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