In the valley of the Little Kamp, one of the oldest castles in the northwestern Waldviertel stands stylishly and proudly atop a granite cliff.
Rappottenstein Castle was of great importance from the very beginning. On the one hand, it was located in the center of the extensive Kuenring estate, serving as a stable hub during turbulent times; on the other hand, it also protected the ancient trade route (“Pehamsteig”)—traces of which can still be found in the municipal area today—that led from the Danube through the Nordwald into Bohemia.
Furthermore, Rappottenstein Castle formed one of the strongest links in the chain of fortifications that arose along the course of the Kamp River, whose task was to protect the region from Bohemian incursions and thereby also provide flank protection for the Babenberg domain.
Rappottenstein is a fortress that clearly reflects three architectural periods: Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance.
The southern part of the upper castle dates back to the Kuenringer era. Its massive walls, which rise windowless above the steep granite cliff and formed the original defensive structure, greet visitors before they enter the fortress. The walls stand at an obtuse angle to one another, their foundations conforming to the contours of the rock.
At the highest point of the rock massif, the keep guards the complex. Between it and the gate tower—which once towered over the strong walls and blocked access to the inner citadel—lie the oldest buildings of the castle courtyard, dating from the second half of the 12th century. The outer bailey is a sophisticated defensive system comprising eight gates and five courtyards—only those who overcome these obstacles can penetrate the inner bailey.
On a guided tour of the castle, you’ll get a glimpse into the dungeon and can marvel at the three-story arcades with sgraffito decoration in the inner courtyard. The frescoes in the interior rooms are among the rare examples of 16th-century secular painting in Lower Austria.
You can find the exact tour times at www.burg-rappottenstein.at/fuehrungen
