Medieval castle with special exhibitions and a unique atmosphere for events
High above the Sierning Valley, Stixenstein Castle stands on a striking rocky outcrop. The castle’s origins date back to the 12th and 13th centuries. As the ancestral seat of the “Stüchse” family and later the family seat of the Counts of Hoyos , the complex developed over the centuries into an important seat of power. Even today, the ruins of the Gothic chapel, the keep, and parts of the outer bailey bear witness to its eventful history. Stixenstein Castle has been owned by the City of Vienna since 1937 and has been gradually opened to the public.
Today, the castle combines historic architecture with fascinating exhibitions. In the Forestry Museum , historic tools and original artifacts offer insights into the traditional craft of forestry and the castle’s close connection to the forest.
The Karl Keifl Collection—“A Gardener on the Road”—offers a striking contrast . Photographs, mementos, and cultural artifacts recount the extraordinary journeys of the master gardener from Pottschach to New Guinea and invite visitors on a journey of discovery into a fascinating world.
In the summer, Stixenstein Castle also becomes an atmospheric event venue. Over two weekends, the historic castle setting provides a stunning backdrop for the Stixenstein Castle Cultural Summer, which, with its unique atmosphere, has long been considered an insider’s tip.
