Kreuzenstein Castle: A Hidden Gem Day Trip From Vienna
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This is what it feels like to step into Kreuzenstein Castle.
Is Kreuzenstein Castle Worth It?
While I’m already familiar with other beautiful castles in Europe, and I believe Kreuzenstein Castle isn’t the most beautiful in Austria, I have to admit, it was still love at first sight for me when I discovered Kreuzenstein Castle. Wanderers, the castle’s blend of Gothic and German medieval architecture gives the castle a mystical appearance that stirs the imagination.
Right from the cobblestone arched bridge before you enter the gate, you can already imagine knights on their horses and swordsmen marching from the castle, passing under the portcullis. Look up and your imagination will let your eyes paint flying creatures, soaring over the pointy towers of the castle. It’s a place where fantasies come to life in Austria…
No wonder it was chosen as a filming location for the Season of The Witch!
This is why if you’re particularly interested in castles or quaint places as much as I am and you’re spending a few days in Vienna, I highly recommend Kreuzenstein Castle. Like, the time-transporting experience becomes even more amazing when you reach the courtyard. Kreuzenstein Castle’s walls covered by vines, timber-framed rooms, and Gothic bridges are simply magical.
On the other hand, if you’re the ordinary type of traveler or anyone not into historical or medieval stuff, I believe there are other attractions in Vienna which you might want to prioritize more. Literally, there are tens of amazing attractions in Vienna, and the city’s stunning churches like Stephansdom, Karlskirche, or Peterskirche are just the beginning.
Anyhow, Kreuzenstein Castle indeed makes for a wonderful day trip from Vienna. If you’re planning to stay in Vienna for a few days or more, it’s worth considering a visit to Kreuzenstein Castle.
Before You Go…
Actually, if you’re thinking about heading to Kreuzenstein Castle without a vehicle, you’re in for a bit of an adventure.
After reaching Leobendorf via public transit, you’ve got a 40-minute hike ahead of you to get to the castle. The route is 2.5 kilometers, or about 1.5 miles in length. It’s a split journey from the station to Kreuzenstein Castle — half is a stroll through the neighborhoods, and the other half is a climb on forest paths.
There’s a little ‘teaser’ en route. Midway along the path, just a few steps into Kreuzensteinerstrasse, you’re treated to a dramatic view of Kreuzenstein Castle perched on its hill. It’s bound to stir up some excitement!
The path through the forest is well-paved, so hiking shoes aren’t necessary. But it’s certainly recommended to wear shoes that are comfortable for walking.
The path to Kreuzenstein Castle is also a roadway, so be mindful of cars. Although the path does have a few forks, don’t worry – there are signs to point you in the right direction.
After about a 40-minute walk, you’ll find yourself in the expansive parking lot of Kreuzenstein Castle. This lot seems large enough to hold over 100 cars. From there, Kreuzenstein Castle is just a short stroll away.
If the 40-minute hike has you feeling peckish, you’re in luck: there’s a restaurant just outside the castle. They serve goulash, coffee, cakes, topfen strudel, and more. You can find the menu in the resources section of this post.
What to Expect
While Kreuzenstein Castle looks imposing from the outside, your overall impression of it will be affected by the things that you’ll experience inside.
As someone who likes seeing quaint beauty, I think the picturesque scenes in the courtyard already give an unforgettable experience. From the reliefs on the doors of the castle to the covered ramparts and the metal clock on the face of the tower, it feels like you’re in a video game.






Also in the courtyard, there’s a battering ram that was once used to breach castle gates during medieval times. It’s incredibly intriguing. I just wish there was a demonstration showing how it was operated back then.



The old well and the tree beside it in the courtyard are head turners. They pretty much show how slow life was and what a beautiful experience it already was to get water—all before we invented water pumps



While anyone can see everything in the courtyard in a few minutes, a photographer can spend more than an hour capturing dramatic scenes in it. If you like taking photos, know that you can climb the stairs at the far end of the courtyard to reach the part of the castle with an overlooking view of the courtyard. That view is unmissable!



Aside from the courtyard, you can also see the interiors of the castle, although you need to join a guided tour to do so.
You must have cash when you visit. There’s no ATM and credit cards aren’t accepted.
The tour of Kreuzenstein Castle comes with two plot twists:
- If you don’t speak German, the experience inside Kreuzenstein Castle could be a little unsatisfying as the tours are only conducted in German.
- Another plot twist is this: you’ll learn that the castle isn’t 100% authentic, which would already be obvious if you’re familiar with the history of the castle. The castle has become a museum of artifacts collected from different parts of Europe.



Even though you’ll receive English handouts from the guide, the information they’ll share verbally goes beyond what’s printed.
There are guides who can speak English, but the tour itself is still carried out in German. If you happen to join a tour with a guide who speaks English, feel free to ask them questions once they’ve finished talking about the castle exhibits. But if you’re a bit shy, you can always use a translation app on your smartphone. Just stand near the guide and let the app work its magic.
All in all, the tour takes about 45 minutes and includes a visit to different areas of the castle. Tours are scheduled every hour. You’ll have the opportunity to see the kitchen, dining room, sleeping room, knights hall, and the armory, which I personally find to be the most intriguing part of the tour.
The armory houses hundreds of medieval weapons and armors, with some likely reaching up to two meters in length! It’s regarded by many as one of Austria’s most historically significant collections of weaponry.



In addition to the diverse exhibits, be prepared to climb some stairs to explore different sections of the castle, including the impressive wooden architecture of the castle’s roof. Make sure your knees are up for the challenge!




Visiting Information
Below is the visitors’ information board in the castle.



From Monday through Saturday, guided tours begin at 10:00 am with the last one starting at 4:00 pm. On Sundays and Holidays, tours also start at 10:00 am, but the last one is at 5:00 pm. Please note, the final tour in October may be cancelled due to daylight conditions.
Planning a trip? From great hotel deals to skip-the-line tickets and affordable eSim to cheap rentals, check out the travel resources I recommend and use for a smooth and memorable trip.
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Explore Vienna
Kreuzenstein Castle makes for a unique day trip from Vienna, but before you head out, there’s plenty in the city you won’t want to miss—I’m sure you’ll love seeing and experiencing it!
Try the wanderer’s favorite experiences in Vienna. From breathtaking views to remarkable landmarks, these unforgettable places made exploring this amazing city so special.
For ideas and inspiration on making the most of your visit to Vienna, check out the travel plans below.
Find all the travel guides to Vienna and its tourist attractions below.
Resources
What are your thoughts on Kreuzenstein Castle? Could it be your upcoming day trip from Vienna? If so, the links provided below can offer additional information to assist in planning your visit to this castle.
- Opening hours & tour schedule (Kreuzenstein Castle official website)
- Tavernen-Wirtschaft Kreuzenstein (Kreuzenstein Castle official website)
For a convenient, unique, or more enriching visit, check out these experiences and services:


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