Affenberg, eagle show & Landskron Castle

Three attractions await your visit to Burgberg Landskron, just 15 minutes from Villach: the monkey mountain with its Japanese macaques, the eagle arena with daily bird of prey demonstrations and the historic Landskron castle ruins with one of the most beautiful panoramic views in the region.

Three highlights in one place

Affenberg, Adlerarena and castle ruins are so close together that visitors can easily combine all three attractions in one day.

If you start in the morning with a guided tour of the Affenberg, you can easily make it to the next bird of prey show in the Adlerarena and end the excursion on the panoramic terrace of the castle with a view over Carinthia. No re-parking, no long distances between destinations.

Affenberg Landskron

Austria’s largest monkey enclosure is located directly below the Landskron castle ruins. Around 180 Japanese macaques live on a spacious, wooded area of four and a half hectares largely as they would in the wild. They climb, play, groom their fur and dive into the two ponds in the enclosure on hot days.

Information for the visit

The monkey mountain is open from the end of March to the beginning of November and is accessible daily, even on public holidays. Entry is only possible as part of a guided tour, which lasts around 45 minutes.

The guides explain the behavior and social structures of the animals and answer questions directly on site.

Affenberg Landskron © Region Villach Tourismus GmbH

Eagle Arena

Two experienced falconers run one of the most unusual bird of prey parks in Europe directly on the grounds of the castle ruins. Around 50 animals of different species live here in species-appropriate aviaries within the historic castle walls. These include eagles, falcons, vultures and owls, whose natural daily routine can be observed at close quarters.

The birds of prey show

A free flight demonstration takes place in the arena several times a day, lasting around 40 minutes. The birds of prey use the natural updrafts above the castle and perform impressive flight maneuvers. After each flight, the animals return to their falconer, who stands directly in front of the spectators.

The falconers also explain the behavior, lifestyle and endangered status of the individual species. The birds of prey are all captive-bred and the eagle arena also acts as a rescue center for injured animals from the wild.

The combination of historical ambience and proximity to the animals makes the Adlerarena something very special. The show is particularly impressive for families with children.

Birds of prey show Adlerarena © Region Villach Tourismus GmbH | Martin Hofmann

Landskron Castle

High above Villach, the ruins of Landskron Castle are enthroned on a rocky plateau that rises around 135 meters above the plain. What was once considered the mightiest fortified castle in Carinthia is now one of the most famous excursion destinations in the country.

History & significance of the castle

The history of the castle rock goes back a long way. There is evidence that the site was already inhabited around 800 BC. The castle itself was built in the middle of the 14th century and has been documented as Landskron Castle since 1351.

In the 16th century, it came into the possession of the Khevenhüller family, who developed Landskron into a prestigious Renaissance manor house. After a lightning strike in 1812, the castle burned down completely and fell into disrepair. It was not until 1953, with the opening of a café-restaurant, that the castle began to be used for tourism, which continues to this day.

View & experience on site

The view from the panoramic terrace is one of the most impressive in Carinthia. It extends over the Villach valley basin, Lake Ossiach and the Kanzelhöhe to the Karawanken and the Julian Alps.

There are several restaurant areas in the castle itself, including the Kronensaal restaurant. In the castle bistro in the inner courtyard, you can enjoy a quick snack. The castle is also a popular event location for weddings and other celebrations.

Location & arrival from Villach

The Affenberg, Adlerarena and Landskron Castle are just a 15-minute drive from Villach. A well-developed road leads directly up to the site. If you want to drive to the top by car, you pay a toll of 5.50 euros per car and then park directly on the castle grounds.

Free parking is available at the foot of the castle hill, from there it is around a 20-minute walk up the hill. If you are traveling without a car, you can reach the site by bus from Villach in around 30 minutes.