# Burg Greifenstein

- **Country:** Austria
- **Coordinates:** 48.349440, 16.254440
- **Name:** Burg Greifenstein
- **Type:** Höhenburg (Hill Castle)
- **Used:** 11th Century-1918
- **Owner:** Private
- **Builder:** Unknown
- **Condition:** Inaccessible
- **Year Built:** 1000
- **Location Text:** Lower Austria, Austria
- **Open To Public:** No

Burg Greifenstein is a historic hill castle located in Lower Austria, situated approximately 227 meters above sea level with a commanding view overlooking the Danube River. Directly opposite the structure on the north shore lies Burg Kreuzenstein. Constructed around the early 11th century, specifically between 1000 and 1050 AD, the fortress was first documented in historical records in 1135. Originally serving as a vital component of the regional defense system along the river, the site witnessed frequent changes in ownership from its inception until 1918. Throughout the centuries, it endured repeated invasions and significant damage, yet it was consistently repaired to maintain its strategic utility.

The castle possesses a diverse and sometimes dark history, notably functioning as a notorious prison for the ecclesiastical court during the 16th century while under the control of the Bishops of Passau. Although inhabited until roughly 1770, the property was subsequently abandoned and fell into disrepair. A significant revival occurred between 1807 and 1808 when Johann I von Liechtenstein refurbished the ruins in the Romantic architectural style. However, the structure declined again by the late 19th century and was eventually sold into private ownership in 1918, marking the end of its long military and ecclesiastical service.

In recent times, the condition of Burg Greifenstein deteriorated further following a major fire on September 16, 2006, which rendered the interior inaccessible to visitors. The castle remains in private hands and is not open to the public, with reports suggesting it has been placed on the market. Despite its current state of inaccessibility and disrepair, the site stands as a testament to nearly a millennium of Austrian history, reflecting shifts from military stronghold to judicial prison and finally to a romanticized private estate. Its location continues to offer a striking visual presence along the Danube, even as its future remains uncertain.

![Photo of Burg Greifenstein](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3d/Greifenstein_%28St._Andr%C3%A4-W%C3%B6rdern%29_-_Burg_%28a%29.JPG)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Greifenstein (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)