Altes Schloss, Medieval castle in Litschau, Austria
Altes Schloss is a stone fortress perched on a rocky outcrop above Herrensee lake, with a round keep and multiple building sections added over centuries. The structure reveals layers of medieval defense architecture combined with later residential and administrative spaces.
The castle first appeared in records in 1260 under the Kuenring family before passing through several owners over the next centuries. In 1763, Count Christian August of Seilern purchased the property, establishing the family's long residence there.
The castle serves as a residence for the Seilern-Aspang family, who continue noble traditions on the grounds while managing the surrounding forest lands. This continuity of family stewardship has shaped the character of the property for generations.
The castle operates as a private residence and forest management facility, so the buildings themselves are not open to visitors. However, you can view the structure from public vantage points and appreciate its setting above the lake.
The round keep dates to the Thirty Years War period and has been extensively studied by historians for revealing rare insights into regional defense architecture of that era. This structural detail sets it apart from many other fortifications in the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
