Merkenstein Castle Ruins

©Unknown

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 13,01 km
Duration: 3:20 h
Ascent: 220 m elevation gain
Descent: 209 m elevation gain

A nice family-friendly tour to the Merkenstein castle ruins

Starting point of the tour: Gainfarn Castle Park
Tour destination: Gainfarn Castle Park

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 13,01 km
Duration: 3:20 h
Ascent: 220 m elevation gain
Descent: 209 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
4/6
Overall experience:
4/6
Scenery:
5/6

Lowest point282 m
Highest point452 m

Round tour
Suitable for families and children

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Description

The castle ruins of Merkenstein are not only important for regional history (Matthias Corvinus) due to their significant location in terms of military policy, but also played a role during the Turkish sieges.
As the time of foundation and builders 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 is not popular with the population and has several disputes with the authorities and his subjects (Merkenstein Peasants' Revolt). In addition, he allowed both the castle (no restoration work despite being granted a sum of money) and the estate (many farmers moved to neighboring estates and let their farms fall into disrepair) to fall into disrepair. In 1672, the castle was sold to Gundakar von Dietrichstein. Merkenstein remained in the possession of the Dietrichstein family for over 150 years. Under their rule, the castle was destroyed and became a ruin, as in 1683 it was once again besieged by a Turkish raiding party. It resisted for a long time until one day the Turks succeeded in storming the walls and conquering the castle. All those who fled here (173 people) were killed and the castle itself fell victim to the flames. The burnt-out castle remains a ruin.
@Stadtmuesum Bad Vöslau

Equipment Hiking shoes, drinks, rain protection
Route description 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.
Parking Park
Editor’s tip After this hiking round, you have earned a good meal. Closest to the starting point are Hawlik's Schlemmereck or Kursalon Bad Vöslau.

Recommended period

Wienerwald Tourismus GmbH
Hauptplatz 11, 3002 Purkersdorf
Tel.: 02231/62176
E-Mail: office@wienerwald.info
Website: www.wienerwald.info

City Museum Bad Vöslau
Kirchenplatz 8, 2540 Bad Vöslau
Tel.: 02252/76135
E-Mail: stadtmuseum@badvoeslau.at
Website: www.stadtmuseumbadvoeslau.at

Letzte Änderung: 16 Mar 2026