Burg Krämpelstein, Medieval castle in Esternberg, Austria
Burg Krämpelstein is a castle in Esternberg located on a rock outcrop above the Danube River, featuring a fortified structure with four stories and Gothic windows. The interior contains stone staircases and the overall layout reflects its original design as a defensive stronghold.
The castle was first documented in 1337 and initially served as a toll station and retreat for the bishops of Passau. The structure later became part of Austria when the region transferred to Austrian control in 1782.
The castle earned its alternative name Schneiderburg from a local tale about a tailor who once lived there with his goat. This folk story remains part of how people in the region remember and refer to the place.
The castle is privately owned and access is restricted, so visitors should observe the signs posted at the site. It is best to view the structure and its riverside location from outside while respecting the property limitations.
Roman coins dated between 284 and 306 AD were discovered during excavations in 1845, suggesting that a Roman watchtower once occupied this location before the current castle was built. These archaeological finds reveal how the site has been fortified and inhabited across different periods of history.
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