Burgruine Aichelburg, building in Sankt Stefan im Gailtal, Austria
Burgruine Aichelburg is a castle ruin in Sankt Stefan im Gailtal sitting on a rocky hill south of the town with views across the valley. The remains include a stone tower called the bergfried, sections of the surrounding wall, and foundation stones that reveal how the medieval structure once stood.
The castle was built in the 13th or 14th century and first mentioned in records in 1307 as belonging to the counts of Görz family. Over the centuries it suffered destruction by Emperor Friedrich III around 1460, was later rebuilt, burned in 1516, and was finally abandoned after an earthquake around 1690.
The castle ruin bears a name first recorded in written documents during the 15th century, reflecting the region's medieval heritage. The site has long served as a gathering place for locals who walk through the peaceful surroundings and reflect on the past.
The site is easy to reach by car or on foot and is open to the public without entrance fees, though there are no large parking areas directly at the location so it is best to park nearby and walk the final stretch. The ruins are not open for inside visits, but visitors can explore the exterior and enjoy quiet walks around the site with views over the hills and valleys.
Leonhart Platzer was permitted to rebuild the damaged castle in 1494, and shortly after Christoph Viertaler from Graz took control and became the first to carry the Aichelburg name. A stone pillar was placed around 1900 by a local nobleman and stands today as a quiet marker of that history.
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