preferablywithcastles

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CASTLES TO EXPLORE IN AUSTRIA

We love castles, and we love visiting them. If you're going to Austria, here is some information on Castles you may want to visit. ALWAYS check current information before you plan to visit somewhere - a blog post may be inaccurate or out of date. We do our best, but this is only an aid. You'll also want to check for accommodation if you plan to stay, where you might eat, what other places you might see during your visit (if you plan on staying longer than just one site visit), or if you are making the location your base rather than a day trip, what other day trips you might take. Please note this list is not meant to be exhaustive, it is my personal curation. If there's a location you think I should add, or I left off your favorite, please let me know!

Thank you for reading! Please find @PreferablyWithCastles on Youtube and TikTok. Always read about your destination to ensure you feel safe. May all your travels be happy, healthy, fun - and preferably with castles! Attributions in Order - Wikimedia Commons unless noted: Ambras Castle by henry kellner Bruck (Burg Bruck) by Lambert Oitzinger Clam (Burg Clam) by RANFILM1982 Finstergrün (Burg Finstergrün) by Bohringer Friedrich Franzensburg Castle by C. Stadler/Bwag Hellbrunn (Schloss Hellbrunn) by Matthias Kabel Hochosterwitz Castle by johann jaritz Hof (Schloss Hof) by Z thomas Hohensalzburg (Fortress Hohensalzburg) by jorge franganillo Hohenwerfen (Burg Hohenwerfen) by diego delso Hüttenstein (Schloss Hüttenstein) by luckyprof Kreuzenstein (Burg Kreuzenstein) by C. Stadler/Bwag Kufstein Fortress by Simon Koopman Ort (Schloss Ort) by simon matzinger Riegersburg Castle by Asirnipal Schattenburg Castle by Bohringer Friedrich Schönbrunn Palace by thomas wolf Tratzberg Castle by C. Stadler/Bwag

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The Magnificent Fortress of Festung Hohensalzburg in Salzburg, Austria

The Fortress on a Hill

Andreas Stiasny (Wikimedia Commons)

Welcome to Preferably With Castles, where I like to showcase a great place to visit - often a castle - and then give you some practical information in case you decide to make the trip. Today we talk about the stunning fortress of Hohensalzburg, perched famously atop the Festungsburg Mountain (Fortress Castle Mountain) in Salzburg Austria. How did it evolve from a simple wooden structure into a massive stone bastion that dominates the Salzburg skyline? Friends, the imposing walls of the fortress stretch out before us, we have to go take a look. The origins of Festung Hohensalzburg date back to 1077 when Archbishop Gebhard von Helfenstein ordered its construction during the Investiture Controversy. He was in support of the Pope against the Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV, so a new military base seems like a good idea. Initially, it was a simple wooden fortification, but over the centuries, it underwent numerous expansions and fortifications, especially during the reigns of Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach (1495-1519) and Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau (1587-1612).

The Golden Chamber by Zarion (Wikimedia Commons)

The Golden Hall by Gryffindor (Wikimedia Commons)

By the early 16th century, under Leonhard von Keutschach, the fortress had transformed into a formidable stronghold with extensive bastions and protective towers. It was during this time that the fortress gained its distinctive form, featuring Gothic and Romanesque architectural elements. Von Keutschach added the Golden Hall and the Golden Chamber (later the prince’s quarters), showcasing intricate wooden ceilings and opulent decor, reflecting the wealth and power of the archbishops.

The fortress continued to evolve, with Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau further enhancing its defensive capabilities and living quarters. Despite its militaristic design, the fortress was never taken by force, a testament to its strategic location and robust construction.

Throughout the centuries, Festung Hohensalzburg has served various purposes, from a military stronghold to a residence for archbishops, and even a barracks for troops. Today, it stands as a symbol of Salzburg's rich history and cultural heritage, attracting visitors from around the world.

Now as always let's help you get started on trip planning, because we all want to go see Hohensalzburg for ourselves now. Right? I only have so many ways to say 'This hotel was great and that restaurant was great', so I'm going to present the information differently.

