What is Schloss Heroldeck?

 Schloss Heroldeck is an alluring private castle tucked away on the slopes of Austria’s Lake Millstatt. Since the purchase of it by Calvary Chapel in 1988, the castle has been influenced over the years by different leaders with varying giftings and differing dynamics of ministry. Needless to say its always been a very special place no matter the time or occasion. As the movement of the Calvary Chapel’s in Europe grew, the castle became a very strategic place of retreat for many. Pastors in Europe also used this breathtaking place to bring their people year after year and let them hear some heartfelt teachings by pastors from all over the world. In time, the castle became a hub for American churches to come and minister and see firsthand what God was doing in Europe, while for others it was a springboard to push out new teams into other regions.

1912

Castle Construction Completed

1938

The "Villa" Construction Completed

1947

Austrian Government Owned Castle

1989

Calvary Chapel Purchased Property

Early Days

Europe at the time was a vast frontier for the movement, East and West. It was a place where God gave encouragement and direction when it was needed most, and let many know that WE WERE NOT ALONE, and that there were actually others out there doing the same thing we were doing. Needless to say, year after year, pastors couldn’t wait to get back to the castle and hear how the others were doing, letting each other know they were still plugging away on the mission field themselves. 

Dark Ages

These times were truly the dark ages for all of us. There were no cell phones, no email, not even fax machines. How things got done without them, is a mystery for todays generation, but we know it was a move of God on various levels. It was much harder for those in the East. To even reach them on a landline was next to impossible and way too expensive for the meager missionary budgets. Not only that, but they were in fallen, depleted communist countries where serious civil war was breaking loose. The only contact with them occurred at the castle, which was everyones middle ground and place of refreshment.

Summer of Service

As time went on, many that came to serve in the castles “Summer of Service” (SOS), would witness the humble community that was growing in Europe, and were immediately aware of the grace God was lavishing on them to be there. As a result, many began praying about where He might let them stake out their own missionary claim.
 
That right there is something that will never change about the castle, and all the more for today's generation as they stand on the threshold of Gods further calling to Europe. 

The Castle Today

Since those early days, the castle has taken on many different shapes and sizes and is frequented by missionaries from all over the world. Its annual missionary conference has grown so big, and since many years now, they have to rent additional rooms in the surrounding area to pull it off. It’s an understatement to say, that for those on the mission field, this conference is one of the greatest highlights of the year. The depth that occurs within the churches over the years can definitely be attributed to the amazing blessing that the castle became for everyone. Those conferences, along with so many other blessings the castle bestowed on its visitors, can’t even begin to be recorded on paper.