Peigarten Castle

Peigarten Castle is located in the northern Waldviertel region in the municipality of Thaya in the district of Waidhofen an der Thaya (Austria). Peigarten Castle is situated on a rocky outcrop, surrounded by the Taxenbach stream, at the western entrance of the village of Peigarten. From the keep, one can overlook the Maierhof and the village of Peigarten.

The "Veste Peygarten" dates back to the time of the colonization of the area in the 11th century. The "Peygartner" are first mentioned in documents shortly after Christmas of the year 1200. In 1375, Peigarten Castle was owned by the knightly family of Taxner. Other lords of the castle included Heinrich von Neuhaus and Bernhard von Inpruck. In 1644, Lilienfeld Abbot Cornelius acquired Peigarten Castle, which was expanded into a castle with a dairy, sheep farm, tavern, brewery, and brandy distillery. During this period, Peigarten Castle experienced its heyday. In 1809, Count Grünne bought the castle and the lands and united the Peigarten dominion with the neighboring Dobersberg dominion. Thereafter, the estate frequently changed owners. In 1978, Martin and Ula Wolfer acquired Peigarten Castle and began extensive renovation work. In 1979, Martin Wolfer made the castle chapel accessible to the public again. Since then, a traditional St. Martin's Day service has been held annually in the castle chapel, which is dedicated to John the Baptist. In 1987, Romanesque frescoes were discovered during renovation work in the castle chapel.

Wolfer is a Grand Officer of the Order of St. Lazarus and made his castle available as a base for the Waldviertel group of the St. Lazarus Relief Organization, which he founded in 1979. Visits are only possible by prior arrangement.