Burgruine Ehrenfels

Only a few remains of the castle are preserved, which are difficult to perceive from the road. The castle ruin is located on the summit of the Gfäller Wand at an altitude of 1146 meters, making it one of the highest-lying fortifications in Styria. Three sides around the castle drop steeply, and to the north, a moat carved into the rock separates the castle from the mountain. A drawbridge led through the gatehouse into the courtyard, where, in addition to the keep, there was also a longhouse, a residential building with a base of 12 x 7 meters. The castle was probably built in the 13th century, likely on the site of an older fortification (possibly destroyed by an earthquake – the basis for the legend of the end of Ehrenfels). As a sign of the times, in the late Middle Ages, knights increasingly retreated to their valley castles, and burgraves or administrators resided in the castles. The Lords of Ehrenfels themselves moved into the valley castle in Ehrnau as early as 1347. Finally, Kammerstein Castle was probably the main seat of the lords, who always owned both castles. As early as the beginning of the 15th century, the castle may have fallen victim to flames. Large parts of the castle buildings were constructed of wood. This is one reason why so few remains are preserved. A photograph from 1929 still shows a larger wall remnant.

Opening hours & season

• 01.01.2021 – 31.12.2030dailyopen all day