Schloss Forchtenstein, Neumarkt in Steiermark, Medieval castle in Neumarkt in Steiermark, Austria

Schloss Forchtenstein is a medieval castle in Neumarkt in Steiermark featuring a four-story tower house and defensive walls arranged in a rectangular footprint. The structure sits within two rings of fortifications that protected the stronghold.

The castle first appeared in records in 1187 under Markwart von Forchtenstein as a key defensive position. It controlled an important trade route connecting the Danube region to Italy, making it strategically valuable.

The castle's name likely derives from Old High German forhten, "to fear", and Stein, "stone". Since 1956 it has been leased by the European Federalist Movement, and on 7 July 1957 the first Europe House in Austria was founded here and named Karl-Brunner-Europahaus after its founder. Since 1981 the Europa-Forum Neumarkt has been held here each summer.

The castle exterior is open for exploration and there is parking available directly in front of the site. Wear sturdy shoes and bring good lighting if exploring around the perimeter, as some areas may be uneven.

The castle's core is a four-storey tower house built on the base of an old Roman watchtower. Investigations suggest the hilltop was probably already settled in early historic times, likely in the younger Iron Age. In Slavic times the plateau was called "Graslupp" and the castle "castrum Graslupp".