Schloss Herberstein

Schloss Herberstein stands on a rock above the Feistritz ravine in Styria, 450 metres above sea level. The castle’s oldest parts date from the 12th century and were once called Herwigstein after Herwig of Krottendorf. Otto von Hartenberg bought the site from the Stubenbergs and his descendants still live there. By 1400 a large outer bailey with a Gothic chapel had been added. In the 16th century the castle became a Renaissance residence, and in the 17th century a banqueting hall and deep moat were built. The Herberstein family once owned one-fifth of Styria and received tribute from about a thousand farms. Their home remains both a private house and an administrative centre. Visitors can walk through parts of the castle on guided tours. The historic gardens lead to a zoo founded in the 17th century, now home to animals from all continents. The zoo’s cheetah park is Europe’s largest and uses a ski-lift to provide live prey. Beyond the zoo, the Gironcoli Museum displays works by Bruno Gironcoli. A gardener’s house, St George’s Chapel and the Maierhof complete the 17th-century ensemble. The ravine hides the castle from attackers while the rock keeps it safe from three sides. The castle’s long history is visible in every courtyard and corridor.