Photo: Rudolf Rohrleitner_red

Burg Altpernstein

Micheldorf in Oberösterreich, Upper Austria

Burg Altpernstein is situated at a high elevation between Kirchdorf and Micheldorf. The gorge between the castle rock and the mountain slope – which serves as a moat – is spanned by a stone bridge and leads to a two-story gatehouse. Above the ashlar portal are two openings that belonged to the lifting mechanism of the drawbridge. The courtyard is enclosed by the elongated four-story residential wing with a steep gabled roof and the almost entirely dismantled and built-over tower. In the courtyard itself is a marble fountain. The west side of the castle was secured by a simple wall with projecting turrets. This structure has been converted into a viewing terrace. The residential wing houses the Knights' Hall and an armory. However, the fore-building, which accommodates the chapel, attracts interest, especially because of the still well-preserved, once feared dungeons. The gate leaves are iron-clad, but they are not ordinary iron sheets, but flattened armor, as can still be seen today. To secure access, two towers were erected on the opposite slope; the lower one is a square tower, popularly called "Pulverturm" (powder tower), the upper one is a round tower. Via the A9 – exit no. 16 "Inzersdorf-Kirchdorf" – B 138 to Micheldorf, then leave the federal road – ascent via "Burgstraße" to the castle. For a detailed route display, please enter your starting point below. ATTENTION: many navigation devices incorrectly locate the address of Burg Altpernstein (Altpernstein 1) as "Altpernstein 3". To access "Altpernstein 1" (correct address), you must turn off in Micheldorf! However, many navigation devices incorrectly direct you away from the federal road to "Altpernstein 3" already in Kirchdorf. Unfortunately, there is no road passable by car between "Altpernstein 3" and "Altpernstein 1", so it is essential to ensure that you leave the federal road in MICHELDORF and drive up to the castle via BURGSTRASSE in Micheldorf.