The history: Wernhard de Stove was first mentioned as the owner of Stauf Castle in 1125. He and his son Heinrich de Julbach called themselves Wernhart von Schaunberg from 1146 and Wernhart von Schaunberg from 1161. In 1386, Stauf Castle was occupied by Duke Albrecht and subsequently inhabited by stewards. On the death of Wolfgang II in 1559, the Stauf fell to Wolfgang von Liechtenstein and Nikolsburg in the division of the estate. Helmhard Jörger then acquired the Stauf estate in 1593. Together with the Protestant estates, he openly resisted Emperor Ferdinand II, who confiscated the Jörger estates and handed them over to the Imperial Prince Karl von Harrach in 1622. Since then, the Stauf has been owned by the Harrach family.
The medieval complex consists of a keep, palas and outer bailey, of which only the main walls made of quarrystone and boulders remain. The 21.67 metre high keep, which is accessible from the inner courtyard, has an irregular hexagonal shape, but is square inside.
quadrangular shape. The lowest storeys have pointed barrel vaults, the tower edges are reinforced on the outside with stone ashlars and the window slits have Gothic stone walls.
The ruins of Stauf Castle, with its tower that can still be climbed (viewing platform), have become a well-known and popular excursion destination due to the rarely beautiful distant view that visitors can enjoy on a clear day.
As an active holidaymaker, you will love the new adventure pool with a large sunbathing lawn, swimming pool, non-swimmer area and a 40-metre water slide!
In the middle of the green valleys of the Danube region lies a farm where magic and inspiration seem to find their home. At the centre of it all is a pioneer of sustainable agriculture and herb processing: Thekla Raffezeder. At Hof Theklasien in Haibach ob der Donau, the connection between people and nature has been a daily reality for almost four decades. The vision of sustainable agriculture, which above all promotes ecological responsibility and creates a shared awareness, is what drives Thekla forward every day. Her story, characterised by passion, commitment and a deep respect for nature.
Thekla is a farmer and a visionary - for her, her farm is not just a workplace, but a retreat characterised by harmony and respect. From the very beginning, her aim was to combine ecological, economic and social aspects in her work. Thekla's farm is a place of self-sufficiency and at the same time an oasis for flora and fauna: every animal, every plant and every activity has its place and its time. Thekla realised early on that she wanted to live in the countryside in order to produce healthy food for her family. Over time, the farm developed into a centre for herbal processing through cooperation, exchange circles and alternative projects. Theklasien produces teas - such as her specially created "Naturwundatee" based on the natural wonder Donauschlinge Schlögen - culinary herbs and even cosmetic products. Using herbs from their own cultivation as well as hand-picked wild plants and fruits, they create high-quality products such as aromatic tea blends, fruit spreads, balms and natural creams. Each product is handmade with great attention to detail. The products embody Thekla's deep connection to nature and her knowledge of traditional and sustainable processing methods.
Thekla Raffezeder runs her organic mountain farm according to the principles of permaculture. Fruit trees, herbs and wild plants thrive on eight hectares - accompanied by a few sheep and chickens. The Schlögener Schlinge, one of the most beautiful places in Upper Austria, reflects the naturalness of the region - and Theklasien's contribution to this is its inspiring story, which stands for sustainable agriculture and herb processing. Theklasien helps to preserve and promote the natural beauty and cultural significance of the area.
Visitors can experience the principles of permaculture at first hand: Thekla offers guided tours, workshops and courses - either in her large kitchen or outdoors on the estate - where she shares her knowledge of biodiversity and organic farming. If you are already in the area of Stauf castle ruins, a detour to Thekla's farm is definitely worthwhile!
Die Kirche ist in romanischer Zeit, nach Inschrift eines alten Steines 1213 erbaut (lt. Überlieferung soll ein Stein mit Jahreszahl in der Kirche eingemauert sein) und im späten Mittelalter gotisch umgebaut worden sein. Das alte gotische Gewölbe stürzte 1713/1714 ein und beim Wiederaufbau wurde die Kirche barockisiert, lediglich die Sakristeitür ist noch gotisch.
Der 37m hohe Turm ist im Jahre 1712 erbaut worden, nach einer auf der Ostseite unter dem Turmfenster in Stein gehauenen Jahreszahl.
In 1626 the Upper Austrian farmers made a revolt against the Bavarian Duke Herberstorff. Together with their leader Stefan Fadinger they protested against the religious and social system of their country. Today´s museum, dedicated to Stefan Fadinger, hosts a fascinating exhibition of weapons, arms, documents and an overview of all battles fought by the Upper Austrian farmers.
The museum sheds light on the life of Stefan Fadinger and life in the 17th century around the time of the Peasants' War. It is also dedicated to Fadinger's brother-in-law, Christoph Zeller, who, coming from Haibach ob der Donau, ran a tavern in St. Agatha and, as a captain, was also one of Fadinger's comrades-in-arms on the side of the rebellious peasants. The Stefan Fadinger Museum is also dedicated to the "afterlife" of Stefan Fadinger. Throughout Austria, streets, schools and other buildings are named after Stefan Fadinger. Fadinger's footsteps lead right up to the present day. Audio stations and modern museum technology offer you a contemporary museum experience.
Public Transit
How to travel to the Danube region of Upper Austria?
The fast way to your destination – by train, bus, car, ship or airplane.
Please get in touch for more information.