Höch Castle in Flachau

Schloss Höch in Flachau, Austria

Höch Caste (Schloss Höch), first mentioned in the 11th century, offers a nice view over the Flachau area. Inside there is a big salon with a splendid decoration made of wood. Owned by a shareholder of a pit (‘Gewerke‘) for a long time it serves as a venue for cultural events now.

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Dürnstein Castle in Styria

Burgruine Dürnstein in Styria, Austria

Dürnstein Castle (Burgruine Dürnstein) was first mentioned as castrum Dierenstein in 1144. The castle is placed right at the border between Styria and Carinthia. I took this photo while riding a train between Friesach and Unzmarkt. One can see the catenary of the railroad on the left side of the picture.

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Maßenburg in Leoben

Maßenburg in Leoben, Austria

The Maßenburg is a castle ruin on a hill high over Leoben. It was probably first built in the 13th century. Today hikers have there a great view of Leoben from a viewing tower built on the ruins of a former watch tower.

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Iron Maiden at Lockenhaus Castle

Iron maiden at Lockenhaus Castle, Austria

A ‘Eiserne Jungfrau’ (Iron Maiden) seen at Lockenhaus Castle. Though such devices are often  shown at castles they are supposed not had been used at all. Probably they were just show pieces inspired by another device called ‘Schandmantel’ (Spanish Coat).

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