Castle Hardegg in national park

About

First mentioned in 1145, Castle Hardegg sits imposingly on a hilltop overlooking the Thaya river and the city of Hardegg. With just 78 inhabitants, the municipality bears the status of city for strictly historical reasons and was first documented in 1290. Beginning in 1187, the Castle was owned by one of the most important aristocratic families of its time, the Counts of Plain-Hardegg. After the end of this family line, the castle changed hands multiple times until falling into the hands of the burgraves of Maidburg, which began their 200-year reign over the area. During this period, the castle saw extensive expansions and renovations, of which the over 46,000 painted wooden shingles remain today. The castle later fell to the Habsburgs and saw further reconstruction in the 18th century. The castle is open for visitors daily from May to September, and on weekends and holidays in April and October.