Landskron Castle

Landskron fortress is a medieval hill fortress northeast of Villach in the Austrian state of Carinthia. The castle remains, which date from the early 14th century, are situated atop a rock cone in the Ossiach Tauern range at an elevation of 658 metres (2,159 ft) above sea level.Landskron Castle, its falconry center, which hosts frequent flight displays, and the adjoining macaque enclosure are all popular tourist attractions today.

Landskron Castle was first mentioned in historical records in 1351, when it was owned by the Counts of Ortenburg. The castle was strategically located on a hill overlooking the trade routes between Italy and the Holy Roman Empire. It was also involved in several conflicts and wars, such as the Habsburg-Ortenburg feud, the Turkish invasions, and the Napoleonic Wars. The castle suffered extensive damage from fires, earthquakes, and bombardments over the centuries, and was eventually abandoned in the early 19th century. It was partially restored in the 1950s and 1960s, and opened to the public as a museum and a tourist attraction.

One of the main attractions of Landskron Castle is the falconry center, which hosts daily flight displays of various birds of prey, such as eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, and vultures. The visitors can watch the birds soar, dive, and hunt in the open air, while learning about their natural behavior, ecology, and conservation. The falconry center also offers guided tours, workshops, and special events, such as medieval festivals, knight tournaments, and weddings. The falconry center is open from April to October, and the flight displays take place at 11:00 and 15:00.

Another attraction of Landskron Castle is the macaque enclosure, which is home to a group of about 150 Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys. The macaques were brought to the castle in 1996 as part of a scientific project to study their behavior and adaptation in a new environment. The visitors can observe the macaques from a viewing platform, and learn about their social structure, communication, and intelligence. The macaque enclosure is open all year round, and the entrance fee is included in the castle ticket.

Landskron Castle is a remarkable landmark that combines history, nature, and art in one place. It is a perfect destination for anyone who wants to enjoy a panoramic view of Villach and its surroundings, learn about the medieval life and culture, and witness the amazing skills and beauty of the birds of prey and the macaques. Landskron Castle is open from 9:00 to 18:00 from April to October, and from 10:00 to 16:00 from November to March. The admission fee is 14 euros for adults, 10 euros for children, and 35 euros for families.