Location: Carinthia Map
Constructed: 1230
Burgruine Greifenfels, also known as the ruins of Greifenfels Castle or simply Burg Greifenfels, is a medieval castle ruin situated in the municipality of Ebenthal in Kärnten, in the Klagenfurt-Land district of Carinthia, Austria. Perched on a rocky outcrop (Felskuppe) on the northern slope of the Sattnitzerberge (Sattnitz ridge), it overlooks the surrounding landscape near the Glan River, approximately halfway between the villages of Gurnitz and Ebenthal, and just south of Klagenfurt. The site's geographic coordinates are 46°35′54″N 14°22′20″E, at an elevation that provides strategic views of the area. Constructed around 1230–1231 as a fortified residence, it represents a typical example of a Carinthian "new" castle built during the high medieval period, distinguishing itself from older "Stammburgen" (ancestral castles) by features like a bergfried (keep). Today, it exists as a sparsely preserved ruin, largely overgrown and hidden within a coniferous forest, serving as a protected cultural monument (heritage designation: Listed objects in Austria) and a site of historical interest for hikers, geocachers, and enthusiasts of medieval architecture. Owned by the Counts of Goëss since 1704, it embodies the region's feudal past, including ties to monastic lands, noble conflicts, and eventual abandonment in favor of more modern residences.
Construction and Early 13th-Century Origins
The castle was erected
around 1230–1231 (some older sources suggest as early as 1213) by
brothers Wulfing (or Wulfin) and Heinrich von Gurnitz, members of the
local Carinthian nobility. They built it on land belonging to the nearby
Cistercian Kloster Viktring (Viktring Monastery). The construction was
initially unauthorized, prompting Pope Gregory IX to issue a condemning
papal decree in 1230; permission was ultimately granted, allowing the
fortress to stand.
The von Gurnitz family already held an older
ancestral seat at nearby Burgruine Gurnitz. Greifenfels was conceived as
a "new" castle (die neue), distinguished by features like a bergfried
(keep) for better defense and status. Strategically placed on a natural
rock formation, it served as a fortified residence amid territorial
disputes and ecclesiastical influences in the region. The family
participated in crusades while sometimes operating under Salzburg
archiepiscopal authority. However, they earned a reputation as "robber
barons" for raids, including violence against Viktring's subjects. In
1246, Heinrich von Greifenfels (who later styled himself von
Greifenfels) was excommunicated for such acts.
Ownership
Transitions (13th–16th Centuries)
von Gurnitz / Greifenfels family
(c. 1230–1315): Founders and initial holders. The castle became their
primary seat, though conflicts with the monastery and locals persisted.
Auffensteiner (or Außensteiner) family (from 1315): Ownership passed to
Konrad von Aufenstein and his kin, likely through inheritance, marriage,
or feudal grant. This marked the first major documented transfer. The
Auffensteiner line ended around 1395–1396 after a failed uprising.
Herren von Neuhaus (Lords of Neuhaus) (1404 or 1408–1588): Acquired the
site, holding it through the late medieval and early Renaissance
periods. During their tenure, local disputes arose with the city of
Klagenfurt over fishing and water rights along the Glan River (14th–15th
centuries); these were temporarily settled in 1427.
In the
mid-16th century, Christoph von Neuhaus constructed the more comfortable
and accessible Schloss Ebenthal (Ebenthal Castle) directly below
Greifenfels. Completed in 1566 and officially confirmed in 1567 by
Archduke Karl II, it became the family's new lowland residence. By 1588,
they fully abandoned Greifenfels in favor of the modern palace, shifting
all administrative and representative functions there.
Decline
into Ruins (Late 16th–18th Centuries)
Once deserted, the hilltop
fortress fell into rapid disrepair. By 1688, historian Johann Weikhard
von Valvasor depicted it in his Topographia Archiducatus Carinthiae
antiquae et modernae as already "quite desolate and destroyed" (ganz öd
und zerstört). He described it as sitting on a hill in a "gorge" (in
einer Schlutten) under a high mountain, near the Glan River, with a
Meierhof (farmstead) below and flat fields along the water. Valvasor
noted it had once been the ancestral home (Stamhaus) of the Lords of
Greifenfels.
Legends and Folklore
Local tales add color to the
site. One speaks of a hidden treasure buried in a stone sarcophagus,
accessible only during the "ghost hour" (Geisterstund’)—by day, the
devil himself guards it (a motif common to many Carinthian ruins).
Another legend, "The Funeral Procession of Greifenfels," describes
ghostly squires carrying a betrayed knight’s coffin at night, punishing
an oath broken long ago.
