Our journey begins with Liechtenstein Castle, located in the picturesque village of Maria Enzersdorf. This 12th-century monument, the ancestral seat of the Liechtenstein family, impresses with its monumental architecture and rich history. Tours of the castle are guided only, guaranteeing a fascinating history lesson. The staircase in the tower and the room at the top of the tower with its impressive ceiling are particularly impressive. The castle is surrounded by a beautiful park, an ideal place for a family picnic or relaxing after a tour.

The entrance fee is 18 euros per person (as of 2023), which may seem a bit high, but it's worth remembering that it includes a professional guided tour in German and English. For lovers of history and architecture, this is undoubtedly an attractive proposition. The castle is open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday, but it's worth checking the exact hours on the official website before planning a visit.

Our next destination is Schloss Ort, a fairy-tale castle located on an island of Lake Traunsee in the charming town of Gmunden. This place impresses not only with its architecture, but especially with its picturesque location. A long wooden bridge leads to the castle, which in itself is already an attraction, especially for the youngest. Schloss Ort, although smaller than Castle Liechtenstein, offers an equally fascinating experience.

There is a museum on the castle grounds, which can be visited for an additional fee. However, it is worth noting that just walking through the courtyard and admiring the panorama of the lake and the surrounding Alps is already an unforgettable experience. Schloss Ort is also a popular venue for weddings and photo shoots, which adds to its romantic charm.

Unlike Liechtenstein Castle, Schloss Ort offers more space to explore freely. It's the perfect place for a family outing, where children can run around the courtyard while adults savor the views. There is also a beautiful park nearby, perfect for a picnic or a relaxing walk.

The two castles, although different in character and history, offer an unforgettable experience. Castle Liechtenstein impresses with its monumentality and rich family history, while Schloss Ort charms with its romantic location and fairytale atmosphere. Going to both places, it's worth planning a full day to fully enjoy their charm and the surrounding attractions.

Continuing our journey through Austrian castles and palaces, we move on to Falkenstein Castle, a picturesque ruin of a medieval fortress in the village of the same name. This monument, though not preserved in its entirety, offers an unforgettable experience and breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and forests.

Falkenstein Castle, with an impressive rating of 4.7 on a 5-point scale, is a place that impresses with its authenticity and the raw beauty of its medieval architecture. Although mainly the walls, cellars and one tower (not open to the public) are available for touring, the atmosphere of the place is unique. A walk through the ruins is a fascinating journey back in time, which is sure to spark the imagination of adults and children alike.

It is worth noting that getting to the castle can be a bit of a challenge - the road is narrow and winding, which can cause parking difficulties during the tourist season. However, the effort involved in getting there is fully rewarded by the magnificent views and atmosphere of the place. Local beer and wine can be purchased on the castle grounds, a perfect complement to the tour.

The price of admission is affordable and the staff at the ticket office is friendly and helpful. This is an ideal place for a short stop on the road, offering not only a history lesson, but also a chance to relax in beautiful surroundings. Falkenstein Castle is an excellent example of how ruins can be a fascinating tourist attraction.

Moving from the harsh Middle Ages to a time of imperial splendor, we arrive at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna - one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. This impressive palace complex, listed by UNESCO, was the summer residence of the Habsburgs and still impresses today with its grandeur and opulence.

Schönbrunn Palace, with a rating of 4.7, offers countless attractions for the whole family. Visiting the interior of the palace is a journey through the history of the Habsburg dynasty, where each chamber tells a fascinating story. Especially impressive are the Grand Gallery, the Imperial Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors.

Ticket prices range from 16 to 26 euros for adults (as of 2023), depending on the tour chosen. Consider buying a combination ticket, which also includes admission to other attractions, such as the gardens, maze and zoo - one of the oldest in the world.

The Schönbrunn Gardens are a separate attraction - a vast green area with fountains, sculptures and the Glorietta on a hilltop that offers a panoramic view of Vienna. It's the perfect place to relax after visiting the palace, have a picnic or play with the kids.

When comparing Falkenstein Castle and Schönbrunn Palace, there are two radically different experiences. Falkenstein offers a raw, authentic medieval setting and an intimate atmosphere, ideal for adventurers and history buffs. Schönbrunn, on the other hand, is the essence of imperial splendor, offering a myriad of activities and opportunities to spend an entire day.

Both places have their advantages - Falkenstein charms with its authenticity and beautiful views, while Schönbrunn impresses with its grandeur and wealth of tourist offerings. The choice between the two depends on individual preferences, the time available, and the age and interests of family members.

Our journey through Austria's most beautiful castles and palaces would be incomplete without a visit to Dürnstein Castle, a picturesque ruin towering over the town of Dürnstein in the Wachau Valley. With an impressive 4.7 rating, this medieval castle is not only a fascinating tourist attraction, but also a witness to the region's turbulent history.

Dürnstein Castle is primarily famous for the legend associated with King Richard the Lionheart of England. It was here, according to accounts, that he was imprisoned after returning from the Third Crusade. This story adds to the castle's mysterious aura and makes it particularly interesting for lovers of medieval legends.

Climbing the castle hill can be a bit challenging, especially for the youngest tourists, but the views you get from it fully reward the effort. The panorama of the Danube valley, winding between hills overgrown with vineyards, is breathtaking and provides the perfect backdrop for souvenir photos.

The castle itself, though preserved as picturesque ruins, allows one to imagine its former glory. Walking around the remains of the walls and towers, you can feel the spirit of history and transport your thoughts back to the days of medieval knights and ladies of the court.

It is worth noting that a visit to the castle is best planned on a weekday to avoid crowds. Although the ruin itself does not offer extensive tourist infrastructure, the atmosphere of the place and the views compensate for the lack of additional attractions.

Dürnstein Castle, compared to the previously described sites, stands out for its location in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley. This makes it possible to combine a visit here with tasting local wines and exploring the charming town of Dürnstein.

To sum up our journey through Austria's most beautiful castles and palaces, it's worth noting the variety of experiences on offer. From the monumental Liechtenstein Castle, the romantic Schloss Ort, the austere beauty of the ruins of Falkenstein Castle, to the imperial splendor of Schönbrunn Palace and the picturesque location of Dürnstein Castle, each offers a unique experience and allows you to experience different facets of Austrian history and culture.

When planning a trip, consider not only the castles and palaces themselves, but also the surrounding attractions. The Wachau Valley, where Dürnstein Castle is located, is famous for its vineyards and picturesque towns. The surroundings of Schloss Ort encourage active recreation on Lake Traunsee. Vienna, with Schönbrunn Palace, offers countless cultural and culinary sightseeing opportunities.

Whether you're a lover of history, architecture or simply looking for beautiful places for a family vacation, Austria's castles and palaces are sure to meet your expectations. Each of the described sites has its own unique character and atmosphere, making a journey through Austrian history a fascinating adventure for tourists of all ages.

Remember to check the current opening hours and ticket prices on the official websites of the sites before your visit. Also consider purchasing tourist cards, which often offer discounts on admission to many attractions. Regardless of the route you choose, a trip through Austria's most beautiful castles and palaces is a guarantee of an unforgettable experience and a fascinating history lesson surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.