Heldenberg

Heldenberg, a charming community in Lower Austria, offers a unique blend of historical and cultural attractions. From the majestic Wetzdorf Castle and the significant Radetzky Memorial to the prehistoric earth circles and the fascinating Falkenhof, there's something for everyone. Visitors can also enjoy local wines at the central winery and explore the serene English Garden, making Heldenberg a must-visit destination near Vienna.

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Heldenberg is a charming community in Lower Austria, located in Kleinwetzdorf, with only about 1,400 residents. However, it has a lot to offer for those looking for interesting and unique places to visit near Vienna.

The term Heldenberg is mainly used to refer to the monument, or rather a complex of monuments and buildings of patriotic significance, also known as the Radetzky Memorial. However, it is an entire municipality.

When you visit Heldenberg, you can explore historical sites and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The Radetzky Memorial is a significant landmark, paying tribute to Field Marshal Radetzky and other important figures.

Besides the memorial, the area offers picturesque landscapes and a peaceful environment, perfect for a day trip from Vienna. You can also find other attractions in the region, making Heldenberg a must-visit spot for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

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How to Get There

Unfortunately, reaching Heldenberg is not easy. However, if you decide to take a longer walk, you will surely be satisfied. The journey might be challenging, but the scenic route and the final destination are worth the effort. The best option is to get to the village of Ziersdorf and walk for about an hour. The route is very nice, you will walk among beautiful fields, on a asphalted road.

Location

Heldenberg is located in the Lower Austria region, known as the Schmid Valley. The name “Schmid” means blacksmith in German and is currently one of the most popular surnames in Austria. The valley is named after the Schmid River, which blacksmiths once used to power their forges.

Currently, the river is one of the most polluted in Austria, but intensive efforts are being made to improve its condition.

Coat of Arms

The coat of arms, in use since the 1990s, features a monument that visitors will surely want to see. It also includes grapes, symbolizing the vineyards that cover about 10% of the municipality’s land. The design reflects the historical and agricultural significance of Heldenberg, highlighting both its cultural heritage and its natural beauty.

Heldenberg Name

“Heldenberg” is a German term that translates to “Heroes’ Hill” or “Hill of Heroes” in English.

What to see in Heldenberg

Classic Car Collection

This place is definitely a must-visit for car enthusiasts. However, the number of cars, their age, and the way they are presented is so interesting that everyone will find something to enjoy here. In the huge hall, you can see over 100 vehicles – from tractors and the first fire engines to bicycles, Porsches, and limousines.

Tip: It’s really worth visiting this place. Even if you’re not interested in cars, this location will captivate you, making you want to spend some time admiring the technological marvels. The diverse collection ensures that there is something for everyone, whether you are a car lover or just curious about the history of transportation.

English Garden

The English Garden, created around 1830, is not very large but serves as a nice beginning or end to your visit. It is located directly next to the ticket offices. The garden’s picturesque setting offers a serene atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature before or after exploring the other attractions in Heldenberg. The well-maintained paths and charming design make it a delightful place to take a leisurely stroll.

Heldenberg Training Center

The Heldenberg Training Center is where the oldest breed of horses, the Lipizzaners, receive training before going to the Hofburg. Established in 2005, the center is not only a place for training but also a retreat for the horses, where they spend two to three small vacations a year. During these breaks, the training center does not offer tours, allowing the horses to enjoy the beautiful local landscapes.

Note: The stud farm is open for visits only at specific times with a guide. Tours are conducted in German.

The first mention of Lipizzaners dates back to 1786. These horses are born brown and gradually turn white over about nine years. They are known for their gentle nature and willingness to cooperate. At Heldenberg, they undergo training for about six years before performing in shows.

Wetzdorf Castle

Wetzdorf Castle originates from an original fortification of a courtyard, which was transformed into a permanent residence around the 14th century. Over the centuries, the castle changed owners until it came into the possession of the Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Wiesenburg family in the 18th century.

In the 19th century, the estate was acquired by Josef Gottfried Pargfrieder, who made his fortune supplying food and clothing to the Austrian army. He commissioned the castle to be remodeled in the Classicist style and even installed a sprinkler system for the roof, a technological marvel at the time, to prevent fires.

After World War II, the castle fell into disrepair. During the division of Austria into occupation zones, Russian soldiers were stationed there, and they did not appreciate the beauty of the place. Today, the castle belongs to the Turnauer family and is not open to the public.

Heldenberg

The owner of Wetzdorf Castle, Josef Gottfried Pargfrieder, decided to build Heldenberg behind the castle. His decision was influenced by the political situation at the time. In 1848, revolutionary influences reached Austria, toppling monarchies across Europe. Pargfrieder dedicated Heldenberg to the heroes of the imperial forces who fought in Hungary and Italy.

Josef Gottfried Pargfrieder aimed to make the place a grand mausoleum and persuaded generals to choose it as their burial site. He succeeded in convincing two prominent figures: Josef Wenzel Graf Radetzky, known from the Radetzky March, and Maximilian Freiherr von Wimpffen, one of the commanders at the Battle of Austerlitz. The complex features around 170 busts glorifying the Austrian nation.

Pargfrieder died childless and bequeathed his estate to the founder of the Wienerberger brick factory, known for its beautiful tile work in Vienna. Pargfrieder himself was buried in the crypt alongside Radetzky and Wimpffen.

Visitors enter the area with tombs and busts through the Invalidenhaus, which looks like an ancient temple. This building was meant to be a residence for retired soldiers and generals. They would act as an honor guard for the tombs of famous individuals. However, this plan never happened.

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Earth Circles

In Heldenberg, you can see prehistoric earth circles. One spot, which you can view from above, is located behind the horse stables. At the end of the tour, instead of heading to the park with swings and other children’s activities, you should go through a small gate and climb up. There, you can access a platform to admire what remains of this site, unchanged for thousands of years.

It is not entirely clear why such structures were built. Earth circles began to appear in Central Europe around 4900 BCE. In Lower Austria, there are dozens of such remnants. Researchers believe these constructions served as festival gathering places, where residents could meet during holidays like equinoxes or solstices, based on the astronomical calendar.

Reconstructions of these circles can be seen next to the Heldenberg mausoleum. Next to the circles, there is a Neolithic village. This village hosts events mainly for families with children on specific days.

Falkenhof

Falkenhof is a place where birds of prey are trained or simply given shelter. It is located near the Stone Age village and the Radetzky monument. This place is worth visiting not only to see the birds but also to witness an eagle. The eagle, the largest bird of prey in America, is also featured on the American coat of arms. Furthermore, the unique location and the impressive birds make Falkenhof an unforgettable destination.

It is highly recommended to join one of the shows. They are only in English. During the show, various birds of prey perform many tricks. The place is popular because of the host. He not only trains the birds but also cares for abandoned animals. This adds a special charm and draws many visitors to Falkenhof.

Wine Shop

Wine is as integral to the Austrian landscape as the mountains. The winery in the center of Heldenberg focuses on selling local wines. It is highly recommended to take advantage of the wine tasting opportunity. For 11 euros, you can taste 5 different wines. This experience allows you to savor the rich flavors of the region and appreciate the local wine-making tradition. The wine shop offers a variety of choices, making it a perfect stop for wine enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy a delightful tasting experience