Modern Status and Significance
Greifenfels never featured in major recorded battles or sieges; its
history reflects the typical trajectory of Carinthian nobility—from
defensive medieval strongholds on monastic or disputed lands to
Renaissance valley palaces emphasizing comfort over fortification. The
ruins remain a listed monument under Austrian federal protection, hidden
among conifers and offering panoramic views for visitors. No large-scale
archaeological digs are documented, but its cultural value endures
through historical texts, Valvasor’s engraving, and local heritage
efforts in Ebenthal.
The architecture of Burgruine Greifenfels is characteristic of a
13th-century Carinthian castle, designed for defense on a naturally
fortified rocky plateau. The layout forms a flat crescent shape spanning
over 50 meters in width, with an irregular ring wall enclosing an area
approximately 35 meters long and 20 meters wide, dictated by the
contours of the underlying rock. This wall is multi-angled and knicked
in places, with preserved sections featuring carefully hewn tuff and
limestone quoins at the corners for structural integrity.
Elongated
residential buildings once lined the perimeter, enclosing a small
courtyard to the east and a pointed, converging courtyard to the west,
providing space for daily life and defense. A bergfried (keep tower) was
a key feature, distinguishing it from simpler ancestral castles. Today,
only minimal remnants survive, primarily at the northeast corner, where
an outflow stone (Ausgussstein) protrudes from the south wall,
indicating the location of a former kitchen. The overall site has
suffered near-total decay, making exact reconstruction impossible
without further archaeological work. North of the main ruin lies the
"Kalter Keller" (cold cellar), an associated economic structure with
preserved vaults used historically for storing wines from nearby Wipach
(Vipava), adding to the site's functional footprint.
Outflow Stone and Kitchen Remnants: The most visible surviving
element is the Ausgussstein at the northeast corner, a practical
architectural detail that hints at the castle's domestic functions.
Valvasor Engraving (1688): A historical copperplate by Johann Weikhard
von Valvasor depicts the castle in its ruined state, providing valuable
insight into its 17th-century appearance and serving as a key reference
in Austrian castle studies.
Kalter Keller: This nearby cold cellar,
with its vaulted structure, was used for storage and remains partially
intact, offering a glimpse into the castle's economic operations.
Legends: The site is steeped in folklore. One legend, "The Funeral
Procession of Greifenfels," tells of a knight who, before departing for
the Holy Land, made his squires swear to return his body home if he
died. After his death in battle, the squires betrayed the oath by
burying him at sea. They perished soon after, and their ghosts now
eternally carry his coffin around the ruins at night, vanishing at the
stroke of one. Another tale speaks of a hidden treasure—a stone
sarcophagus filled with gold—guarded by the devil during the day and
accessible only in the "ghost hour," though it has never been found.
Geocache Site: A modern addition is a geocache (GC9EW9R) hidden at the
ruins since August 2021, rated 1.5/5 for difficulty and 2.5/5 for
terrain, encouraging visitors to explore while respecting the site's
fragility.
As of August 22, 2025, Burgruine Greifenfels is accessible to the
public as an open-air ruin, with no formal entrance fees or guided tours
mentioned in available sources. It is best reached via hiking paths from
Ebenthal or Gurnitz, as the site is hidden under coniferous trees on the
Sattnitz ridge, making it a moderate trek suitable for families and
geocachers. The terrain involves uneven ground and forest paths, so
sturdy footwear is recommended. Allow 30–60 minutes to explore the site
itself, plus time for the approach hike.
No specific opening hours
apply, as it is an unmanaged ruin, but daylight visits are advised for
safety. The nearby Kalter Keller has historically hosted events, such as
the 1869 Lorenzifest with music and refreshments, suggesting potential
for occasional local gatherings. For current details, contact the
Ebenthal municipality via their website or check tourism portals like
bergfex.at. Visitors should stay on paths to avoid damaging the fragile
remnants, and note that the site is privately owned—respect any signage.
Combine a visit with nearby attractions like Burgruine Gurnitz or
Schloss Ebenthal for a full day of Carinthian history. User reports from
geocaching indicate it's a rewarding, low-key spot with scenic views,
but prepare for limited visibility of ruins due to overgrowth.
Burgruine Greifenfels holds significant value as a testament to medieval Carinthian nobility, illustrating the expansion of knightly families like the von Gurnitz and their interactions with religious institutions such as Kloster Viktring. As a listed monument, it contributes to Austria's rich inventory of castles and ruins, documented in works like Georg Clam Martinic's "Österreichisches Burgenlexikon" (1991) and the Dehio-Handbuch. Its abandonment reflects the Renaissance shift toward more accessible residences, while its legends add a layer of folklore, linking it to themes of betrayal, crusades, and supernatural guardianship common in Austrian sagas. The site enhances local tourism in Ebenthal, promoting heritage awareness and outdoor activities, and serves as a reminder of the region's feudal conflicts, including robber baronry and resource disputes. Though less prominent than larger castles, its integration into historical narratives underscores Carinthia's layered past, from papal interventions to modern geocaching adventures.