Tucked into the wooded slopes of Kreuzbergl just above Klagenfurt, Schloss Zigguln is a small castle with a surprisingly rich past. It's a rewarding stop for anyone combining an easy woodland walk with a bit of local history.

Kreuzbergl is Klagenfurt's green backyard - a hilly, forested area right at the edge of the city, popular for gentle hikes and views over Lake Wörthersee and the surrounding Alps. Schloss Zigguln itself is privately owned and not open for interior visits, but its Renaissance-era portal carved from chlorite schist and its 19th-century cast-iron loggia make it a lovely sight from the outside. In spring and summer the surrounding forest is lush and green, autumn brings warm colours to the trees, and winter offers quiet, peaceful walks.

How to get there

• From Klagenfurt city centre - walking trail up Kreuzbergl, approx. 20-30 minutes, easy
• Can also be reached by driving nearby and continuing on foot along forest paths

Practical information

• The castle is privately owned - only exterior viewing is possible
• First mentioned in 1496, with a name derived from a medieval tool used for forest clearing
• The inner courtyard and facade were restored in 1996

Fun fact: in the 17th century, Jesuits used Zigguln as a student residence and retreat - today it stands as a quiet witness to Klagenfurt's turbulent history.