Friedburg, Medieval castle ruin in Neukirchen am Großvenediger, Austria
Friedburg is a castle ruin located on a hillside in Neukirchen am Großvenediger, with portions of the outer walls and traces of the original fortification still visible. The remaining stone structures provide a sense of the layout and scale this fortified settlement once occupied.
The castle was founded around 1000 under Bavarian control and came under Salzburg ecclesiastical authority in 1228. It was destroyed by fire in 1550 and never rebuilt, leaving behind the ruins visible today.
The ruins represent a protected heritage site that reflects medieval settlement patterns in Alpine valleys. Visitors can observe how such fortifications once shaped life and control in the surrounding communities.
Several hiking paths lead to the ruins, including a loop trail that covers about 3 kilometers with steady elevation gain. Visit during dry weather when stone paths are easier to navigate and provide safer footing.
Local folklore tells of a devil attempting to carry a boulder from another location but dropping it nearby when church bells interrupted the task. This folk tale remains part of the region's storytelling traditions tied to the old fortification.
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