Visiting Festung Hohensalzburg in Salzburg, Austria

Where would you stay: Castle Hotels (Stay in a Castle!)

Schloss Fuschl Resort & Spa Rating: 4.5/5 #LuxuryStay #HistoricCastle #LakesideViews Location: in Hof bei Salzburg, 20 km from Festung Hohensalzburg

Hotel Schloss Mönchstein Rating: 4.5/5 #ElegantRooms #PanoramicViews #HistoricCharm Location: in Salzburg, 1 km from Festung Hohensalzburg

Schloss Leopoldskron Rating: 4.0/5 #BaroqueCastle #ScenicLake #HistoricLandmark Location: in Salzburg, 3 km from Festung Hohensalzburg

Bed and Breakfast:

Villa Verde Rating: 4.5/5 #CharmingB&B #ComfortableRooms #WarmHospitality Location: in Salzburg

B&B Villa Salzburg Rating: 4.5/5 #QuaintSetting #HomemadeBreakfast #FamilyFriendly Location: in Salzburg

Die Haslachmühle Rating: 4.0/5 #Cozy #GreatLocation #Traditional Location: in Salzburg

And of course, if you’re anything like us, you look at potential AirBnBs. There are quite a few in the area, one as low as $69 that still looks beautiful. I will talk about AirBnB until they make me an affiliate.

Eating while at Festung Hohensalzburg:

St. Peter Stiftskulinarium 4.5/5 #GourmetDining #ElegantSetting #Historic

Bärenwirt 4.5/5 #LocalCuisine #CozyAtmosphere #HistoricBuilding

Augustiner Bräu Kloster Mülln 4.0/5 #Brewery #TraditionalAustrianFood #CasualDining

Dessert:

Café Sacher Salzburg 4.5/5 #FamousSacherTorte #ElegantSetting #ClassicViennese

Cafe Tomaselli 4.5/5 #HistoricCafe #DeliciousPastries #LocalFavorites

Cafe-Konditorei Fürst 4.5/5 #OriginalMozartkugel #DeliciousTreats #Traditional

Other places you can visit on this trip:

Mozart's Birthplace 4.5/5 #HistoricalLandmark #ClassicalMusic #CulturalHeritage

Mirabell Palace and Gardens 4.5/5 #BaroqueArchitecture #BeautifulGardens #IconicViews

Salzburg Cathedral 4.5/5 #BaroqueMasterpiece #HistoricLandmark #SpiritualCenter

Hellbrunn Palace and Trick Fountains 4.5/5 #RenaissanceArchitecture #WaterFeatures #FamilyFriendly

Haus der Natur 4.5/5 #ScienceMuseum #InteractiveExhibits #Aquarium

Salzburg Zoo 4.5/5 #FamilyFriendly #Wildlife #Educational

Hangar 7 4.5/5 #Planes #Helicopters #RacingCars

Salzburg Marionette Theatre 4.5/5 #CulturalHeritage #FamilyEntertainment #UniqueExperience

Cultural Sites:

Salzburg Festival A world-renowned festival featuring opera, classical music, and theater performances. Held annually in summer, it includes performances in venues such as the Großes Festspielhaus and Haus für Mozart.

Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg Experience concerts by this prestigious orchestra, often held at the Mozarteum Foundation's concert halls.

Salzburger Landestheater Enjoy a variety of performances ranging from opera to contemporary theater in this historic venue.

Salzburg State Theatre A historic venue offering a diverse range of performances, including opera, ballet, and drama.

Day Trips:

Hallstatt, 72 km

Hallstatt Salt Mine 4.5/5 #HistoricMine #ScenicViews #Educational

Heritage Hotel Hallstatt 4.5/5 #Charming #LakesideViews #Comfortable

Werfen, 40 km

Hohenwerfen Castle 4.5/5 #MedievalCastle #BirdsOfPrey #Historic

Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave 4.5/5 #NaturalWonder #LargestIceCave #Adventure

Berchtesgaden, Germany, 30 km

Eagle's Nest 4.5/5 #HistoricSite #ScenicViews #WWIIHistory

Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden 4.5/5 #Luxury #AlpineViews #SpaResort

© Google Earth, ©2024, Image Landsat

Thank You For Reading!

