Castle Riegersburg in winter

The second to last sunrise of the year 2014 announces itself, with bitterly cold -14° C, above Riegersburg castle. A few days ago the first snow of the season fell, covering Sotheast Styria with a little bit of snow.

Riegersburg castle was first mentioned in a document in 1136 and sits enthroned on a basalt rock 200 m over the identically named village – Riegersburg. The stronghold was never conquered in its history and therefore it was reckoned as the strongest fortress of the occident.

To get up to the fortress nowadays you can do so by using the inclined lift or by taking the footpath passing by the numerous castle gates. Within the Hochschloss of the fortress you’ll find various exhibitions, open from spring to autumn. In winter the fortress isn’t open to the public. Beside the museum, a raptor center is also located at the fortress where you can admire eagles and falcons in free flight during their demonstrations from April to October.

The Leopold via ferrata (difficulty level C-D) and the climbing- and adventure park will thrill sporty visitors.

Shooting date: Dezember 30, 2014