Röthelstein Castle

Röthelstein Castle, locally known as Burg Röthelstein, lies north of the town of Hainburg an der Donau, in the province of Lower Austria in Austria.

Röthelstein Castle was built on a high rock next to the Danube River. It was first mentioned in 1180.

In 1411 the fief of Rotenstein (as the castle was called then) was given to a Wilhelm von Enzersdorf by Albert V, Duke of Austria. Owning the castle, the village and the nearby river passage wasn't enough for Wilhelm and he often quarreled with the neighboring town of Hainburg over hunting and fishing rights.

In the mid-15th century the castle was inhabited by Wenko von Ruckenau, better known as the infamous robber baron Ledvenko. He terrorized the area from his robbers nest and even installed a barrier on the Danube to extract tolls from passing ships. In 1458 Ledvenko was forced to flee after Albert VI, Archduke of Austria, sieged and took the castle and destroyed the river barrier. A year later the castle was visited by Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor.

In later decades the castle changed hands several times and was leased out due to financial problems of its owners. By 1511 the castle was already in decline and presented to the town of Hainburg. After that, the historical records fall silent. Only in 1694 a protest against its demolition was mentioned.

At present Röthelstein Castle can freely be visited. A small castle ruin, not showing much architectural detail. But its location makes a visit still worthwhile. You will have to make a 10-minute walk through the woods from the nearest road to reach it. Hainburg Castle is nearby.

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