Kronburg, Zams, Medieval castle ruins in Zams, Austria.
Kronburg is a castle ruin perched on a steep rocky peak in Zams, Austria, rising approximately 350 meters above the Inn Valley floor. The surviving structures include sections of outer fortifications, a gatehouse, semi-circular towers, and arrow slits that reveal its defensive design.
Construction began in 1380 under Johann von Starkenberg with permission from Duke Leopold III of Austria. The fortress developed into a major stronghold for the Starkenberg family throughout the following centuries.
The site carries the legacy of the Starkenberg family, who shaped the region for generations through their rule. Today the Sisters of Mercy from Zams maintain it as a spiritual place that draws visitors seeking connection to both history and faith.
Access to the ruins is via a narrow mountain path that starts near the Kronburg Inn at the base, where parking is available. The climb requires sure footing and sturdy shoes, as the path can be slippery depending on weather conditions.
The ruins were not always abandoned - in 2005 the Sisters of Mercy from Zams acquired the site along with an adjoining monastery and pilgrimage church. This connection between a medieval fortress and a modern spiritual center gives the location an unusual dual character.
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