Raabs Castle, Raabs an der Thaya, Austria

Raabs Castle, situated on a steep rocky promontory above the confluence of the Thaya rivers, towers over the small town. Standing on the balcony is like standing on the bow of a ship sailing into the past. The castle was built around 1050.

Instability in South Moravian space in the first half of the 11th century led to repeated conflicts. For example, in the Altahensis annales it is recorded that in 1082 the son of Margrave Adalbert took one of the towns at the present northern provincial border after it was forcibly taken from his father by the Přemyslids. After the extinction of the Raab Counts in the male line (around 1192) the western territory with the castle passed to Count Hirschberg-Tollenstein.

In 1252, Czech King Přemysl Otakar II acquired the whole county. Owner of the castle became Vok I. of Rožmberk from Czech noble clan Vítkovci. In 1282, the Castle passed to Habsburgs, because after 1278 a large part of the county was confiscated by King Rudolf.

The castle is presently owned by the publisher Richard Pils and his family. The “province library” publishes numerous award-winning books and books are the focal point of the annual poets’ festival in August. Various exhibitions alternate during the year. Guided tours can be organized upon request.

User Reviews

Daniel (2 years ago)
Raabs is the pearl of the Thayatal, a very beautiful place, has everything you need in everyday life with wonderful hiking trails and peace to relax

Zdenka Smrčinová (3 years ago)
The nicely landscaped square and the castle on the headland were worth a visit. Unfortunately, maybe sometime next time

Juri H (3 years ago)
Beautiful place and surroundings, unfortunately the castle was locked eventhough the google showed us that is open, so please check it before if is open or not

Mi (3 years ago)
Unfortunately, you are not allowed to look around alone, but only with a guide. In addition, there was a closed party on Saturday. So the kids were sad. But you can see it from the outside

Petr Matula (3 years ago)
A very nice town with a nice castle, below which is the confluence of the Moravian and Austrian Dyje.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

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