Burg Krems, Medieval castle ruins in Voitsberg, Austria

Burg Krems is a medieval castle ruin on a ridge near the Kainach river, consisting of a five-story keep with thick masonry walls, a fortified gate tower, and an outer courtyard. The complex sits on elevated ground and forms a visible landmark in the surrounding landscape.

The Archbishop of Salzburg ordered the construction of the castle in the 12th century, with its first written record dating to 1248. The fortress served a strategic role in the region's medieval power structure.

The name Krems is probably not Slavic like nearby place names but derives from an older root meaning "cutting" or "rocky cliff", first recorded as Cremese in 1151. Since 1988 the ruin has belonged to the association Licht im Leben, and since 1993 a castle association has restored it, opening a small museum room in May 2015.

The ruins are accessible only at specific times and require advance planning for your visit. It is advisable to check current opening information beforehand, as access times vary depending on the season.

The five-storey keep stands on a rock block and is visible from far off. A path around the ruin and the reopened keep were created after the castle association began restoring the site in 1993. A small museum room opened in May 2015 presents the castle's history.