Schloss Hohenlehen, Castle in Hollenstein an der Ybbs, Austria
Schloss Hohenlehen is a castle in Hollenstein an der Ybbs in the Eisenwurzen region of Lower Austria, positioned at about 430 meters elevation on a terrace overlooking the Ybbs River. The complex combines an ornate Belle Époque main structure with contemporary educational buildings and training facilities dedicated to mountain farming and forestry instruction.
The property was purchased between 1896 and 1906 by Gustav Davis, founder of Kronen Zeitung newspaper, who transformed it from a hunting lodge into a grand residence. Architect Maximilian Katscher designed the Belle Époque exterior that still characterizes the building's appearance today.
The castle functions as an educational hub for mountain farming and forestry, where visitors can observe how a former aristocratic residence has transformed into a working center for agricultural knowledge. The grounds reflect the region's deep connection to alpine traditions and sustainable mountain practices.
The castle sits at elevation with commanding views of the Ybbs valley landscape and is best reached on foot via nearby hiking trails. The grounds are privately maintained, so visitors should confirm in advance whether tours are available and what rules apply to access.
What stands out is the Belle Époque style imposed by a prominent newspaper founder in the early 20th century, creating a rare connection between press history and mountain architecture. This link to Vienna's media world remains visible in the building's design details and proportions.
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