And that's my look at Festung Hohensalzburg. I am no bot or AI; I'm just someone who loves traveling with his family, especially to medieval sites. So until next time, may all your travels be happy, healthy, safe—and preferably with castles!

Do not hesitate to send me messages with more current information. I can only research so much for passion projects. Please take the time to do additional reading about anywhere you visit to ensure you feel safe.

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Chateau Chenonceau, The Unique Jewel of the River Cher

AXP Photography (Pexels) Today we talk about one of the most beautiful castles in France, Chateau de Chenonceau on the River Cher. How did the cold rivalry between two women eventually bring about the most visited and photographed private Chateau in all of France? How did one of these woman turn a remodeled fortress from the 1200s into a completely unique river spanning marvel, and how did the other woman top that? And fireworks? Imagine it's the 1500s and you've never seen fireworks before - we'll talk a bit about that too. Welcome to Preferably With Castles, where I like to showcase a great place to visit - often a castle - and then give you some practical information in case you decide to make the trip. I initially thought I was going to show you some pictures and say 'Look at the pretty castle', but medieval art and architecture is a passion of mine, and suddenly I was days in on researching French history. Friends, the forecourt to the Chateau stretches out before us, and we have to go look.

The original structure of the Chateau de Chenonceau was known as the Manoir de Chenonceau, built by the Marques family in the 13th century. Sitting serenely on the banks of the river Cher, even without all of the later renovations it must have been a stunning place to see.

Skip ahead 3 centuries and we come to Thomas Bohier, who was a tax collector for King Francis I. He was so wealthy (and that’s when you comment below ‘How wealthy was he?’) - he was so wealthy that he and his wife Katherine Briçonnet purchased the Manor of Chenonceau outright from the Marques family. As much as I’d love to see what that original structure looked like and show it to you, putting a lot of AI generation into these videos is not a goal of mine. But it was something like this: The main building (though un-renovated), the original part of the guard tower and no structure on the water. And also all those trees and flowers - those are new too.

Giblert Sopakuwa Thomas and Katherine purchased the Manor in 1513, but they weren't content to simply live there. They spent the next 9 years renovating. They turned the ancient fortress into a modern chateau. They also used the foundation of the ancient guard tower and turned it into the Tour de Marques in tribute to the previous owners. I don’t know about you, but I can't count the number of times I’ve wanted to go buy an ancient fortress and turn it into a pleasure palace, but somehow I've never had the funds.

Unfortunately for Bohier's son Antoine, the abbot of St. Rouen, he didn't have the funds either. After Thomas and Katherine’s death in 1524 and 1526 respectively, Antoine only held on to it until 1535, when his debts compelled him to sell it to King Francis I. After Francis I’s death in 1547, the chateau went to his son, King Henry II. Now you remember I mentioned two women who didn’t like each other very much. These two women were Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers. Diane de Poiter’s was Henry II’s favorite mistress (which begs the question, how many mistresses weren’t his favorite?)

The other woman, so to speak, was Catherine de Medici - Henry's wife.

So imagine how Catherine felt when Henry gave this magnificent palace as a gift - not to her, but to ‘her’. To explain what transpired between the two women as simply as I can, Diane was the woman Henry doted on and gave gifts like an entire chateau and enjoyed sweeping political influence during Henry's reign. Catherine had children.

This was fortunate, however, for the chateau, because both women went to considerable lengths to enhance it. Diane herself made some major renovations to the chateau and the surrounding site - most notably beautifying the grounds with gardens, and constructing the arched bridge across the river (though this did not include the two story gallery, just the bridge itself.)

