Schloss Weinberg

About the museum

A fortified stronghold at this site is first documented around 1274; the core of today's four-wing complex goes back to a castle with walls from the 12th century. From its rocky spur it overlooked the Aist valley, through which an important trade route ran in the Middle Ages. After the lords of Klamm-Velburg, the Babenbergs and the Pibers, the Zelkings held the lordship from the 14th century; the elevation of Kefermarkt to a market town and the building of the parish church with its famous winged altar fall in their time.

Around 1600 Hans Wilhelm von Zelking had the fortified castle converted into a stately Renaissance castle with state rooms, a garden and a mighty tower. Because the Protestant Zelkings had to leave the country, Weinberg passed in 1629 to the Thürheim family, who had Baroque additions such as the castle chapel and the castle pharmacy installed.

In the 20th century part of the castle served as an accommodation business, and in 1945 as quarters for the Soviet occupation forces. An association later campaigned to save the building. In 1986 the Province of Upper Austria leased the castle from the owning family and had it elaborately restored; since the Provincial Exhibition of 1988 it has served as an education and event centre with seminar rooms, guest rooms and a restaurant. The historic rooms can be visited on guided tours.

Highlights

• Renaissance state rooms with stucco ceilings and tiled stoves
• Baroque castle pharmacy and castle chapel
• Medieval fortifications with moat
• Knights' Hall, Emperor's Hall and Fable Room
• Open castle tour every Friday from May to October

Operated by

Land Oberösterreich (Bildungsschlösser OÖ)

Director

Markus P. Ladendorfer

Admission & discounts

Admission only as part of a guided tour; open Friday tour €5 per person according to the tourist information office.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• 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 the tourist information office, the state rooms are accessible without barriers (corridor width 150 cm); two disabled parking spaces. The medieval fortifications are not barrier-free throughout.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Group tours include special programmes for children and young people with search games in the castle.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A7 and the S10 to the Kefermarkt exit; around 20 minutes' drive from Linz.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Wi-Fi

Castle restaurant with regional cuisine (AMA Genuss Region) and self-service café; 36 guest rooms; Wi-Fi for seminar guests.

Events & venue rental

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

Five state rooms and ten seminar rooms, some with pianos, for seminars, conferences, concerts, company events, weddings, christenings and birthdays; Knights' Hall and castle park.

Plan your visit