For the intrepid traveller Austria’s castles offer trick fountains

Though other countries hog much of the fairytale glory, for the intrepid traveller Austria’s castles offer trick fountains, curious art collections, dizzying architecture and centuries of history.

Burg Hohenwerfen
Set against the backdrop of the glowering Tennengebirge range, the Burg Hohenwerfen fortress was built in the 11th Century to guard the valley and Salzach River below, but its current appearance dates to 1570. Highlights include the 16th-century belfry that commands far-reaching views over Werfen and the dungeons that display the usual nasties. The entry fee also covers a spectacular falconry show on the grounds, where falconers in medieval costume release eagles, owls, falcons and vultures to circle the ramparts.

Schloss Ambras
Innsbruck’s biggest stunner is Schloss Ambras. Archduke Ferdinand II acquired the castle in 1564, the year he became ruler of Tyrol, and transformed it from a fortress into a palace. He was the mastermind behind the Spanische Saal (Spanish Hall), a 43m-long banquet hall with a wooden inlaid ceiling and Tyrolean nobles gazing from the walls. Fans of the macabre will delight in the Chamber of Art and Curiosities, the Archduke’s impressive portrait collection of giants, dwarves and — even more curiously — Vlad the Impaler.

Festung Hohensalzburg
Rising like a vision above Salzburg, this mighty 900-year-old fortress is one of the biggest and best-preserved in Europe. It is easy to spend half a day roaming the ramparts for far-reaching views over the city’s spires, the Salzach and surrounding Alps. The fortress is a steep 15-minute jaunt from the centre, or a speedy ride in the glass Festungsbahn funicular (included in the ticket price).

Burg Mauterndorf
The centrepiece of the village Mauterndorf is medieval Burg Mauterndorf. Dominating a rocky outcrop, this 13th-century castle was built by the archbishops of Salzburg on the site of a Roman fort. The castle now houses a regional museum and provides the backdrop for various cultural events. It is believed that in the Middle Ages, the main road passed directly through the castle courtyard and tolls were extracted from road users.

Schloss Landeck
Your gaze is drawn upward to the turrets and vine-clad towers of 13th-century Schloss Landeck. The first-floor museum showcases everything from Celtic figurines to hand carved Krampus masks. The castle is especially lovely at Christmas when the mechanised nativity scene is in full swing. For enviable views over Landeck and the Lechtaler Alps, climb the dizzying staircase to the tower.

Schloss Esterházy
Eisenstadt’s most significant attraction is Schloss Esterházy, a giant, Schönbrunn-yellow, castle-cum-palace that dominates Esterházyplatz. Dating from the 14th Century, the Schloss (castle) received a makeover in baroque, and later in neoclassical style. Many of the 256 rooms are occupied by the provincial government, but 25 can be viewed on tours.

Seeschloss Ort
On the western shore, a pretty nature reserve known as Toscana Park forms a backdrop to Seeschloss Ort. This castle on the lake is believed to have been built on the ruins of a Roman fortress. It dates from 909 or earlier (rebuilt in the 17th Century after a fire) and has a picturesque courtyard, a late-Gothic external staircase and sgraffito from 1578.

Schloss Hellbrunn
Built in the 17th Century by bishop Markus Sittikus, Schloss Hellbrunn is mainly known for its ingenious trick fountains and water-powered figures. When the tour guides set them off, expect to get wet! Admission includes a tour of the baroque palace. Other parts of the garden (without fountains) are open year-round and free to visit.

Burg
Southeast of Schlossberg is the city’s 15th-century Burg, now housing government offices. At the far end of the courtyard, on the left under the arch, is an ingenious double staircase (1499) – the steps diverge and converge as they spiral.

Schloss Obermurau
The Liechtenstein family once dominated the region and they built Schloss Obermurau in 1250. Given a Renaissance makeover by the Schwarzenberg family in the 17th Century, today it is often used as a film location.