The gift of the chateau, and the money spent on renovating it, was wrapped up with the political power Diane wielded by being the king's favorite - it wasn't enough to be his mistress and a financial drain, she also influenced the Treaty of Boulogne, the alliance with Scotland, military campaigns against the Hapsburgs and Italians, the appointment of political figures, the receiving of additional grants and lands to give to her political allies, and, wild as it sounds, as a devout Catholic, strengthening - of all things - the church's influence in France.

You can imagine Catherine's resentment, which was well documented. But, to come to her role in the chateau's history, in 1559, Henry II died. And bearing him all those children worked out in the end, because she was now the queen regent, and mother of the heir, Francis II. At this point she had the personal power to force Diane to relinquish Chenonceau for the measly Chateau Chaumont. Now, I kid, but look at this place. As far as getting rid of your rivals goes, that’s an incredibly sweet deal. Diane did, however, have a lot of power and influence at court, so simply banishing her (or worse) was not an ideal option. Moving her to Chaumont got her out of the center of court life as Catherine began exerting her own influence.

instant shots (flickr) I asked at the beginning how one woman could top the other. Catherine topped Diane by literally topping Chenonceau - she had a two story gallery ballroom built on top of Diane's bridge. Beyond that, she expanded the gardens (which became known as the Catherine de Medici gardens, not the Diane de Poitiers gardens), and wholeheartedly worked to make Chenonceau a hub for lavish royal events and court life. It really was destined to be one of the most cared for Chateau in the country, and to this day, people the world over come to see why.

Speaking of those lavish royal events, that brings us back to the other main point I mentioned in the intro - the fireworks. When Henry II died in 1559, Catherine would briefly be queen regent, and then in 1560, their son Francis II was crowned king. In that same year, Francis II married someone you may have heard of - Mary Queen of Scots. So, what do you do when your son becomes king and gets married? You throw the biggest party you can, which is exactly what Catherine did. And how did she make that party truly memorable? By presenting a thrilling innovation that England and Italy had already seen, but France had not - fireworks. This event marked the first time fireworks were displayed in the country of France, and even though we now have regular opportunities to see them every year, they’re still awe-inspiring. Imagine what it would have been like to get to see them for the first time ever in your entire country, from the vantage point of one of the world's most beautiful settings. To this day, the Chateau de Chenonceau is the most visited chateau in France, save only for the Royal Palace of Versailles. There is a lot more to the history before and after the renovation of the manor house that became the Chateau, but that's more than we'll cover here, and would be excellent reason to go see Chenonceau for yourself.

discopalace (flickr) Now as always let's help you get started on trip planning, because we all want to go see Chenonceau now. Right? I only have so many ways to say 'This hotel was great and that restaurant was great', so I'm going to present the information differently. Where you could stay: Château Hotels (STAY IN A CASTLE!) Château de Pray Rating: 4.5/5 #LuxuryStay #HistoricChâteau #FineDiningLocation: in Amboise, 12 km from Château de Chenonceau Château de la Bourdaisière Rating: 4.0/5 #ElegantRooms #Gardens #HistoricCharmLocation: in Montlouis-sur-Loire, 22 km from Château de Chenonceau Château de Chissay Rating: 4.0/5 #MedievalChâteau #Pool #GourmetRestaurantLocation: in Chissay-en-Touraine, 5 km from Château de Chenonceau

Bed and Breakfast: Le Clos Mony Rating: 4.5/5 #CharmingB&B #ComfortableRooms #WarmHospitalityLocation La Maison de Famille Rating: 4.5/5 #QuaintSetting #HomemadeBreakfast #FamilyFriendlyLocation Le Relais Chenonceaux Rating: 4.0/5 #Cozy #GreatLocation #TraditionalLocation And of course, if you’re anything like us, you look at potential AirBnB’s. There are quite a few in the area, one as low as $69 that still looks beautiful. I will talk about AirBnB until they make me an affiliate. Eating while at Chenonceau: L'Orangerie du Château 4.5/5 #GourmetDining #ElegantSetting #FineWine Auberge du Bon Laboureur 4.5/5 #LocalCuisine #CozyAtmosphere #HistoricBuilding Le Bistrot de Louise 4.0/5 #Bistro #TraditionalFrenchFood #CasualDining 0.2 miles Dessert: La Boulangerie de l’Abbaye 4.5/5 #DeliciousPastries #Bakery #LocalFavorites 0.2 miles

