Burg Hochosterwitz

This fairytale fortress (it claims to be the inspiration for the castle in Sleeping Beauty) drapes itself around the slopes of a hill, with 14 gate towers on the path up to the final bastion. These were built between 1570 and 1586 by Georg Khevenhüller, the then owner, to protect against Turkish invasion. It certainly looks impregnable and the Burgführer information booklet (in English; €4) outlines the different challenges presented to attackers by each gate – some have spikes embedded in them, which could be dropped straight through unwary invaders passing underneath. The fortress is particularly imposing when viewed from the northeast – sit on the left of the train coming from Friesach.

The castle (04213-20 20; adult/child incl tour €7.50/4.50; 9am-5pm Apr & Oct, 9am-6pm May-Sep) has a museum featuring the suit of armour of one Burghauptmann Schenk, who measured 225cm at the tender age of 16. There’s a small café serving sausages, soup, rolls and coffee at the top.