Immerse yourself in a different world between country lust and historical ambience: Andreas Rittler and his family enjoy sharing their Renaissance castle in Carinthia with their guests. With a love of organic farming and details, the Rittler family creates a place that will be remembered.
Celebrate the most beautiful day in your life. Toasting with friends, looking the love of your life in the eye, feeling the heart beating fast. "For us, the most beautiful thing is that we can share this old estate with others," enthuses lord of the manor Andreas Rittler. As lord of the castle, there's a little romantic in him, too.
He lives and works as a host and organic farmer at Gut Schloss Lichtengraben. The castle is almost 500 years old and was built from the stones of the ruins of Painburg. Every nook and cranny - outside and inside - has been lovingly renovated and is now open to guests of the Rittler family.
Of course there is also a garden, just as it is supposed to be: old trees, extensive meadows and an old moat, which today serves as a fish pond.
As castles go, they are especially popular with wedding couples. But this castle is also appreciated among anglers. What impresses fish fans and brides most when choosing a castle?
Both appreciate the Carinthian rainbow trout at Gut Schloss Lichtengraben, freshly caught from the castle's ponds, and the smell of beech wood used to smoke the fresh fish. And of course the impressive backdrop of the castle and the Rittler family's attention to detail, which brings out the ambience of the estate with skilful hands and decoration.
A beautiful province with over 200 splendid lakes that speckle a landscape marked by high peaks and gouged valleys.
Fishing has a long tradition at Gut Schloss Lichtengraben. "Even my great-grandfather was involved in hatching brown trout," says Andreas Rittler, who describes himself less as the lord of the castle and more as a caretaker. The castle has been in the Rittlers' possession since 1886, and today the entire estate covers 203 hectares.
The living space of the Schloss Lichtengraben estate covers 1,200 sq m / 13,000 sq ft - there is always something to do. But what Styrian-born Rittler likes best is being with the fish: "Some of the ponds still date back to that time. We have renovated them in recent years. There's even a pond that's well over 600 years old." At that time a weir ditch - today a romping place for trout.
"We only work with our own fish eggs. This way we know the mother fish and can guarantee the best quality," explains Rittler proudly. The fish swim in natural ponds that are not too full and are fed very little. "If you bring your fishing gear, you can even fish here yourself," says the estate owner. "Trout weighing over three kilograms have been caught in our ponds from time to time."
In Austria, fishing is not allowed in many places. But with the Rittlers, it's no problem: "No official fishing permits are necessary, because our guests fish in private waters."
For some, fishing is the most beautiful pastime in the world, for others a pure adventure. Here are some exciting tips for fish fans.
In the area surrounding the estate in Lavanttal, the Rittlers also grow organic food on 36 hectares and raise cattle and sheep. "We are a pure grassland farm with cows, ewes and two horses. The meadows are mowed two to three times a year to feed the animals during winter, which are mostly outside." Young guests find the calves and young lambs, which are available to admire throughout the year, particularly exciting. "The sheep are our organic lawnmowers," Andreas Rittler laughs.
"There's a bit of fruit here too," the organic farmer tells us. The varieties are not as old as the ponds, but almost: on the 2.5 hectares of meadow orchards are trees that are already over 100 years old. "Old cultural assets. We harvest our edible fruit, make dried fruit and jams. Most of the fruit, however, is processed into apple juice and cider, which matures in the cellar until Christmas time."
But most guests come because it smells so good at Gut Schloss Lichtengraben. Andreas Rittler smokes his fish in the oven. When it smells this good, it quickly attracts guests and neighbours. Anyone interested can taste hot smoked fresh fish from the smoker in the farm shop: every Friday from 12.00 noon.
Andreas Rittler is a castle owner by any other name. It stands to reason that the Carinthian by choice is also a hunter himself, to whom the balance in nature is close to his heart. "Our basic idea is sustainability. No matter what we do, we do it out of love for nature and the environment." To keep it as beautiful as it is.
Gut Schloss Lichtengraben 1
9462 Bad St. Leonhard
Österreich
Austria owes its culinary identity to both its location in the heart of Europe and its remarkable history. Austria stands for openness to varied influences and a love for refining existing traditions at the highest level.
Read more
Thunderous mountain streams, crystal clear lakes, and pools that trout, char, and grayling call their home - Austria attracts fishing fans from around the world. #feelAustria
The stunning combination of lakes and mountains is one of Austria's best features. Discover it for yourself!
You can’t get it any fresher than this: Many farms invite visitors to purchase their products directly on site.
Viennese start-up blün: four young farmers with a vision devoted to aquaponics, an innovative recirculation system.
