Schloss Hernstein, Castle estate in Hernstein, Austria
Schloss Hernstein is a castle estate in the northern foothills of the Gutenstein Alps, surrounded by dark pine forests and an English-style garden with expansive grounds. The main building contains 71 rooms and 3 suites housed in a modern guest annex for visitors.
The castle began as a hunting lodge for the Habsburg-Lothringen family and was later redesigned by architect Theophil Hansen to achieve its present English Gothic appearance. This transformation took place over several decades and fundamentally shaped the structure's current form.
The castle's gardens feature a distinctive gate structure that displays early Gothic design elements typical of Austrian estates from this period. The staggered crenellations and arched doorway create an entrance that visitors can observe as they walk through the grounds.
The estate is accessible to visitors and offers accommodation options in the modern guest building where you can experience the historical property. The extensive gardens and forested areas can be explored on foot.
A medieval defense tower stands behind the castle and retains its original rectangular windows from the 12th century. This early structure provides a contrast to the Gothic elements added later to the main building.
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