Merkenstein Castle Ruins

Description

The Merkenstein Castle Ruins are significant not only for regional history (Matthias Corvinus) due to their strategically important location but also played a role during the Turkish sieges.
Although the founding time and the builder of the castle are unknown, the lords of Merkenstein can be dated back to the early 12th century. Under Erasmus von der Haid, the castle was damaged during the first Turkish siege of Vienna in 1529. When he died in 1540, Franz von Ficin became the administrator of the castle. Ficin was unpopular with the population, having several disputes with the authorities and his subjects (Merkenstein peasant uprising). Moreover, he let both the castle (no restorations despite approved funds) and the lordship (many peasants moved to neighboring lordships and let their farms fall into disrepair) deteriorate. In 1672, the castle was sold to Gundakar von Dietrichstein. For over 150 years, Merkenstein remained in the possession of the Dietrichstein family. Under their rule, the castle was destroyed and turned into ruins because in 1683 a Turkish raiding party besieged the castle again. It resisted for a long time until the Turks finally managed to storm the walls and capture the castle. All those who fled here (173 people) were killed, and the castle itself was set on fire. The burned-out castle remains a ruin.
@Stadtmuesum Bad Vöslau

Starting point of the tour

Gainfarn Castle Park

Destination point of the tour

Gainfarn Castle Park

Route description Merkenstein Castle Ruins

We start at Gainfarn Castle Park and hike along the Stations of the Cross at the back until we reach Sonnenweg. We follow the Sonnenweg (B2) to Beethoven Hiking Trail. We follow it until we can turn left and then immediately right. After that, we go straight ahead until we reach Merkenstein Castle Ruins. The way back follows the Beethoven Hiking Trail back to Gainfarn Castle Park.