Location: Spittal an der Drau, Carinthia Map
Burgruine Hohenburg auf Rosenberg, commonly referred to as Hohenburg Castle Ruin, is a ruined medieval hillside castle situated high above the Drava Valley in the municipality of Lurnfeld (near Pusarnitz and Lendorf), close to Spittal an der Drau in Carinthia, Austria. Perched on the southern slopes of the Ankogel Group within the Hohe Tauern mountain range at an elevation that offers panoramic views of the valley, the site dates back to the late 11th century and represents a key example of medieval border fortifications in the region. The castle was once a strategic administrative center for noble families and ecclesiastical powers but fell into disrepair by the 15th century. Today, it consists of sparse ruins that require some imagination to appreciate, integrated with the nearby Baroque pilgrimage church of Maria in Hohenburg (St. Mary's), which was rebuilt from the original castle chapel in 1707. The site appeals to history enthusiasts, hikers, and pilgrims, blending natural beauty with cultural heritage in the Austrian Alps. It is not a heavily touristed spot, emphasizing authenticity over commercialization, and serves as a stop on long-distance trails like the Alpe-Adria-Trail.
The origins of Burgruine Hohenburg auf Rosenberg trace to the late
11th century, with the castle likely constructed as a fortified
residence on a strategic hilltop overlooking the Drava Valley. It was
first documented in 1142 as "castrum Hohenburc" in a local deed, serving
as the ancestral seat of the Bavarian noble family, the Counts of Lurn
(also spelled Lurna), who administered the Lurngau region within the
Duchy of Carinthia. This family played a significant role in regional
governance during the High Middle Ages.
The last Count of Lurn,
Altmann (also Altman), who became Prince-Bishop of Trent in 1124,
bequeathed the castle to the Archbishopric of Salzburg upon his death in
1149. This transfer marked a shift, with the castle becoming a seat for
Salzburg's ministeriales (administrative officials and knights). In
1263, under mediation by Duke Ulrich III of Carinthia, the property was
divided between the Salzburg archbishops and the Counts of Ortenburg,
who were heirs to the extinct Lurn line. Tensions persisted, but in
1311, Archbishop Conrad IV of Salzburg enfeoffed the remaining part of
the castle (including areas like the "Gurkenhous" or cucumber house, and
sections around the cistern and orchard) to Count Otto of Ortenburg and
his sons.
The castle's prominence waned as nearby Feldsberg Castle
(now Burg Feldsberg) assumed the role of administrative center for
Salzburg's possessions in the area. By 1433, Hohenburg was no longer
inhabited and began to decay, with references to it as ruins appearing
by 1542. It is believed to have been destroyed or dismantled in the 15th
century during conflicts between the Counts of Görz (Gorizia) and
Habsburg Emperor Frederick III over the inheritance of Count Ulrich II
of Celje (after the Ortenburg dynasty went extinct in 1418, passing
possessions to the Celje counts). These wars involved Habsburg forces
capturing and demolishing fortifications to prevent their reuse by
rivals.
The site's chapel, dedicated to St. Nicholas and mentioned in
sources from 1473, survived and was rebuilt in 1707 as the Baroque
pilgrimage church Maria in Hohenburg, transforming the religious aspect
of the castle into a lasting spiritual center. The ruins themselves have
remained largely untouched since, preserved as a historical monument
amid the alpine landscape.
Burgruine Hohenburg auf Rosenberg exemplifies medieval hillside
castle design, optimized for defense and oversight of the Drava Valley
trade routes. The structure was elongated, measuring approximately 80
meters in length and only 12 meters in width, creating a narrow,
defensible layout divided by a trench-like central hollow or moat. It
was fortified with two strong outer walls, typical of 12th-century
Romanesque fortifications, which provided protection against invasions
from the north.
Key architectural elements included residential and
administrative sections, such as the "Gurkenhous" (a storage or utility
building) and areas around a cistern and orchard, as noted in 1311
enfeoffment documents. The original chapel featured a semicircular
Romanesque apse, reflecting early medieval ecclesiastical architecture.
Little else survives in detail, as the site was not extensively rebuilt
after its decline.
