Burgruine Hohenegg, Medieval castle ruins in Hafnerbach, Austria
Burgruine Hohenegg consists of stone walls standing on a hilltop in Dunkelsteinerwald, with tall fortifications, a bell tower, and multiple courtyards. The site displays different building phases that reflect growth and changes across centuries.
First mentioned in 1140, the castle belonged to Hermann von Stein before passing to several noble families. A major transformation began in 1584 when it was redesigned as a Renaissance palace.
The name comes from its hilltop location, and over centuries different noble families shaped the place through construction projects that showed their power and status. Visitors can still see traces of these various inhabitants in the ruins today.
The site sits on elevated ground and is reached on foot, with sturdy footwear recommended for uneven terrain. The Verein Burg Hohenegg organization handles maintenance and can inform visitors about current access conditions.
During World War II, this isolated castle served as a secret meeting place for resistance fighters from the nearby Markersdorf Air Base. This hidden role made it far more than just a crumbling fortress.
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