Top 10 Castles around Frankenfels
Best castles around Frankenfels are found in the surrounding region of Lower Austria, offering historical exploration and scenic landscapes. The area features several notable historical sites, providing insights into centuries of architectural evolution and cultural significance. The region's natural setting provides a picturesque backdrop for exploring these historical landmarks. These landmarks Frankenfels region offer a glimpse into the past.
Best castles around Frankenfels
- The most popular castles is Plankenstein Castle, a castle that towers high above the Texingtal. It offers a castle tavern and the option to stay overnight in a historic setting.
- Another must-see spot is Kirchberg an der Pielach, a settlement featuring a castle with parts dating back to the 11th century. Visitors can explore the castle grounds and a small park with a rest area along the cycle route.
- Visitors also love Grünbühel Castle, a castle that is privately owned and can be viewed from the outside. The castle has undergone various architectural changes, with its current appearance largely shaped in 1830.
- Frankenfels is known for castles, ruins, and historical sites. The region offers a variety of castles to see and explore, from well-preserved medieval structures to ancient ruins.
- The castles around Frankenfels are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 140 upvotes and over 190 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
Plankenstein Castle
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Kirchberg an der Pielach
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Grünbühel Castle
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Story:
The place was first mentioned around 1074 by the Hochfrei Adalbert von Kilb. In the 12th century, the rule came to Rudolf von Perg. Friedrich von Perg was inherited by the Babenberg Duke Leopold V in 1191. In the 13th century, a knightly family again named itself after Kilb. In 1410 a knight from “Sebeck” was named as the owner. In 1460, Jörg von Pottendorf sold his castle in Kilb to Bernhard von Tiernstein, who built an extensive new building and, ten years later, bequeathed it to the brothers Rüdiger and Jörg von Starhemberg, but also promised the defense construction to his grandson Georg von Velderndorf. The latter probably received it, because in 1521 Hans Velderndorfer sold the fortress to Göttweig Abbey.
The castle was now called Grünbühel. He bought it back in 1534, but finally sold it to Jakob Gienger in 1549. Jacob's son Nikolaus had the old fortified building converted into a more comfortable Renaissance castle. As a result, the owners usually changed quite quickly. Around the middle of the 17th century, the Barons Ruess von Ruessenstein came into possession of the castle. Only the barons and later Counts of Wickenburg owned Grünbühel for a longer period from 1720 onwards. In 1830, Karl Theodor Graf Wickenburg had major construction work carried out, which gave the building its current appearance. In 1845 the castle came into rapidly changing bourgeois ownership. From 1969 to 2004 it belonged to the Friedel-Klarenberg family. Since then, Dr. Georg Graf Pachta-Reyhofen, lord of the castle at Grünbühel.
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Strannersdorf Castle
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Töpperschloss Neubruck
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Tips from the Community
Unfortunately, it's privately owned and not open to the public. A few years ago, I wrote a blacksmithing report on the impressive window grilles and had access to the entire site for a day. It's a shame that some of the castles aren't accessible.
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Central town in the Pielachtal, scenically extremely attractive
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Strannersdorf Castle is located west of Mank in the Mostviertel region. A castle was first mentioned on this site in the mid-14th century. In the 15th century, the Lords of Walsee built a new fortress on the site after losing their ancestral castle. At the beginning of the 16th century, the Steinberger family took over the fortifications and transformed them into the castle it houses today. The striking neo-Baroque façade with its characteristic spire was created during extensive modernization in 1888/89. For a tour to Strannersdorf Castle, there are numerous cycling paths in the area. The region around Mank offers scenic routes suitable for both recreational and competitive cyclists.
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A beautiful little town with a church and a castle. The north-south long-distance hiking trail 05 and the Roman road 651 pass through here.
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The origins of the town of Neubruck in the municipality of Scheibbs are inextricably linked to the industrialist Andreas Töpper - pioneer of the Austrian iron industry and inventor of the rolled sheet process - and the iron and rolled sheet works he founded in 1820. The growing factory settlement eventually gave rise to the town of Neubruck, named after the "New Bridge" over the Erlauf built by Töpper in 1830.
