Location: Finkenstein am Faaker See, Carinthia
Constructed: 12th century
Burgruine Finkenstein, also known as Altfinkenstein or Finkenstein Castle Ruins, is a ruined medieval rock castle located in the market town of Finkenstein am Faaker See, in the Austrian state of Carinthia. Perched on a steep cliff at the southern foot of the Karawanks mountain range, approximately 788 meters (2,585 feet) above sea level and overlooking the turquoise waters of Lake Faak (Faaker See), the castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the lake and distant mountains. Coordinates are 46°32′48″N 13°54′11″E. First documented in 1142, the castle has transitioned from a strategic defensive stronghold to a cultural and tourist site, now famous for its integrated Burgarena amphitheater, which hosts concerts and events against the dramatic backdrop of the ruins. The site blends historical remnants with modern uses, attracting visitors for its history, scenic beauty, and vibrant event programming, drawing around 50,000 attendees annually to the arena alone. It is a protected cultural monument, emphasizing its significance in Carinthia's heritage.
The history of Burgruine Finkenstein begins in the 12th century, with
the first documented mention in a 1142 deed as part of the Carinthian
estates held by the Prince-Bishops of Bamberg. It was enfeoffed to local
ministeriales (knightly vassals), likely related to the Osterwitz noble
family, who adopted the name von Finkenstein. A notable event occurred
in 1233 during a feud between Duke Bernhard of Carinthia and
Prince-Bishop Ekbert of Andechs-Merania of Bamberg; Lord Henry of
Finkenstein supported the duke, leading to Ekbert's capture and
imprisonment at the castle. This act resulted in Henry being
excommunicated by Pope Gregory IX, though Ekbert was released under
pressure from Duke Frederick II of Austria and the Archbishop of
Salzburg.
The von Finkenstein line in Carinthia became extinct in the
early 14th century, after which a possible cadet branch, the Finck von
Finckenstein family, rose in East Prussia, potentially linked to
participants in the Third Crusade. Ownership reverted to the Dukes of
Carinthia, under Habsburg control from 1335 onward. In 1424, during a
siege of Vienna by his brother Archduke Albert VI, Emperor Frederick III
used the castle as a safe refuge for his consort, Eleanor of Portugal.
In 1508, Emperor Maximilian I enfeoffed the castle and its estates to
Sigismund of Dietrichstein, whose descendants retained ownership until
1861. By the late 18th century, the castle was uninhabited and began to
decay, serving later as an administrative center for nearby forestry
operations.
The Wittgenstein family owned it from 1913 to 1939. In
the 20th century, it was repurposed for cultural use, with the Burgarena
established in the 1980s under Gerhard Satran, who managed it until his
death in 2015. Since 2020, it has been owned by Thomas Seitlinger and
Dr. Knud Klingler, who focus on sustainable renovation, cultural
development, and tourism.
As a rock castle built directly on a cliff for defensive purposes,
Burgruine Finkenstein features remnants from multiple eras, reflecting
its repeated rebuilds. The oldest elements date to the 12th century in
Romanesque style, including the prominent bergfried (keep) at the
southeastern corner, which provided surveillance over the valley. In the
late 15th century, Late Gothic additions were made, such as a staircase
tower and a castle chapel. Under the Dietrichsteins in the early 16th
century, the inner bailey was enhanced with four gates. A standout
surviving feature is the 15-meter-high (49-foot) western wall of the
former palas (main hall), which adds to the site's imposing silhouette.
The ruins cover a compact area, accessible via a short uphill path, and
include well-preserved sections that allow visitors to explore the
layout. Integrated into the site is the Burgarena, an open-air
amphitheater with 1,150 to 1,200 seats, built in the 1980s and set
against the castle walls for a unique historical ambiance. Other
features include the Burgschenke restaurant, offering traditional
Austrian cuisine, and glamping options for overnight stays with a
historical flair.
Since 1985, the site has primarily served as an event venue, with the
Burgarena hosting concerts, opera, cabaret, festivals, weddings,
corporate events, film shoots, and private gatherings from May to
September. Past performers include international stars like Plácido
Domingo, José Carreras, Agnes Baltsa, Montserrat Caballé, and Austrian
artists such as Udo Jürgens, Wolfgang Ambros, and Reinhard Fendrich. In
case of bad weather, events can relocate to the Music & Event Hall at
the base of the hill. The restaurant and glamping facilities enhance its
role as a culinary and tourist hub.
Ownership passed to Thomas
Seitlinger and Dr. Knud Klingler in 2020, who emphasize sustainable
development, renovation of the ruins, and collaboration with regional
authorities to preserve the cultural heritage. The site is managed by
Burgarena Finkenstein GmbH, with contact at
office@burgarena-finkenstein.com or +43 463 50 74 01.
The ruins are open to the public seasonally, with access via a short,
uphill walk (about 10-15 minutes) from the parking area at
Altfinkenstein 14, 9582 Latschach ober dem Faaker See. As of June 1,
2025, opening hours are: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (kitchen 11:30 a.m. to
8:00 p.m.) on non-concert days; extended to midnight (kitchen to 11:00
p.m.) on concert days; closed Mondays. The site operates from May to
September for events and general visits. Entry to the ruins appears free
outside of events, though restaurant use or event tickets may apply; no
standard admission fee is explicitly mentioned, but check the official
website for updates.
Guided tours are not standard, but the site is
self-guided with informational panels explaining the history.
Accessibility is limited due to the steep terrain and steps; it may not
be fully wheelchair-friendly, though the path is suitable for families
with children and includes via ferrata elements for adventurous
visitors. A typical visit lasts under an hour for exploration, longer if
dining or attending events.
Tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds,
especially on event days when the restaurant may be booked; wear sturdy
shoes for the path; best visited in summer for balmy evenings and views.
Nearby attractions include Lake Faak for swimming, the Bleistätter Moor
nature reserve, and the Bergbau-Museum in Bad Bleiberg. For event
tickets and schedules (none confirmed for 2025 yet), visit
www.burgarena-finkenstein.com.
Burgruine Finkenstein's standout feature is the seamless integration of medieval ruins with a modern amphitheater, creating a "stunning" open-air venue where history meets contemporary culture—visitors often describe the ambiance as magical, especially during evening concerts with the Karawanks as a backdrop. Its location above Lake Faak provides some of Austria's most panoramic views, blending natural beauty with historical intrigue, such as its role in medieval feuds and royal refuges. As one of Carinthia's top castles, it symbolizes the region's rich past while evolving into a sustainable tourist gem, with ongoing renovations ensuring its preservation for future generations.