Other places you can visit on this trip: ZooParc de Beauval 4.5/5 #TopRatedZoo #FamilyFriendly #AnimalEncounters 24.14 km Place Plumereau, Tours 4.5/5 #MedievalArchitecture #Cafes #VibrantAtmosphere 28.97 km Château Royal d'Amboise 4.5/5 #HistoricCastle #LoireRiverViews #RoyalHeritage 17.7 km Château de Chambord 4.5/5 #RenaissanceArchitecture #ExpansiveGrounds #Iconic 46.67 km Château du Clos Lucé 4.5/5 #LeonardoDaVinci #HistoricalLandmark #Inventions 17.7 km

Day Trips Tours, 33 km Saint-Gatien Cathedral 4.5/5 #HistoricSites #GothicArchitecture #StainedGlass Hotel Oceania L'Univers Tours 4.5/5 #HistoricHotel #ElegantRooms #CityCenter Château Belmont Tours 4.5/5 #LuxuryHotel #Gardens #Spa Hotel Mirabeau 4.0/5 #BoutiqueHotel #Cozy #CentralLocation Blois, 46 km Château de Blois 4.5/5 #HistoricCastle #RoyalHeritage #Architecture Novotel Blois Centre 4.5/5 #ModernHotel #CentralLocation #Comfort Hotel Anne De Bretagne 4.0/5 #CozyHotel #HistoricDistrict #Comfortable La Maison du Carroir 4.5/5 #B&B #Charming #WellDecorated Orléans, 107 km Sainte-Croix Cathedral 4.5/5 #GothicArchitecture #HistoricLandmark #JoanOfArc House of Joan of Arc 4.5/5 #HistoricalMuseum #JoanOfArc #CulturalHeritage Empreinte Hotel & Spa 4.5/5 #BoutiqueHotel #Spa #LoireRiverViews Hôtel de l'Abeille 4.0/5 #HistoricHotel #Charming #CityCenter Best Western Hôtel d'Arc 4.0/5 #ModernAmenities #CentralLocation #Comfort

©2024 Google, Image Landsat Thank You For Reading! And that's my look at Chateau de Chenonceau. I am no bot or ai, I'm just someone who loves traveling with his family, especially to medieval sites. So until next time, may all your travels be happy, healthy, safe - and preferably with castles! Do not hesitate to send me messages with more current information. I can only research so much for passion projects. Please take the time to do additional reading about anywhere you visit to ensure you feel safe. For short a short form video about Chenonceau: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preferably_with_castles/ Pinterest: https://ie.pinterest.com/preferablywithcastles/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@preferablywithcastles X: https://x.com/castlespref For longer form voiceovers: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk-3-9S8_RUHhdezoyFQe_A

(If you don't see anything about the current post on these sites, give me a couple days. I do the blog posts first, and editing takes time.)

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Wondrous Places to Explore I'm new to Tumblr, so until I see a better way to do this, I'll keep a list of my posts here. If you want me to cover a place, please leave a comment.

Austria Festung Hohensalzburg 2024 / 06 / 24 Castles to Explore 2024 06 25

France Chateau de Chenonceau 2024 / 06 / 20

Germany Lichtenstein Castle 2024 / 06 / 18

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The Enchanting Lichtenstein Castle

History Today we look at the picturesque Lichtenstein Castle, located on a cliff overlooking the Echaz Valley in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The castle’s location adds to its fairy-tale appearance and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It remains a stunning example of the blend between literature and architecture, inspired by Wilhelm Hauff’s novel "Lichtenstein," and brought to life by Count Wilhelm of Württemberg between 1840 and 1842.

