Berneck Castle, Medieval castle ruins near Faggenbach river in Kauns, Austria.
Berneck Castle are the ruins of a fortress sitting on a 130-meter-high rock face at 1,076 meters above sea level, overlooking the entrance to Kaunertal valley. The place is defined by stone and rock, with views across the valley from its elevated position.
The castle was first mentioned in 1225, and the site changed hands several times over the centuries. Emperor Maximilian I acquired it in 1499 through a trade for Tratzberg Castle.
The chapel inside shows late Gothic wall paintings and an altar carved directly from the rock. Visitors can see these artworks while exploring the ruins and understand how important this place was to people long ago.
You can explore the ruins on your own or join guided tours that take about an hour. For larger groups, visiting in advance is recommended.
After decades of decay, the castle was thoroughly restored between 1977 and 1983 by architect Ekkehard Hörmann, who purchased it to prevent further deterioration. This rescue effort allows visitors today to still experience the medieval structures and details.
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