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is located in the middle of MTB paradise
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Privately owned and therefore unfortunately can only be viewed from the outside. Story: The place was first mentioned around 1074 by the Hochfrei Adalbert von Kilb. In the 12th century, the rule came to Rudolf von Perg. Friedrich von Perg was inherited by the Babenberg Duke Leopold V in 1191. In the 13th century, a knightly family again named itself after Kilb. In 1410 a knight from “Sebeck” was named as the owner. In 1460, Jörg von Pottendorf sold his castle in Kilb to Bernhard von Tiernstein, who built an extensive new building and, ten years later, bequeathed it to the brothers Rüdiger and Jörg von Starhemberg, but also promised the defense construction to his grandson Georg von Velderndorf. The latter probably received it, because in 1521 Hans Velderndorfer sold the fortress to Göttweig Abbey. The castle was now called Grünbühel. He bought it back in 1534, but finally sold it to Jakob Gienger in 1549. Jacob's son Nikolaus had the old fortified building converted into a more comfortable Renaissance castle. As a result, the owners usually changed quite quickly. Around the middle of the 17th century, the Barons Ruess von Ruessenstein came into possession of the castle. Only the barons and later Counts of Wickenburg owned Grünbühel for a longer period from 1720 onwards. In 1830, Karl Theodor Graf Wickenburg had major construction work carried out, which gave the building its current appearance. In 1845 the castle came into rapidly changing bourgeois ownership. From 1969 to 2004 it belonged to the Friedel-Klarenberg family. Since then, Dr. Georg Graf Pachta-Reyhofen, lord of the castle at Grünbühel.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of historical experiences do the castles around Frankenfels offer?
The castles in the region provide a rich historical journey, from medieval fortifications to Renaissance transformations and neo-baroque aesthetics. You can explore well-preserved rooms, towers, and courtyards, and witness centuries of architectural evolution. Sites like Plankenstein Castle offer guided tours, while others like Rabenstein Ruins allow you to explore remnants of the past in a scenic setting.
Are there any castles near Frankenfels that offer guided tours or unique experiences?
Yes, Plankenstein Castle is a prime example. It offers guided tours to explore its fascinating history, features a tavern with local cuisine, and even operates as a castle hotel, providing the unique experience of staying overnight in a historic setting. Tours are typically available at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Can I stay overnight in a castle near Frankenfels?
Yes, Plankenstein Castle offers a castle hotel with exceptional rooms, including tower rooms, allowing visitors to experience medieval charm firsthand and enjoy the unique atmosphere of a historic overnight stay.
Are there any castle ruins to explore in the region?
Yes, the Rabenstein Ruins and Parish Church, Rabenstein an der Pielach offer a historical site set within the picturesque Dirndltal. You can explore the remnants of the past, including defensive walls and a gate tower, and enjoy the scenic backdrop.
Which castles can only be viewed from the outside?
Grünbühel Castle and Strannersdorf Castle are both privately owned and generally can only be viewed from the outside. Despite this, their long histories and unique architectural styles make them interesting landmarks to observe.
Are there family-friendly castles or historical sites around Frankenfels?
Yes, Plankenstein Castle is considered family-friendly, featuring a playground and a large tournament area behind the castle that are freely accessible. Additionally, Kirchberg an der Pielach, with its castle grounds and a small park along the cycle route, offers a pleasant spot for families to take a break.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The region around Frankenfels offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling paths, especially around Strannersdorf Castle and Kirchberg an der Pielach. For more options, explore the cycling routes in the Cycling around Frankenfels guide or the Road Cycling Routes around Frankenfels guide. There are also easy hikes available, such as those listed in the Easy hikes around Frankenfels guide.
Are there hiking trails near the castles?
While not directly adjacent to every castle, the region offers various hiking opportunities. For example, the area around Rabenstein an der Pielach provides scenic trails. You can find several easy hikes in the Easy hikes around Frankenfels guide, such as the Parish Church of Frankenfels – Falkensteinmauer loop.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Frankenfels?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical exploration and scenic landscapes. Many enjoy the panoramic views from castles like Plankenstein Castle and the picturesque settings of sites like the Rabenstein Ruins. The opportunity to experience medieval charm, explore architectural evolution, and enjoy local amenities like castle taverns are also highly valued.
Is there parking available near the castles?
Specific parking details vary by castle. For Plankenstein Castle, there is parking available for visitors. For other sites, it's advisable to check local signage or information for the nearest parking facilities, especially in smaller settlements like Kirchberg an der Pielach.
What is the best time to visit the castles around Frankenfels?
The castles can be visited throughout the year, but spring to autumn generally offers the most pleasant weather for exploring the grounds and surrounding areas. During these seasons, you can fully enjoy the scenic landscapes and outdoor activities. Some castles, like Plankenstein, may offer unique experiences during specific seasons, such as sampling local cider.
Are the castles wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility varies by location. Kirchberg an der Pielach, for instance, is noted as being wheelchair accessible, particularly its castle grounds and park area along the cycle route. However, many older castles and ruins, due to their historical construction, may have limited accessibility. It's recommended to check specific details for each site if accessibility is a concern.
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