Location: Griffen Map
Constructed: 1124-1146 by Bishop Otto of Bomberg
Burgruine Griffen, often referred to as Burg Griffen or Griffen Castle Ruins, is a medieval castle ruin situated on a 130-meter-high (427 feet) limestone mountain, Schlossberg, overlooking the town of Griffen in the Austrian state of Carinthia. This historic site, perched dramatically above the landscape, offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and is a testament to medieval fortifications in the Eastern Alps. Constructed in the 12th century, the castle has endured conflicts, reconstructions, and eventual abandonment, evolving into a preserved ruin that attracts hikers, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers. Notably, the mountain houses the Griffener Tropfsteinhöhle, a 485-meter-long dripstone cave that adds a unique natural dimension to the site, with evidence of prehistoric habitation dating back 30,000 years. Today, owned by the Market Town of Griffen, the ruins serve as a cultural landmark, blending architectural heritage with natural wonders.
The history of Burgruine Griffen dates back to the early 12th
century, when it was built between 1124 and 1146 under the orders of
Bishop Otto of Bamberg, as part of the Bamberg estates in Carinthia. It
was first documented in 1160 in a deed by Emperor Friedrich I
(Barbarossa), referring to it as "Grivena" and confirming its status as
Bamberg property. The castle held significant administrative power,
including blood jurisdiction until 1425, underscoring its role in
regional governance.
In 1292, during an uprising against Duke Albert
I of Habsburg and Duke Meinhard II of Carinthia, the castle was occupied
by Count Ulrich von Heunburg with support from Archbishop Konrad IV of
Salzburg. However, abandoned by his allies, Ulrich was forced to
surrender and leave by 1293. The castle remained under Bamberg control
until 1759, when Bishop Adam Friedrich von Bamberg sold the Carinthian
estates to Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, integrating it into the
Duchy of Carinthia. Subsequent owners included the Counts Egger and the
Barons of Helldorf.
A major reconstruction occurred around 1520 to
fortify the castle against Ottoman incursions, expanding its area to
approximately 4,000 square meters, though the Turks never besieged it.
In 1659, a lightning strike destroyed one of its towers. The castle
remained in use until 1768, when the last church service was held in its
chapel. By 1840, due to dilapidation, the roofs were removed, marking
its transition to ruins. Modern preservation efforts began in 2000,
focusing on stabilizing and restoring the site for public access.
Burgruine Griffen exemplifies medieval fortress architecture adapted
to a rugged limestone outcrop. The original 12th-century structure was a
compact castle designed for defense, utilizing the natural topography of
the 130-meter-high Schlossberg mountain for strategic advantage. The
1520 reconstruction significantly expanded it into a larger complex,
covering about 4,000 square meters, with enhanced fortifications
including walls, towers, and bastions to withstand potential sieges.
The ruins today feature remnants of thick stone walls, tower bases, and
arched gateways, showcasing Gothic elements from its early construction
blended with Renaissance-era reinforcements. The site's layout includes
a central courtyard area, with the mountain's yellowish limestone
integrating seamlessly into the built structures. While much of the
interior has been lost to time and demolition, the overall form
highlights its role as a hilltop stronghold, with steep approaches
enhancing its defensibility. The architecture is preserved in a ruinous
state, with ongoing restoration since 2000 ensuring structural integrity
without over-reconstruction.
One of the most distinctive features of Burgruine Griffen is the
Griffener Tropfsteinhöhle (Griffen Dripstone Cave), a 485-meter-long
stalactite cave embedded within the Schlossberg mountain. Discovered
toward the end of World War II, this cave has been a site of human
activity since the Stone Age, approximately 30,000 years ago, and
contains archaeological finds such as bones of prehistoric animals like
mammoths, cave bears, lions, and hyenas. Designated a natural landmark
in 1957, the cave features dioramas depicting ancient life and is
illuminated for tours, offering visitors a glimpse into both geological
and prehistoric history.
Within the ruins themselves, notable
remnants include the foundations of the former chapel (where services
ended in 1768), tower ruins (one destroyed by lightning in 1659), and
scattered stonework that hints at the castle's former grandeur. The site
lacks a museum but provides interpretive elements through its preserved
layout. The panoramic views from the summit, encompassing the Carinthian
countryside, are a highlight, adding to the site's appeal beyond its
architectural remains.
Burgruine Griffen holds significant historical value as a relic of
Bamberg's influence in Carinthia and a symbol of medieval power
struggles in the region, including its role in the 1292 uprising against
the Habsburgs. It reflects the broader dynamics of ecclesiastical and
noble control in the Holy Roman Empire, transitioning from a Bamberg
outpost to Habsburg territory under Maria Theresa. Architecturally, it
represents the evolution of defensive structures in the face of Ottoman
threats, even if never tested in battle at this site.
Culturally, the
castle ruins contribute to Carinthia's rich heritage of alpine
fortresses, while the integrated dripstone cave adds a layer of natural
and prehistoric significance, making it a multifaceted landmark. As part
of Austria's Eastern Alps, it enhances the region's appeal for tourism
focused on history, hiking, and geology. Its preservation since 2000
underscores modern efforts to safeguard such sites, blending human
history with natural wonders in a UNESCO-recognized cultural landscape
context.
Burgruine Griffen is open to the public year-round, with access via
hiking trails that provide a moderate 15-20 minute ascent from parking
areas or the town center. Visitors can reach the site by driving to a
northern parking spot for a short walk or using a stairway from the
nearby parish church. The ruins are free to explore, though there is no
on-site museum or guided tours for the castle itself—information boards
could enhance the experience, as noted by some visitors. Caution is
advised due to uneven terrain and potential wildlife, such as snakes on
warm stones.
The Griffener Tropfsteinhöhle cave is a separate
attraction with scheduled tours (minimum 5, maximum 20 people) running
on the hour. Opening hours vary seasonally: May-June and September
(daily 9am-12pm and 1pm-5pm); July-August (daily 9am-5pm, with extended
Tuesdays and Thursdays to 8:30pm); October (daily 10am-11am and
1pm-4pm). Entrance fees are €8 for adults and €4 for children. A small
restaurant at the summit may offer refreshments, though it can be closed
in winter or off-peak times. The site is best visited in good weather
for the views and hikes, and it's often combined with nearby attractions
like the Stift Griffen monastery. For more details, check local tourism
resources or the Griffen municipal website.