Photo: Thomas Sattler

Burg Strechau

Lassing, Styria

Name: Strechau Castle Description: A castle that is unbelievably stunning “Life’s surprises have unseated even the most secure knights,” Friedrich Schiller once said. One can easily imagine how the appearance of Strechau Castle might have knocked many a knight off their feet (out of the saddle). This castle is simply stunning! The breathtaking view, the baroque castle chapel, the huge wine cellar, and the Italian-style arcaded courtyard ensure that this fortress conquers the hearts of all visitors and not the other way around. Time travel with sheet metal and iron Strechau Castle is barely 100 meters higher than the village of Lassing. Even from a distance, it is capable of filling its observers with awe. Up there, where oaks, beeches, and maple trees spectacularly showcase the seasons, the castle has stood since the middle of the 11th century. Whether a place of power, a cultural highlight, or simply an exciting excursion destination, it’s a bit like time has been turned back up here. Yes, this fortress makes time travel possible. Because Styria’s second-largest castle not only makes the hearts of castle fans beat faster, but many a car enthusiast also gets their money’s worth. Europe’s most complete collection of vintage cars of the Steyr brand is exhibited here, featuring paints and shapes that would have made many a knight’s armor clatter with envy. Guided tours of the castle and vintage car collection take place every hour on the hour during the main season. On foot or on horseback Even though you can easily drive up to the castle by car, its “sublime” location is particularly suitable as a destination for a hiking trip. From the Strechau Klamm bus stop, an approximately 1.7 km long and very idyllic path leads up – the view that awaits you at the top is phenomenal.