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.
The history of Burgruine Greifenfels begins in the early 13th century
amid territorial disputes and ecclesiastical influences. The castle was
erected around 1230–1231 (some sources suggest as early as 1213) by
brothers Wulfing (or Wulfin) and Heinrich von Gurnitz on land belonging
to the Cistercian monastery of Viktring (Kloster Viktring). This
construction was initially unauthorized, leading to a papal decree by
Pope Gregor IX in 1230 condemning the act, though permission was later
granted. The von Gurnitz family, known for their involvement in crusades
and occasional acts as robber barons, used the site as a "new" castle to
expand their influence beyond their older ancestral seat at Burgruine
Gurnitz. Heinrich von Greifenfels was notably excommunicated in 1246 for
violent actions against Viktring's subjects, highlighting the turbulent
relations between nobility and the church.
By 1315, ownership
transferred to the Auffensteiner (or Außensteiner) family. In 1404 or
1408, it passed to the Herren von Neuhaus, who held it until the late
16th century. Under their rule, the castle was embroiled in local
conflicts, including disputes with the city of Klagenfurt over fishing
and water rights in the Glan River during the 14th and 15th centuries,
which were resolved in 1427. The von Neuhaus family expanded their
holdings and, in 1566, completed the more comfortable Schloss Ebenthal
below the castle, assuming all administrative and representative
functions from Greifenfels. Consequently, the castle was abandoned in
1588 and fell into disrepair. By 1688, as documented in a copper
engraving by historian Johann Weikhard von Valvasor, it was already a
ruin, with collapsed structures and overgrown vegetation.
Since 1704,
the site has been owned by the Grafen von Goëss (Counts of Goëss), who
have maintained it as a private ruin without significant reconstruction.
The castle's decline reflects broader shifts in Carinthian nobility,
from defensive hilltop fortresses to valley-based palaces during the
Renaissance. No major restorations or archaeological excavations are
noted in recent records up to 2025, though its status as a listed
monument ensures basic preservation by the Austrian Federal Monuments
Office.
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.