Schloss Wasserberg, Medieval castle in Gaal, Austria
Schloss Wasserberg is a castle in Gaal, Austria, positioned where the Ingering and Gaalbach streams meet in the Seckauer Tauern mountains. The building now houses a forest administration office and rental apartments for residents while being managed by the Cistercian Abbey of Heiligenkreuz.
The Diocese of Seckau built the original fortress in 1275 as part of its administration in the region. In the 15th century, major expansion added a second floor and gave the structure its present form.
The chapel in the northern wing displays late Gothic frescoes discovered during 1976 restoration work, paired with a neo-Baroque altar. These artworks reflect religious traditions that were practiced in this space over centuries.
The best approach is from Gaal, with trails through the surrounding mountains offering a quiet route to the castle. Visitors should bring weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear, as the terrain is hilly and conditions vary by season.
A twelve-ton stone carved with a bird sculpture by Father Raphael Statt stands in the courtyard. This unexpected artistic element shows the connection between religious life and creative expression at this location.
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