The best running trails around Obritzberg-Rust

Viehofen Castle is located in the St. Pölten district of the same name and was first documented in 1130. However, its history likely dates back even further. In 1179, Pope Alexander III confirmed the ownership rights of the Diocese of Passau, and a castle chapel is documented from 1248. Over the centuries, the castle changed hands several times: It was owned by, among others, the Viehofen, Wallseer, Kirchberg, and the noble Herberstein and Kuefstein families, who took over the property permanently from 1745 onwards. Viehofen Castle served as a residence until 1945. After the Second World War, it was severely damaged by Soviet troops, fell into increasing disrepair in the following decades, and was even on the verge of demolition in the 1960s. In 2003, Josef Figl acquired the severely damaged building and began a comprehensive restoration. Historical elements such as 18th-century windows, original wooden floorboards, and old doors were carefully restored. Today, Viehofen Castle serves as a stylish venue for weddings, concerts, corporate events, and private celebrations. The vaulted hall on the ground floor, a marble-floored hall on the first floor, and the renovated Gothic chapel dedicated to St. James are available for a variety of events. Since 2021, civil weddings have also been possible in the castle. Architecturally, the ensemble is impressive due to its location on a prominent escarpment with views of the Lower Austrian Alpine foothills and its largely preserved historic structure.

The beautifully restored castle can now be rented as an event location. You can also get married there and stay overnight. Guided tours are also offered from time to time. You can find all the information at https://www.schloss-viehofen.at.

Viehofen Castle was first mentioned in the Göttweig traditions in 1130, but the castle is considered to be older. In 1179, Pope Alexander III confirmed the ownership rights of the Diocese of Passau to the castle in a document, but the castle chapel was not mentioned for the first time until 1248. In this document, the castle and chapel are shown as belonging to the monastery of St. Pölten. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the ministerial family of the "Viehofner" is documented, and in the early 14th century Reinprecht von Wallsee became a feudal lord of the Viehofen estate. The castle remained in the possession of the Wallseers until the end of the 15th century. After various short-term owners, the lordship passed to Bernhard von Kirchberg in 1508. He received the castle from the sovereign, who had purchased it from the bishops of Passau in 1491. The property remained with the Kirchberg family until around 1640, after which several castle lords followed: In 1665 the castle passed from the Lords of Wuschletitsch to the Counts of Herberstein, who passed it on to the von Wellenstein family in 1712. In 1745 the Counts of Kuefstein took over the castle and remained in possession of it until 2003. Until the church in Viehofen was opened in 1898, the castle chapel was the parish church of the then independent community. The castle was habitable and furnished until 1945. The Russian occupying troops, who used the castle as an ammunition depot[1], and after their withdrawal the population devastated the complex. In the decades that followed, the castle fell into disrepair and became a ruin, and in 1966 part of the castle was demolished. In the years that followed, the roof and roof structure collapsed. It was not until 2003 that Josef Figl bought the complex from a bankrupt estate and has been renovating it ever since.[1]

The castle was beautifully restored

Currently still free. From September 1st, 2022 to April 30th, 2023 no fee - FREE 😉

A beautiful view over the water to Viehofen Castle, a short detour from the Traisental cycle path.

There are beautiful bathing opportunities in the lake in front of the castle

Beautiful castle located right next to cycle path 403, apparently they wanted to locate the military academy here, but it was then opened in Wiener Neustadt.