In its current ruined state, the architecture is
sparse: remnants of walls, foundations, and the central hollow are
visible, but visitors must imagine the full structure based on these
outlines. The adjacent pilgrimage church, Maria in Hohenburg, represents
a later Baroque addition (1707), with ornate features like a rebuilt
interior, altars, and frescoes that contrast the austere ruins. The
church's location integrates seamlessly with the castle site, offering a
blend of medieval and 18th-century styles. Overall, the architecture
highlights the transition from functional fortress to romantic ruin,
emphasizing natural integration with the rocky terrain.
As a ruin, Burgruine Hohenburg auf Rosenberg does not feature formal exhibits or collections like a museum. There are no artifacts on display, guided tours, or interpretive panels mentioned in available sources. Instead, the site itself serves as an open-air historical exhibit, where visitors can explore the remnants of walls, the central hollow, and foundations to gain insights into medieval life and architecture. The adjacent pilgrimage church may contain religious artifacts, such as altars, statues, and votive offerings related to its role as a Marian pilgrimage site, but these are not detailed as part of the castle ruins. For deeper context, hikers often combine visits with regional history apps or guides on the Alpe-Adria-Trail, which passes nearby and provides informational signage on Carinthian heritage.
Burgruine Hohenburg auf Rosenberg holds significant historical value
as a testament to medieval power dynamics in Carinthia, reflecting the
interplay between noble families (like the Counts of Lurn and
Ortenburg), ecclesiastical authorities (Archbishopric of Salzburg), and
imperial conflicts (Habsburg vs. Görz). It symbolizes the region's
transition from independent county administrations to integrated
Habsburg territories, highlighting themes of inheritance, enfeoffment,
and border security in the Holy Roman Empire.
Culturally, the site
preserves alpine medieval heritage, with its ruins evoking the
romanticism of decayed fortresses amid stunning natural scenery. The
transformation of its chapel into a pilgrimage church underscores
ongoing religious importance, attracting pilgrims to Maria in Hohenburg
for spiritual reflection. As part of the Thayatal-like alpine landscapes
and long-distance trails, it contributes to Carinthia's tourism,
promoting sustainable hiking and cross-border cultural exchange (near
Slovenia and Italy). Though not as famous as intact castles like
Hochosterwitz, its authenticity and isolation make it a niche gem for
those studying European feudal history or seeking tranquil alpine
experiences.
Location: Pusarnitz/Lurnfeld (Lendorf), 9800 Spittal an der Drau,
Carinthia, Austria. Coordinates: 46°51′08″N 13°24′30″E. Accessible from
Spittal an der Drau (about 10km east) via car or public transport (bus
lines to Lendorf/Pusarnitz).
Opening Hours (as of 2025): The ruins
are open-air and freely accessible year-round with no formal hours,
though best visited during daylight for safety. The pilgrimage church
Maria in Hohenburg is typically open daily for visitors and pilgrims,
often from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (subject to seasonal changes; confirm
locally as no official hours are listed). Church services may occur on
Sundays and Marian feast days.
Admission Fees: Free for both the
ruins and church; no tickets required. Donations are appreciated at the
church for maintenance.
Accessibility: The site is reached via hiking
trails, making it unsuitable for those with mobility issues. Trails
involve steep ascents on uneven terrain; sturdy shoes are essential. No
elevators or ramps; dogs are allowed on leashes. Caution is advised near
the abyss edges, as there are no safety barriers.
Hiking and Access
Tips: Primary access is via the Alpe-Adria-Trail (Stage 9: Kolbnitz to
Hühnersberg), a moderate hike with great views, not crowded, and
dog-friendly. The trail features one restaurant and grocery en route.
Allow 1-2 hours for the approach and exploration (total visit <1 hour at
the site). Alternative paths include e-bike routes from Oberdrauburg
(about 20km west), following a Way of the Cross (Kreuzweg). Parking is
available in Pusarnitz or Lendorf; from there, a short, steep hike
uphill. Combine with nearby attractions like Reisseck Bergbahnen for a
full day. Weather can be unpredictable in the Alps—check forecasts to
avoid rain or snow. For pilgrims, the church offers a serene spot for
reflection; no guided tours, but self-guided exploration is
straightforward. As of August 22, 2025, confirm conditions via local
tourism sites like visitcarinthia.at, as trails may close for
maintenance.