Location: Lockenhaus in Burgenland Map
Constructed: 13th century
Burg Lockenhaus, also known as Ritterburg Lockenhaus or Léka Castle (in Hungarian), is a medieval fortress situated in the Güns Valley in the town of Lockenhaus, Burgenland, eastern Austria. Perched at an elevation of 368 meters (1,207 feet) above sea level on a wooded hill, it overlooks the surrounding landscapes near the Hungarian border, approximately 120 km south of Vienna and northeast of Graz. Constructed around 1200 CE in Romanesque and Gothic styles, the castle originally served as a defensive stronghold against eastern invasions, such as those from the Mongols. Today, it stands as a well-preserved cultural monument within the Naturpark Geschriebenstein, blending historical architecture with modern uses as a venue for events, exhibitions, and tourism. Owned and managed by the Prof. Paul Anton Keller Foundation since 1968, it has been restored from ruins into a vibrant site attracting visitors interested in medieval history, legends, and nature.
The site's history traces back to prehistoric settlements in the
Stone Age, with early inhabitants including Illyrians and Celts who may
have built initial fortifications. The castle itself was first
documented in 1242 as "Leuca," built around 1200 to defend the region
during the Roman province of Pannonia era, later influenced by Germanic
and Slavic populations. It played a role in regional conflicts, being
destroyed in 1337 by forces under Charles I of Hungary.
Ownership
changed hands multiple times: from the Güssinger family (1266–1390) to
the Kanizsay family (1390–1535), involving figures like Duke Frederick
the Warlike, Henry II of Güssing, Bohemian King Ottakar II, and Holy
Roman Emperor Maximilian II. In 1535, it passed to the Nádasdy family
until 1676, during which Francis II Nádasdy married Elizabeth Báthory,
the infamous "Blood Countess," accused of torturing and murdering young
women—though modern historiography questions the extent of these claims,
suggesting political motivations behind her trial. The Esterházy family
acquired it in 1676, holding it until 1968. The castle endured damage
during the Turkish War of 1683 and 18th-century uprisings, but saw no
major alterations in World War I. Post-World War II, under Soviet
occupation, it fell into disrepair.
In 1968, Professor Paul Anton
Keller and his wife Margaret purchased the ruins, investing over
€500,000 personally (out of an estimated €800,000 total) in restoration.
After Paul's death in 1976, Margaret established the Prof. Paul Anton
Keller Foundation in 1980 to continue the work, with a board of trustees
overseeing further investments totaling around €22 million. Guided by
Austria's Federal Office for the Protection of Monuments, the
restoration preserved its historical integrity while adapting it for
public use. Legends tie the castle to the Knights Templar, with claims
of their secret meetings and the murder of the last Templars there,
symbolized by red algae near the Great Hall entrance.
As of 2025, the
castle remains under the foundation's management, with no major recent
structural changes reported, though ongoing maintenance supports its
role in cultural events.
Burg Lockenhaus exemplifies a blend of Romanesque and Gothic
architecture, with elements reflecting its defensive origins and later
expansions. The core structure, built around 1200, features thick stone
walls, circular towers in the outer defenses, and a layout adapted to
the hilly terrain. In 1636, under Franz Nádasdy, the "Lower Castle" or
"Outer Castle" was added, expanding the complex with additional
fortifications and courtyards.
Key architectural features include the
double-apsed Kultraum (Knight's Hall) on the first floor, originally
illuminated by a ceiling hole and possibly linked to Templar rituals;
the Gothic Knights' Hall (Rittersaal) with cross-ribbed vaulting; and a
chapel integrated into a tower, adorned with frescoes. The dungeon,
carved from rock by Turkish prisoners in the 16th century, adds a grim
historical layer. Subterranean elements include a vaulted gallery and a
deep well (50 fathoms). The castle has two courtyards, with the lower
one housing a Burgtaverne (tavern). Renovations since 1968 have included
modernizing rooms, corridors, stairwells, and sanitary facilities while
retaining medieval aesthetics, such as decorated windows, pillars, and
frescoes. The overall design emphasizes fortification, with battlements
and strategic vantage points offering panoramic views of Burgenland's
countryside.
The interiors of Burg Lockenhaus are rich with historical and
thematic elements, accessible via guided tours. The Gothic Knights' Hall
serves as a central space for gatherings, featuring vaulted ceilings and
remnants of medieval communal life. The Kultraum, or Knight's Hall, is a
mysterious double-apsed room tied to Templar legends. The chapel boasts
well-preserved frescoes depicting religious scenes.
Notable exhibits
include the torture chamber, equipped with an Iron Maiden, chains, stone
balls, manacles, crushers, pincers, and a trapdoor—evoking the castle's
darker past. The subterranean Nádasdy family sepulchre contains statue
fragments and a vaulted gallery. Modern exhibitions highlight: the
Knights Templar and Blood Countess Elizabeth Báthory; a bat exhibit
("Friends of the Night") showcasing the largest Central European colony
of Geoffroy's bats (1,200 annually from April to July); an "Armoury
Experience" redesigned for children; "From the Ruins to the Knight's
Castle" detailing restorations; and the Prof. Paul Anton Keller Museum
honoring the founders. Additional features include a 13th-century crypt
with early artistic styles and educational displays on local wildlife,
such as birds of prey at the Greifvogelstation, kestrels, swifts, and
beavers near the castle lake.
As Burgenland's oldest fortress, Burg Lockenhaus holds immense
historical significance, representing medieval defense strategies along
the Austrian-Hungarian border and the region's noble lineages. Its
associations with the Knights Templar and Elizabeth Báthory add layers
of intrigue, inspiring literature (e.g., Rudolf Steiner's "The Soul's
Probation") and popular culture. Culturally, it serves as a hub for
events like the annual Lockenhaus Chamber Music Festival (since 1982),
concerts, knight's feasts, medieval festivals, and conferences in a hall
seating up to 600. Environmentally, its location in Geschriebenstein
Nature Park supports biodiversity education, particularly on bats and
birds, contributing to conservation awareness.
The castle's
restoration exemplifies successful private-public heritage preservation,
transforming a ruin into a living monument that balances history,
culture, and nature. It attracts tourists to Burgenland, enhancing the
region's appeal as a destination for immersive historical experiences.
Burg Lockenhaus is open to the public year-round, with guided tours
exploring its history, legends, and exhibitions, suitable for families
(including a castle riddle rally and "From Squire to Knight"
activities). Self-guided exploration is also possible. As of 2025, entry
is free with the Burgenland Card (valid April 1 to November 30);
otherwise, admission is €12 for adults. Opening hours vary
seasonally—typically daily during peak times—but specific schedules
should be checked via the official website (www.ritterburg.at) or
Burgenland Tourism (www.burgenland.info). Tours focus on themes like the
Templars, Báthory, and bats, with English options available.
The site
includes a tavern for refreshments and is accessible by car (parking
available) or public transport from nearby towns. Events like the
Chamber Music Festival require advance booking. Photography is generally
allowed, but respect for ongoing events is expected. For inquiries,
contact the foundation via the website.