Hochosterwitz

Geographic coordinates: lat: 46° 45' N, lon: 14° 27' E

Hochosterwitz (Ostrovica) lies on a 160 m high rising and is one of the most picturesque castles in Austria. The castle is situated 18 km northeastern from the centre of Klagenfurt and 7 km eastern from St. Veit, which was in the late middle age (11th-13th century) the capital of Carinthia.

The first documented name of the castle dates back to the time of Carantania, from the year 860, when it was recorded as Astorwitza (originating from the old local Slavic dialect in Carinthia from that era, meaning a hill with a sharp—"oster"—summit).

The castle was additionally fortified during the period of threat from the Turks in the 16th century, incorporating 14 fortified defense gates with 5 drawbridges and elaborate pitfall traps ("wolf's pits"). Boasting a rich museum collection, the castle remains a highly famous tourist destination nowadays.