Schloss Engelstein, Medieval hilltop castle in Großschönau, Austria.
Schloss Engelstein is a medieval castle complex on a granite hilltop in Austria, consisting of a main fortress with a tower keep positioned above an outer bailey and service courtyard. The buildings sit on elevated ground with three artificial ponds surrounding the structure from different sides.
The castle began around 1300 following the destruction of the nearby Harmannstein fortress, first serving as a watchtower at a road crossing. The site expanded and was rebuilt over centuries to meet changing defensive needs.
The chapel displays a mix of Gothic and Baroque architectural styles, reflecting different building periods across Austrian history. Visitors can experience these architectural changes directly while walking through the chapel.
The site sits on elevated terrain with access from below, and the paths to the fortress can be quite steep. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared to climb several levels to fully explore all areas.
A copper engraving by Georg Matthaeus Vischer from 1629 shows the fortress in its original form with architectural details that would otherwise be lost. This document offers a rare glimpse at how the structure looked before later changes.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