Image attribution - Martha Sales

Hauff’s novel romanticized the ideals of medieval chivalry and heroism. The 19th century experienced a resurgence in interest in medieval history and architecture, a trend known as historicism. Count Wilhelm sought to create a physical embodiment of the novel's themes and settings. Neuschwanstein Castle itself was influenced by similar romantic and historicist ideals and a 2009 filming of "Dornröschen" - The Sleeping Beauty - further cemented Lichtenstenstein's place in popular culture. The family of the Dukes of urach which began when Wilhem was granted the title maintains ownership to this day. The castle serves both as a private residence for the family and a public attraction, allowing visitors to explore its historical and architectural significance.

What You Will See When you visit, you'll find the striking castle keep, complete with turrets and battlements that offer fantastic views of the surrounding Echaz Valley. The interior of Lichtenstein Castle is adorned with period furnishings, weapons, and armor, providing visitors with a glimpse into the romanticized vision of medieval life. Guided tours are available.

Image Attribution - Pedro Albuquerque

Where To Eat During your visit to the castle, there are several excellent dining options nearby. Restaurants such as Forellenhof Rössle and Albgasthof Lichtenstein offer delicious local cuisine and hospitality. For dessert, you can visit Bäckerei Konditorei Padeffke in Reutlingen, which is renowned for its delightful pastries and cakes. Though as you can imagine, there's more than one bakery. Accomodation For accommodation, one of the most liked places to stay in Honau is the Forellenhof Rössle, which offers cozy rooms and great dining. Its proximity to Lichtenstein Castle makes it a convenient and charming option for visitors. Places Nearby Hohenzollern Castle: Located about 40 kilometers away, Hohenzollern is one of Germany's most iconic castles. For accommodations in the Reutlinger area, Hotel Fürstenhof Reutlingen is a highly rated choice known for its comfortable rooms and friendly service. Swabian Jura: This picturesque mountain range is known for its scenic hiking trails, fascinating caves, and overall natural beauty. It’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy exploring nature and engaging in activities such as hiking and spelunking. Bear Cave (Bärenhöhle): Located in Sonnenbühl, about 15 kilometers from Lichtenstein, this cave features impressive stalactites and stalagmites. It’s a great family-friendly attraction that offers a unique underground adventure. Day Trips Stuttgart: The capital of Baden-Württemberg is approximately 60 kilometers from Lichtenstein. Stuttgart has a vibrant cultural scene and is famous for its automotive museums, including the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. The city also boasts beautiful parks, such as Schlossgarten and Rosenstein Park. For a most liked place to stay, consider the Motel One Stuttgart-Mitte, offering modern amenities, a central location, and reasonable rates. Ulm: About 85 kilometers away, in Ulm you can visit the towering Ulm Minster, the tallest church in the world, and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beautiful Danube River. The old town of Ulm offers charming streets, historic buildings, and plenty of cafes and shops to explore. In Ulm, the Best Western Plus Atrium Hotel is a well-liked accommodation choice. Tübingen: Approximately 100 kilometers from Lichtenstein, Tübingen is known for its well-preserved medieval old town and the prestigious Eberhard Karls University. The city offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty, including the opportunity to enjoy a boat ride on the Neckar River. For accommodations, consider Hotel Krone Tübingen, boasting with modern comfort and a central location. Of course, you could always do what we do and look up potential AirBnBs in the area. Currently, there are locations as low as $43 a night available. I'm not affiliated with AirBnB - but help me make it happen. Tell me what places you've been or where you'd like to go, so I can write about them.

Map data ©2024 Google Thank You For Reading And that's my look at Castle Lichtenstein. I am no bot or ai, I'm just someone who loves traveling with his family, especially to medieval sites. So until next time, may all your travels be happy, healthy, safe - and preferably with castles! Do not hesitate to send me messages with more current information. I can only research so much for passion projects. Please take the time to do additional reading about anywhere you visit to ensure you feel safe. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preferably_with_castles/ Pinterest: https://ie.pinterest.com/preferablywithcastles/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@preferablywithcastles X: https://x.com/castlespref Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk-3-9S8_RUHhdezoyFQe_A