Do you know where Austria’s smallest town is actually located? Fewer than 100 people live in its historic town center, and it lies right on the border with the Czech Republic and is home to one of Lower Austria’s larger medieval castle complexes
Exactly 90 minutes by car from Vienna, you’ll find an excellent destination for history and nature enthusiasts in the Waldviertel region. Hardegg Castle stands majestically atop a rock and boasts a rich history dating back to the 12th century.
Knightly charm meets Austrian film history
The fact that these thick walls have a special visual impact did not go unnoticed by the film industry. The complex has already served as a filming location for renowned productions such as the feature film “Narziss und Goldmund” or the medieval epic “Isenhart.”
ORF productions have also used the castle as a backdrop. When you walk through the massive Knights’ Hall or the old winter kitchen today, you can practically feel that cinematic atmosphere.
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Imperial Exhibition and the Wild Thaya Valley
The gates of Hardegg Castle will not open for you for an entire season in 2026. It will only be accessible for an extremely limited period from August 8, 2026, to August 23, 2026, for the 2nd Castle Summer. This concept is designed as a kind of pop-up or open house to keep the fortress accessible to the public while simultaneously financing its preservation.
Every visit directly supports the preservation of the walls. The family and their relatives volunteer their time and labor free of charge. All proceeds go directly toward the restoration of the site, and their use is transparently documented. You don’t need to make a reservation, so you can simply drop by on a whim.
New Exhibition and Imperial Heritage
During this period, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the castle on a self-guided tour. Among other things, you can see the East Tower and the old winter kitchen. A real highlight for 2026 is the newly designed Ancestral Hall, which starting this year will feature a detailed exhibition on the history of the Khevenhüller family.
Adults (ages 27–64) pay 9.50 euros for admission. Children under 6 years of age may explore the castle for free.
Hiking between two countries
Although the Thayatal National Park is the smallest in Austria in terms of area, it offers an incredibly dense natural landscape. You can stroll leisurely across the old Thaya Bridge directly below the castle into the Czech Republic and enjoy a perfect view of the complex from the Hardegger Warte.
The Thayatalweg trail and the route to the neighboring Kaja Castle ruins are particularly ideal for an active afternoon. With a little luck, you might spot local wildcats along the way—you can learn much more about them at the nearby National Park Center.
For a hearty snack after the hike, the restaurants in the region invite you to enjoy authentic Waldviertel delicacies. If you’re traveling by public transport, simply take the train from Vienna to Retz and then easily transfer to regional bus 875 or 876.
🏰 Location: Hardegg Castle
📍 Address: 2082 Hardegg, Lower Austria
📆 Open Castle: August 8–23, 2026
