Heidenreichstein: Castle, Town History and Moorland

When choosing a destination, it helps to weigh your own interests: Would you like to explore architectural history, learn more about the moor, or combine a visit with cheesemaking and tastings? Heidenreichstein brings together all these themes. If you are looking for a hotel in Heidenreichstein, you can consider which aspects of the town you would like to shape your stay.

Castle and Town History

The oldest part of Heidenreichstein Water Castle was built around 1160. To this day, visitors enter the castle via two drawbridges. The drawbridges are therefore not only part of its architectural history, but still shape the way in. St. Martin’s Parish Church in Heidenreichstein offers a glimpse of a different building period: It developed from a Romanesque basilica, while its Baroque church tower was added later.

The foundation stone for the tower was laid on May 30, 1753; it was completed two years later. Together with the castle, the church offers different historical points of reference, from its Romanesque origins to its Baroque construction. The Historic Town Square also has a long history: it was laid out at the end of the 13th century.

The Heidenreichstein Local History Museum documents the history of settlement from the early Middle Ages to the present day. The buildings and the museum’s perspective thus complement one another: the castle, church and town square highlight individual historic sites, while the museum explores the development of settlement over a long period.

Moorland and Nature Park

Forests, meadows, moorland and numerous large granite boulders shape the landscape around Heidenreichstein. The Heidenreichstein Moor Nature Park also offers insight into how this environment has evolved: from the wooden boardwalk, you can explore more than 10,000 years of vegetation history. The moor nature trail is open year-round; in winter, conditions may affect walking comfort.

The Moor House features a 250 m² exhibition space. Inside, you can see a wooden boardwalk modeled on the original in the nature park. The moor is thus explored both in the nature park landscape and through an exhibition. The “Hanging Stone” is a granite tor in the Heidenreichstein Moor Nature Park that can be climbed, adding a striking granite formation to the nature experiences.

For planning purposes: the nature park center is located directly on Waidhofener Straße (B5), just outside Heidenreichstein in the direction of Waidhofen an der Thaya. Bear its location in mind when planning your visit to the nature park.

Käsemacherwelt: Cheesemaking and Tastings

Käsemacherwelt in Heidenreichstein is home to a demonstration factory, a restaurant and a shop. There are also interactive stations and play areas indoors and outdoors. The different offerings combine insights into production with hands-on activities; operating details may change, so check them before your visit.

The demonstration dairy shows the individual steps involved in turning milk into cheese. At various stations, visitors can sample selected products from the DIE KÄSEMACHER range. Plan to make a reservation for the demonstration and tastings before you arrive. These visits differ from the historic sites and the moor: the focus here is on production and products.

For the overview of the wider destination: Gmünd.