# Burg Krems

- **Country:** Austria
- **Coordinates:** 47.030800, 15.181900

Burg Krems is a historic hilltop castle ruin located east of the municipality of Voitsberg in Styria, Austria. Situated on an advanced ridge approximately 330 meters above sea level, the site overlooks the Kainach valley. The fortress dates back to the 11th or 12th century when it was originally constructed by the Archbishop of Salzburg. First documented in 1248, the castle served as a strategic stronghold for various noble families over the centuries. During the 16th century, the structure underwent significant expansion and was transformed into a Renaissance palace, which notably included a zoo. However, following its acquisition by Count Karl Saurau in the 17th century and the subsequent transfer of administration to Ligist Castle in 1730, the property was neglected and began to decay, suffering partial collapse due to a rainstorm in 1817.

The architectural remnants today feature a prominent five-storey keep built directly upon rock, which remains visible from a distance. The complex includes a residential tower with adjoining buildings, a surrounding ring wall with embrasures, and an outer castle to the north containing preserved corner towers. After being declared a listed building in 1936, the site was secured and later renovated by castle associations during the 1960s and again from 1993 onwards. These efforts made the keep accessible and established a walking path around the ruins. Currently owned by the association Licht im Leben since 1988, the site hosts a small museum room opened in 2015 that details the castle's extensive history. The name Krems likely derives from ancient Indo-Germanic or Celtic roots meaning sharp stone or rocky cliff, reflecting its dramatic geological setting.

![Photo of Burg Krems](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Burgruine%20Krems%20Voitsberg%201.jpg)

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