Best castles around Rutzenham are found within the broader Upper Austrian region, as Rutzenham itself is a small, rural village in the Vöcklabruck district. The area is characterized by its picturesque rural landscape, featuring tiny hamlets and historical religious structures. While immediate grand castles are not a feature of Rutzenham, the surrounding region offers several notable historical sites. Visitors interested in castles will need to explore the wider Upper Austria area for prominent examples.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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The castle stands within an area enclosed by a stone wall. On the access side, a double-leaf wrought-iron gate replaces a former gatehouse. The castle is two-story, hook-shaped. It has a broken mansard roof with four corner turrets resting on consoles, each with a broken roof and a bulbous dome crowned by a finial. The ground-floor windows have wrought-iron sashes. In the castle courtyard is a triangular coat of arms of the Querrer family bearing the year 1593. The castle has been rebuilt frequently; its current appearance dates from the end of the 20th century. The former castle chapel no longer stands. The Schausberger family has been fundamentally renovating the castle since the 1970s. Today, the castle is enlivened by cultural events.
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The Pollheimersche lordship of Wartenburg is documented as early as 1319. Their original seat of power was Wartenburg Castle on the southern foothills of the Hausruck above the Vöckla, and from 1639 the Alt-Wartenburg Castle to the north, both derelict today. Neu-Wartenburg Castle is located on the right Vöcklauf, below the castle. The palace was built by the Viennese architect Anton Erhard Martinelli between 1730 and 1732 on behalf of Johann Albert Graf Saint-Julien-Wallsee (1673–1766). Count Wallsee bought the manor in 1729 from Nütz von Goisernburg, who had been there since 1640. He had Emperor Charles VI. invited to a falcon hunt for 3 days and wanted to offer him accommodation befitting his status. Already in 1754 he had to sell the property again because of debts. Through the Ghelen family, it passed to the nobles von Grechtler in 1766, to Thaddäus von Reischach in 1785 and to Ludwig Ratzesberg in 1847, until Albert Graf von Saint-Julien was able to bring it back into family ownership in 1869. The last heiress of the Saint-Julien family was adopted by Elisabeth Countess von Strachwitz; the castle has belonged to the von Strachwitz family since 1973.
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Beautiful well-kept small garden area. Relatively quiet location. Apartments are always being rented.
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The chateau was sold to the pharmacist Ottokar Daubrava without the forest property. On August 11, 1921, the castle was purchased by Johann Kiener from Atzbach. The remaining parts of the once extensive complex (hospital building) are still privately owned today. A pond is still reminiscent of the demolished castle; the remains of the castle are buried under the meadow next to it.
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The outer form of today's castle building goes back to Truchsess Jakob (1546-1589) and his wife Johanna (1548-1613). In the years that followed, they had it rebuilt from scratch in place of the one that had been destroyed by a chimney fire in 1578 and, as Zimmer's chronicle says, "a bewildered building made of wood and frame work". In the powerful, regular four-wing complex with the protruding corner towers, contemporary demands for living comfort and representation could finally be realized. The functional rooms were on the ground floor, the guest apartments were on the first floor and above them the living quarters of the count's couple. The highlight of a series of representative rooms is the main hall on the second floor of the west wing, the knight's hall, at the end of the main staircase rising from the portal hall. In front of this are the banquet hall and the picture room in the north wing. The building did not last long. On December 28, 1646, the troops of the Swedish Field Marshal Wrangel set it on fire during one of their campaigns through the Uplands. Although parts of the castle were preserved, the top floor in particular - and thus the main floor - went up in flames. The beginning of the reconstruction work was delayed until 1651 due to the hardship of the post-war period. The decisive phase in the furnishing of the representative rooms fell between 1691 and 1700. The leadership in the redesign of the representative rooms, both in terms of the stucco and the equipment As for sculptures, it was in the hands of the sculptor and plasterer Balthasar Krimmer (1653-1702) from Wangen. Drastic structural changes took place in the first half of the 18th century, when the guest apartments on the first floor were redesigned in Rococo style. In the late 19th century, a series of dining rooms were designed in keeping with the taste of the time. At that time, the palace chapel also received its neo-Gothic appearance. With the completion of the Gothic room, the adjoining rooms and the corridor at the end of the 19th century, the conversion work at Wolfegg Castle was complete.
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The castle is only open to guests twice a year for major international concert series. Guided tours are also offered here. The royal family lives in the palace.
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The palace and park are privately owned by the Strachwitz family and are not open to the public.
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Rutzenham itself is a small, rural village without grand castles directly within its immediate boundaries. The notable castles are found in the broader Upper Austrian region. You'll need to explore the wider area to visit prominent examples like Puchheim Castle or Wolfsegg Castle.
Puchheim Castle, which serves as a Redemptorist monastery, has its Georg chapel open to the public. Wolfsegg Castle hosts international concert series twice a year and offers guided tours during these events. Other castles like Schloss Neuwartenburg are privately owned and can only be viewed from the outside.
While specific family activities vary, Puchheim Castle is categorized as family-friendly. Its historical significance and the open Georg chapel can be an interesting experience for families. For other castles, it's best to check their specific offerings before visiting.
The castles around Rutzenham offer a glimpse into various historical periods. For example, Wolfsegg Castle was rebuilt after a 1578 fire and features a knight's hall, reflecting Renaissance architecture and later Baroque redesigns. Puchheim Castle is a well-preserved Renaissance complex that became a monastery, showcasing religious and architectural evolution.
The region around Rutzenham offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling and mountain biking routes. For example, there are many MTB Trails around Rutzenham and Cycling routes around Rutzenham, including options like the 'View of Traunkirchen Abbey' loop or the 'Stadtturm Vöcklabruck' loop. These routes often pass through scenic landscapes that may include views of castles or historical sites.
The best time to visit castles in Upper Austria is generally during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is particularly beautiful. Summer (June-August) also offers pleasant conditions, though it can be busier. Winter visits are possible, but some attractions might have reduced hours or be less accessible, especially if you plan on outdoor activities around them.
Wolfsegg Castle is known for hosting international concert series twice a year. Schloss Aigen also enlivens its premises with cultural events. It's advisable to check their respective websites for current event schedules.
Yes, some privately owned castles, like Schloss Neuwartenburg, can be viewed from the outside. While you cannot enter the buildings or parks, you can still appreciate their architecture and historical presence from public vantage points.
Schloss Aigen has been undergoing fundamental renovation by the Schausberger family since the 1970s. Despite this, it still hosts cultural events, indicating that parts of it are accessible or utilized.
The castles around Rutzenham showcase diverse architectural styles. Puchheim Castle is a Renaissance complex with a striking gate tower. Wolfsegg Castle is a powerful four-wing complex with protruding corner towers, rebuilt in the late 16th century, and features a grand knight's hall. Schloss Neuwartenburg is a beautiful Baroque palace built in the early 18th century.
Yes, the area is well-suited for cycling. You can explore various Cycling routes around Rutzenham and Road Cycling Routes around Rutzenham. Many routes offer scenic views and pass through the broader region where these castles are located, such as the 'Wolfsegg 19% Climb' loop or the 'Stadl Paura Church' loop.
The castles vary in their current condition and use. Puchheim Castle is described as a well-preserved Renaissance complex. Wolfsegg Castle is a powerful, well-maintained complex that hosts events. Schloss Neuwartenburg is a beautiful, privately owned palace. Schloss Aigen has been frequently rebuilt and is undergoing renovation, while Köppach Castle exists mostly as remains with a small garden area.


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