To the Stauf castle ruins

The History: Wernhard de Stove is first mentioned in 1125 as the owner of Stauf Castle; from 1146 onward, he went by the name Heinrich de Julbach, and from 1161 onward, Wernhart von Schaunberg. In 1386, Stauf Castle was occupied by Duke Albrecht and subsequently inhabited by stewards. Upon the death of Wolfgang II in 1559, Stauf Castle passed to Wolfgang von Liechtenstein und Nikolsburg as part of the division of the estate. In 1593, Helmhard Jörger acquired the Stauf estate. Together with the Protestant estates, he openly resisted Emperor Ferdinand II, who confiscated the Jörger estates and transferred them to Imperial Prince Karl von Harrach in 1622. Since that time, Stauf has been in the possession of the Harrach family.
The medieval complex consists of a keep, a great hall, and an outer bailey, of which only the main walls, built of rubble and fieldstones, remain. The 21.67-meter-high keep, accessible from the inner courtyard, has an irregular hexagonal shape on the outside but
rectangular shape. The lowest floors feature pointed barrel vaults; the exterior edges of the tower are reinforced with stone blocks, and the window slits have Gothic stone jambs.
The Stauf Castle ruins, with their tower (viewing platform) that can still be climbed, have become a well-known and popular destination for day trips thanks to the exceptionally beautiful panoramic view that greets visitors on clear days.

In the middle of the green valleys of the Danube region lies a farm where magic and inspiration seem to find their home. At the centre of it all is a pioneer of sustainable agriculture and herb processing: Thekla Raffezeder. At Hof Theklasien in Haibach ob der Donau, the connection between people and nature has been a daily reality for almost four decades. The vision of sustainable agriculture, which above all promotes ecological responsibility and creates a shared awareness, is what drives Thekla forward every day. Her story, characterised by passion, commitment and a deep respect for nature.
 
Thekla is a farmer and a visionary - for her, her farm is not just a workplace, but a retreat characterised by harmony and respect. From the very beginning, her aim was to combine ecological, economic and social aspects in her work. Thekla's farm is a place of self-sufficiency and at the same time an oasis for flora and fauna: every animal, every plant and every activity has its place and its time. Thekla realised early on that she wanted to live in the countryside in order to produce healthy food for her family. Over time, the farm developed into a centre for herbal processing through cooperation, exchange circles and alternative projects. Theklasien produces teas - such as her specially created "Naturwundatee" based on the natural wonder Donauschlinge Schlögen - culinary herbs and even cosmetic products. Using herbs from their own cultivation as well as hand-picked wild plants and fruits, they create high-quality products such as aromatic tea blends, fruit spreads, balms and natural creams. Each product is handmade with great attention to detail. The products embody Thekla's deep connection to nature and her knowledge of traditional and sustainable processing methods.
 
Thekla Raffezeder runs her organic mountain farm according to the principles of permaculture. Fruit trees, herbs and wild plants thrive on eight hectares - accompanied by a few sheep and chickens. The Schlögener Schlinge, one of the most beautiful places in Upper Austria, reflects the naturalness of the region - and Theklasien's contribution to this is its inspiring story, which stands for sustainable agriculture and herb processing. Theklasien helps to preserve and promote the natural beauty and cultural significance of the area.
 
Visitors can experience the principles of permaculture at first hand: Thekla offers guided tours, workshops and courses - either in her large kitchen or outdoors on the estate - where she shares her knowledge of biodiversity and organic farming. If you are already in the area of Stauf castle ruins, a detour to Thekla's farm is definitely worthwhile!

The new "Tilli" inn is located directly in the centre of Haibach ob der Donau.
120 seats and a guest garden (with playground for the little ones) invite you to linger and enjoy the traditional and regional cuisine.

Especially for family, Christmas and birthday celebrations, christenings, meetings and conferences, the guest room can be partitioned off so that approx. 35 people can celebrate or discuss undisturbed.

Since we attach great importance to the origin of the food in our inn, as well as to the cooperation with local producers, we obtain a large part of our products directly from the region:

• Meat and sausage products from Hartkirchen and the surrounding area (Ozlberger family).
• Bread and pastries from Haibach (Scheuer Bakery family)
• Fruit and vegetables from Pupping (Berner family)
• Eggs and pasta from Haibach (Weißhäupl family)