Photo: Petra Kirchschlager

Ruine Pflindsberg

Altaussee, Styria

burgführung

Pflindsberg is the castle of the evil Bishop Philipp von Spanheim (1220-1279), who was a dazzling personality. Although chosen as Archbishop of Salzburg, he persistently refused to receive the spiritual dignities. In 1246, he had the Ausseer area occupied by force of arms. In 1395, the castle was the seat of the administrative office, later a prison for "Malefizpersonen" (malefactors), which included murderers, for example. According to legend, the soul of an innocent prisoner who died in the tower is said to still haunt the castle meadow as a black rider today. The complex fell into disrepair around 1780. In addition to the remaining castle walls, a viewing tower was built in 2000, with views of Altaussee, Bad Aussee, and the surrounding mountains.