserved and maintained. Ticket prices for tours inside the castle seemed a bit steep, so we didn't go inside, but the frescoes, sgraffito, and tromp l'oeil on the outside walls, as well as the gardens and courtyards, were lovely enough. For a few Czech crowns, you can go up to the top of the castle's dominant tower and enjoy a beautiful view of Krumlov and the surrounding countryside, complete with Soviet-style block housing on the outskirts! The weather wasn't that great while we were there, so these pictures are a little dull.

Jar-Jar Binx a la Krumlov?! : Český Krumlov, CZ

Sgraffito and tromp l'oeil : Castle Krumlov : Český Krumlov, CZ

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 4/11

Castle Křivoklát

Castle Křivoklát : Křivoklát, CZ

Entrance to Castle Křivoklát : Křivoklát, CZ

On Sunday, Ivo's cousin, Vladimir, took us all to Castle Krivoklat, about an hour west of Prague. Construction on the castle began in the 12th century and was the home of several Bohemian kings. The castle was originally built as a hunting lodge for the nobility. Later in its history, the castle was a prison. In the 19th century, the Fürstenberg family of Germany took possession of the buildings and engaged in an extensive reconstruction project following a fire in 1826. Today, the castle is one of the Czech Republic's most popular tourist sites. To see more pictures of one the oldest castles in the country, go here.

These are the actual keys to the castle! 

Our guide used them to unlock and lock the various doors 

we came in and out of as we toured the castle : 

Castle Křivoklát : Křivoklát, CZ

Cousin Vladimir, our host and guide for 

our visit to Castle Křivoklát : Křivoklát, CZ

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 4/11

Windows of Chillon

Sunbeams :  Château de Chillon : Montreux, CH

Château de Chillon has lots of windows. These are just a few of the many opportunities to look out on other parts of the castle or to enjoy views of Lake Geneva and the Alps.

Million dollar view : Château de Chillon : Montreux, CH

Italianate influence? : Château de Chillon : Montreux, CH

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 12/10

Château de Chillon

Château de Chillon on the banks of Lac Leman : Montreux, CH

When friends come to visit, as happened earlier this month, it's quick and easy to take them to the Château de Chillon. It's especially fun in December, because the castle hosts a medieval festival complete with food and crafts, costumed re-enactors, and courtyard performers playing period instruments or tossing and spinning balls of fire. Because we had another engagement later in the evening, we couldn't stay for the flame throwers, but we did manage a few fun hours wondering around the castle made famous by Lord Byron. The next few days will feature photos from Switzerland's most visited site.

Kitchen : Château de Chillon : Montreux, CH

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 12/10