The pitch-making museum, Hernstein Castle and a short hike to the Blasenkogel offer different ways to explore Hernstein. When planning your stay, practical questions take centre stage: Would a Sunday morning museum visit suit you, would you like to plan a castle tour, or are you more interested in a hike? Check opening hours and tour availability before your trip.
The Pitch-Making Museum and the History of Pitch Making
Pastor Prof. Rupert Marx set up the small pitch-making museum in 1989. It features around 200 exhibits and the most important tools used in the trade. For almost 300 years, Hernstein and the surrounding villages formed a heartland of commercial pitch making; a significant part of the population made their living from it. The exhibits thus connect visitors with a regional history that shaped the livelihoods of many people for a long time.
The museum is open on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; visits can also be arranged by appointment through the municipal office. As opening hours may change, check the details before you arrive. If the Sunday time slot does not fit your schedule, arranging an appointment is another option.
Hernstein Castle and Its History
Tours of Hernstein Castle explore the history of the former hunting lodge of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine and showcase its magnificent rooms. Check tour availability before your trip. The castle acquired its present appearance through a 28-year renovation based on plans by Theophil Hansen. Hernstein’s history dates back to the late 11th century; the castle’s architectural history, shaped by the renovation, offers a distinct historical focus.
Two different themes therefore sit side by side: the long history of the town and the architectural development of the castle. Those with a particular interest in architecture will find a specific point of reference in the 28-year renovation and Hansen’s plans. The tours add another perspective, exploring the history of the former hunting lodge and its magnificent rooms.
Hike, Stone Monument and Vinzenz Chapel
The short hike to the Guggersteine starts in Hernstein and follows field, forest-track and woodland paths to the Blasenkogel. The route combines a named destination with different types of paths. The artificial stone monument “Altes Grab” (“Old Grave”) also stands in Alkersdorf on the Blasenkogel.
The Vinzenz Chapel, built in 2002, stands on the pitch-making educational trail in Hernstein. Its bold timber structure is open in design, and the interior opens out towards the forest. Its architecture thus combines an open design with a space oriented towards the forest. This is a different architectural accent from the castle’s magnificent rooms.
Plan Your Visit and Accommodation
The attractions have different practical requirements when choosing your visiting days: the museum has a Sunday time slot and an appointment option, while you should check the availability of a castle tour in advance. The hike is described as short and leads to the Blasenkogel. This lets you weigh up the collection and history of pitch making, a castle tour and a hike according to your interests, rather than treating all the highlights as equally important.
If you are looking for a hotel for your stay in Hernstein, first decide which of these themes matter to you. Then coordinate your visiting days with the museum opening hours and, if you wish, a castle tour. This will make it clearer where you would like to focus your stay.
Discover more destinations: Baden, Kottingbrunn, Sooß, Günselsdorf, Neuhaus, Schönau An Der Triesting, Siegenfeld, Bad Vöslau
Go to the parent travel overview: Baden.
