To the Stauf castle ruins

The history: Wernhard de Stove was first mentioned as the owner of Stauf Castle in 1125. He and his son Heinrich de Julbach called themselves Wernhart von Schaunberg from 1146 and Wernhart von Schaunberg from 1161. In 1386, Stauf Castle was occupied by Duke Albrecht and subsequently inhabited by stewards. On the death of Wolfgang II in 1559, the Stauf fell to Wolfgang von Liechtenstein and Nikolsburg in the division of the estate. Helmhard Jörger then acquired the Stauf estate in 1593. Together with the Protestant estates, he openly resisted Emperor Ferdinand II, who confiscated the Jörger estates and handed them over to the Imperial Prince Karl von Harrach in 1622. Since then, the Stauf has been owned by the Harrach family.
The medieval complex consists of a keep, palas and outer bailey, of which only the main walls made of quarrystone and boulders remain. The 21.67 metre high keep, which is accessible from the inner courtyard, has an irregular hexagonal shape, but is square inside.
quadrangular shape. The lowest storeys have pointed barrel vaults, the tower edges are reinforced on the outside with stone ashlars and the window slits have Gothic stone walls.
The ruins of Stauf Castle, with its tower that can still be climbed (viewing platform), have become a well-known and popular excursion destination due to the rarely beautiful distant view that visitors can enjoy on a clear day.

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)