Burg Vichtenstein

Burg Vichtenstein is a medieval castle that sits on a hill above the Danube valley in Upper Austria, overlooking the surrounding landscape from that elevated position. The structure features a characteristic entrance gate, interior courtyard, chapel, and defensive tower that show its design as a fortified settlement.

The castle was built around 1100 and initially served as an administrative center for the Bishopric of Passau. It later passed into the hands of the Counts of Schauberg, which shifted the local power structure.

The castle served as a center of local authority and management, with its position directly above the river showing how important it was for controlling the region. People in the area connect this place with the history of religious and secular power that came together here for centuries.

The location is easy to spot from above and offers good views of the surrounding landscape from its elevated position. It is best to examine the individual parts like the gate, courtyard, and tower systematically to understand the full layout.

The castle sat historically directly across from Oberzelln in Lower Bavaria, marking an important boundary line between two regions. This location made it a strategic point for watching and controlling the area across generations.