Schauenstein Castle ruins
Lookout tower, Ruins, Scenic lookout
Description
The Schauenstein ruins are among the most beautiful ruins in the central Kamp Valley ("Kamptal"). Situated on a steeply sloping spur of the 606 m high Buchberg, it offers a magnificent view of the Kamp Valley ("Kamptal" in German).
The castle was built by the Babenbergs in the 11th and 12th centuries as a bulwark against Bohemian invasions. In 1622, after many difficulties, the Kuefsteins succeeded in acquiring Schauenstein.
The castle seems to have suffered decisive destruction during the turmoil of the Thirty Years' War, presumably at the hands of the Swedes.
In 1987, the "Rettet Schauenstein" association was founded with its headquarters in Neupölla. The association has carried out restoration work on the ruins so that they can be entered at any time.
An approx. 1.5 km long romantic hiking trail leads from the parking lot in Krug to the ruins, whose accessible keep with its viewing platform offers a magnificent view over the untouched Kamp Valley ("Kamptal" in German).
Tip: Be sure to climb the lookout tower in the keep! Not only do kestrels nest here, but you may also encounter a bat or two as you climb inside the tower.
The ruins are freely accessible, but access is not permitted when there is snow or ice.
The keep is only accessible with a key and against payment of an entrance fee.
You can obtain the key from:
- Hainzl family in Krug 29 (0664/2424494 or 0677/61258444)
- Gasthaus Speneder in Altpölla (02988/6280)
- Gasthaus Kainrath in Altpölla (0664/4119674 )
- Hotel Wegscheidhof in Wegscheid/Kamp (02731/237)
