Schloss Waldreichs

A real insider tip for nature lovers. The castle is located in an open field between the Ottensteinersee lake and Allentsteig and is the ideal starting point for extensive, exciting hikes through the Waldviertel. A visit to the Birds of Prey Center at Waldreichs Castle is a very special experience. You can feel the great freedom close to the king of the skies.

Waldreichs Castle was first mentioned in a document in 1258 and was part of a ring of fortified castles built in the Middle Ages to protect the Austrian March. In a very eventful history, it was destroyed several times and often changed hands. Nothing remains of the original castle - the ruins were restored in the 1980s by the Windhag Foundation for Lower Austria and have served as the seat of the Ottenstein estate since 1990. The castle also houses the exciting Lower Austrian Falconry and Birds of Prey Center Waldreichs. You can find more information at www.ottenstein.at

Eye-catcher by the pond

The castle, which was largely rebuilt during the restoration, is a four-winged complex with a porch and gatehouse in front. Three to four-storey round towers with conical roofs and a bergfried-like east tower with a tent roof are striking eye-catchers. The rectangular windows with granite frames and embrasures hark back to the days of the old fortified castles. Just like the entrance in the south-east with a round arched gate and a crenellated wall above. On the upper floor there is a room with rococo landscape paintings and a bakery with a brick oven. In front of the gate stands a sandstone statue of St. John Nepomuk on a curved limestone plinth, dated 1717. The castle chapel from 1450 was rebuilt in 1669 - remains of a baroque columned altar from 1721 are still preserved. Here you can feel the time and its influences in every corner.

Visiting real falcons

Golden eagles, giant sea eagles, blue buzzards, kites, black vultures and owls - in the castle's falconry and bird of prey center, various species of falcon can be experienced up close - and it gives you goosebumps. Here you can gain exciting insights into the work with falcons and the way of life of birds of prey in the cycle of nature is explained. Who wants to learn more about the function of birds of prey as hunting aids? With every flap of their wings, you will become more and more captivated by these animals.

Explore the lake district

The pond hiking trail reveals a fascinating world of flora and fauna. In the middle of the nature reserve, the tour leads past several small bodies of water - it's a great hike for young and old! Three marked routes lead to picturesque places, inviting you to linger and discover. Tip: The foresters are happy to offer educational forest excursions.

Regional delights

A small restaurant is run in the Schlossstüberl during the season. Sweet coffee snacks, ice cream and regional products are served here: Game and fish are freshly caught and brought directly to your plate from the Ottenstein estate. You can taste the nature - if you've got a real taste for the Waldviertel, it's best to set off straight away.

Opening hours

The castle itself can only be visited by appointment. The area of the Lower Austrian Falconry and Birds of Prey Center Waldreichs is freely accessible.

Opening hours of the Lower Austrian Falconry and Birds of Prey Center Waldreichs can be found at www.greifvogelzentrum.at