Burg Strechau

About the museum

The name Strechau is first mentioned in 1074; on the castle hill above the Palten valley, a first defensive structure, presumably a tower, was built in the second half of the 11th century. The partly Romanesque, partly Gothic complex was converted into a Renaissance castle in the mid-16th century by the Hoffmann family, leaders of the Protestant estates – evidenced by the Italian-looking inner courtyard and a ceiling painting of 1579. In 1629 Admont Abbey took over the castle and lordship and had granaries, stables and an administration building constructed.

In the early 19th century the steward furnished rooms for Archduke Johann, who met Anna Plochl here several times. After the end of manorial rule in 1848, the castle fell into decay until Dr. Adolf Boesch acquired it in 1909 and furnished it in a historicist style; it was lost during the period of inflation. After decades of changing use and decay, the family bought the castle back in 1979 and restored it.

Since 1999 the castle has belonged to the Boesch Privatstiftung. Since 2006 it has been open to the public, together with an exhibition of passenger cars from the Steyr works from the years 1920 to 1941, whose vehicles are roadworthy and are driven regularly.

Highlights

• Renaissance arcaded courtyard and Mannerist ceiling painting of 1579
• Steyr car museum with vehicles produced 1920–1941
• Roadworthy vintage cars, also bookable for rides
• Rooms with memorabilia of Archduke Johann and Anna Plochl
• Banqueting hall, courtroom, chapel and vaulted cellar

Permanent exhibitions

• Steyr-PKW-Museum – Cross-section of the passenger cars of the Steyr works from 1920 to 1941; the vehicles are roadworthy and are used several times a year.
• Burgführung – Tour through the Romanesque-Gothic fortification with Renaissance courtyard and historically furnished rooms.

Founded

2006

Operated by

Boesch Privatstiftung

Admission & discounts

Admission includes a guided tour. With the Steiermark-Card, free admission once including the castle tour (with photo ID).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to Steiermark Tourismus, the castle is not accessible without barriers.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Visitors may drive right up to the castle.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Banqueting hall (€900), courtroom, chapel and vaulted cellar (€500 each) for conferences and celebrations, with buffet, technical equipment and supporting programme on request; Steyr vintage cars can be hired for wedding rides.

Plan your visit