Rapottenstein Castle

Rapottenstein Castle, locally known as Burg Rapottenstein, lies in the woods south of the village of the same name, in the province of Lower Austria in Austria.

Rapottenstein Castle was built between 1150-1176 by Rapoto von Kuenring. It was one of a string of castles he built in this area to protect the lands of his family as well as to protect the flank of the Margravate of Austria, ruled by the House of Babenberg, from invasions from Bohemia. The castle was in the middle of Kuenring possessions and next to an ancient trade route.

At the end of the 13th century the House of Kuenring were placed under an imperial ban because they had supported Ottokar II of Bohemia in his fight against Rudolf I of Germany and later his son Albert I of Germany. They lost their possessions and Rapottenstein Castle went to the Lords of Dachsberg in 1305.

In 1423 it went to the House of Starhemberg and in 1546 to the Lords of Landau. In 1597 the castle was unsuccessfully besieged by rebellious peasants. Swedish troops besieged the castle for several months in 1645 during the Thirty Years' War, but were also unsuccessful.

In 1664 Rapottenstein was bought by the Counts of Abensberg-Traun, who still own the castle to this day. The castle has never been conquered and was therefore never destroyed, which is why it is in such a good condition at present. Since 2011 the owners have set up an initiative with the Austrian Red Cross and have made the castle a place for relaxation and reflection for children and their families who suffer from chronic illness or are in need of grief counseling.

At present Rapottenstein Castle can be visited with a guided tour for a small fee. This is really a great castle. Recommended!

Gallery