Monday, 9/28
Hochosterwitz Castle sits 172 meters high on a dolomite hill just outside Klagenfurt. First mentioned in an 860AD deed, it's most impressive features are the 14 gates guarding the approach to the castle which were built in the 1500's. Each gate had its own treacherous means of repelling invaders, but the gates were such an obstacle that no forces ever invaded beyond the 4th gate.
The most enjoyable part of the visit is the walk up the hill and through each of the gates. Each gate has its own name and means of defense. Climbing ever higher, the view from the castle is astounding as you can see for miles into the surrounding countryside. Clearly an advantage if one was anticipating invaders!
Once at the top, there is a small museum about the family who owns the castle and a restaurant. There is also a lovely flower garden and the castle church.
There is a funicular you can ride up to the castle but it was not running the day we were there, somethings about a replacement part that was coming all the way from the U.S. We took one look at the rail for the funicular and its sloping, steep ascent path and decided we wouldn't take it even if it were working!
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