Burgruine Schimmelsprung, Medieval castle ruins in Gars am Kamp, Austria
Burgruine Schimmelsprung consists of medieval castle remains perched on a rocky cliff about 100 feet (30 meters) above the right bank of the Kamp River. The site displays fortification walls with arrow slits, and visitors can access the ruins via the western entrance, which is reinforced by three defensive trenches.
The castle was first documented around 1200 under Heinrich von Thumbenove, who served as chamberlain to Duke Leopold and was a notable figure in the region. This early ownership connected the fortress to the political structures shaping medieval Austria.
The name Schimmelsprung comes from local legends about a knight whose white horse plunged off the cliff after villagers discovered his secret nocturnal deeds. This tale remains woven into how people understand and speak about this place today.
The ruins sit on a steep rocky cliff, so sturdy footwear and careful footing are essential when visiting. The western entrance serves as the main access point for exploring the fortification walls and the surrounding grounds.
Archaeological excavations in the 1970s uncovered red pottery fragments from the 11th and 12th centuries after a landslide exposed the artifacts. These findings suggest the site was occupied long before its first written documentation.
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