Ruttenstein Ruins

Ruttenstein Castle is 758 m high on a wooded hilltop between the valleys of the Großer and Kleinen Naarn. It was partly protected by rock faces, partly by a ring wall with 7 towers. The huge ruin includes a bailey of 3200 m² and a stronghold with residential buildings of about 1600 m²; With around 4800 m² of enclosed space, it is the largest weir system in Austria.

Historical sources show that the castle was mentioned as early as 1160 as "castrum Rotenstein" owned by Bamberg. However, it was first mentioned under the name Rotenstein in 1209, in a document issued by Duke Leopold for Baumgartenberg Abbey.

However, the building stock of the stronghold also indicates that the castle is much older. The construction period will probably fall in the 12th century - possibly in the first half of the 12th century, but this is not documented. It is probably founded by the Counts of Clam-Velburg, descendants of the Lords of Machland around 1210.

After a fire in 1594 and lightning strikes, decay began. Since 1823, the Dukes of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha have owned the castle.
The Ruttenstein Preservation Association has been active since 2002.
Shortly before the castle gates, the "Ruttenstein refuge" invites you to rest and stop. Guided tours start here in the summer months.