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Burgschleinitz, one of the most romantic places in the area, is one of the last water castles in Waldviertel. Situated by an idyllic pond, surrounded by a deep moat, its massive castle wall stands tall. The castle's history dates back to the 11th century when it was the ancestral seat of the Schleunz family, eventually giving rise to the name 'Burgschleinitz.' Over the years, it changed owners frequently, including a brief period under the Habsburgs in the 14th century.
In 1480, the castle was attacked by Hussite troops and completely destroyed in the ensuing battle with the imperial army. A century later, Georg Bayer von Niederdürnbach began its reconstruction, leaving his mark on the second-floor barrel vault. However, he and his brother later committed suicide, leading to the property falling into the hands of Rudolph von Innspruckh. Ownership continued to change due to political unrest and unpaid taxes.
In the early 17th century, during the Thirty Years' War, Burgschleinitz suffered further damage from Bohemian troops. The Kuefstein Counts eventually occupied the castle, only to be succeeded by the Sazenhofen Barons after more than 300 years. Throughout its history, Burgschleinitz has been a source of inspiration for artists, especially writers, including Franz Grillparzer.
In 1974, the castle's moat, running beneath its walls, was refilled to restore its watery character. Today, it is privately owned and cared for by the Eckert family, including the actress Andrea Eckert.
Towering 52 meters above the sea, Bengtskär lighthouse is the tallest one in Scandinavia. The building started in in 1905 after the shipwreck of S/S Helsingfors and was completed in 1906. The lighthouse was designed by architect Florentin Granholm. On December a special petrol lantern, designed and built in Paris, was brought to Bengtskär and installed atop the tower.
German fleet bombarded Bengstkär in the First World War in 1914. Since the Gulf of Finland was heavily mined, it was not until 1919 that the surrounding seas were declared safe for shipping, that the light was lit again.
After the war the military value of Bengtskär increased as part of the defence system of independent Finland. In Second World War (1941) Soviet Union made a suprise attack to island. After a bloody battle, the small Finnish garrison emerged victorious. Intermittent repairs to the facility continued during the post-war period.