In Vienna, there are several palaces waiting to be discovered by you. What we lack, however, is an imposing castle. Fortunately, there are more than enough in the surrounding area that you can explore on a day trip, such as Kreuzenstein or Franzensburg near Laxenburg. Particularly well-preserved is Rappottenstein Castle in Lower Austria, which has stood atop a granite rock overlooking the forests for more than 870 years.
The castle that no one could conquer
Rappottenstein Castle was built in 1150 by the Kuenring family of vassals and owes its name to its founder, Rapoto von Kuenring. It was situated at the center of the Kuenring family’s estate and served as a significant defensive structure that protected the Waldviertel region, among other areas, from an invasion by the Bohemians. In fact, with its massive walls, five courtyards, and eight gates, the castle was never taken, even though there were certainly attempts to do so.
In 1597, rebellious peasants besieged Rappottenstein Castle, which by then had long since ceased to be owned by the Kuenrings and was instead in the hands of the Lords of Landau. A full 30,000 peasants gathered, but their efforts were in vain; they could not conquer the castle. Just under 50 years later, the Swedes tried their hand at it, but they too failed to breach the fortifications. Because no one ever succeeded in taking Rappottenstein, the castle is today one of the best-preserved structures in the country. Its architecture reflects the castle’s three construction phases, as it features elements of the Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles.
Haunting at Rappottenstein Castle
The Kuenring family’s hilltop castle may never have been physically conquered, but that does not mean it has not been haunted in other ways. According to legend, two of the Kuenring brothers were at odds with one another. One of them attempted to murder the other in his sleep, as he loved the same woman as his brother. The latter awoke before the nocturnal attack could succeed and grabbed his sword, which lay ready beside the bed . Both perished in the ensuing fight. Today, their ghosts are said to still fight each other every night for an hour in the brother’s bedchamber.
A magnet for visitors, film, and television
The fact that Rappottenstein Castle is supposedly haunted doesn’t stop the entertainment industry from using it as a filming location. You can admire the complex in several productions. The fairy tale “Eisenhans” and the historical film “Maximilian – Das Spiel von Macht und Liebe” are both set at Rappottenstein, and ProSieben produced the show “Die Burg – Prominent im Kettenhemd” within its walls. However, the most famous film featuring scenes at Rappottenstein is likely “Die Wanderhure” from 2010. Over 9 million people watched the film during its premiere, and thus also saw Rappottenstein Castle.
However, if you’d rather see the complex in person than just on a screen, you’ll be able to do so again starting at Easter. That’s when Rappottenstein Castle kicks off the 2026 season and invites you to visit. Several times a day, you can join the roughly 50-minute guided tours that take you through the courtyards, the chapel, the castle garden, and into the dungeon. Afterward, you can enjoy coffee and cake or other delicacies in the castle tavern. This summer, concerts and musical performances will once again take place during the Klangburg festival. And if you have something to celebrate, you can book various rooms in the castle for your event.
📍 Location: Rappottenstein Castle, Rappottenstein 85, 3911 Rappottenstein
📅 Dates: Open from Easter through October
💶 Price information: Guided tours for adults €14, reduced rate €12, for children €6
