--- title: Vichtenstein Castle url: "https://www.donauregion.at/en/oesterreich-poi/detail/402164/vichtenstein-castle.html" description: Vichtenstein Castle was built around 1100 by the Counts of Formbach. date: 2015-07-24 modified: 2026-03-05 --- # Vichtenstein Castle Vichtenstein Castle ===================== Vichtenstein, Oberösterreich, Österreich ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/260x195/206323/57683E0C5BAABC706FADD15C4654E48B77ABB44E2752C0C81DB5BDF250177810/burg-vichtenstein.jpg) ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/260x195/206324/5F3336E36007DCA3C769B3653079FFAAD34ACEE1B78823592EF2E2BD77677BCB/burg-vichtenstein.jpg) ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/260x195/206325/1F84EA1F0F053D6758F4B65D85BFD68B1364D903D944099EE59907C0D773160F/burg-vichtenstein.jpg) © Open copyright © Gemeinde Vichtenstein Close copyright [ ![Vichtenstein Castle in Vichtenstein: A historic building with several high towers and battlements on the roofs, surrounded by trees and nestled in a hilly landscape. The estate consists of various building sections that are harmoniously grouped around a central courtyard.](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/206323/57683E0C5BAABC706FADD15C4654E48B77ABB44E2752C0C81DB5BDF250177810/burg-vichtenstein.jpg "© Gemeinde Vichtenstein") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/206323/57683E0C5BAABC706FADD15C4654E48B77ABB44E2752C0C81DB5BDF250177810/burg-vichtenstein.jpg) [ ![Vichtenstein Castle in Vichtenstein: An ensemble of historic buildings with a traditional architectural style, nestled in lush, green surroundings with trees. The buildings have different towers and roofs, hinting at their long-lived past. The scene gives the impression of an idyllic, rural village with a picturesque backdrop.](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/206324/5F3336E36007DCA3C769B3653079FFAAD34ACEE1B78823592EF2E2BD77677BCB/burg-vichtenstein.jpg) ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/206324/5F3336E36007DCA3C769B3653079FFAAD34ACEE1B78823592EF2E2BD77677BCB/burg-vichtenstein.jpg) [ ![Vichtenstein Castle in Vichtenstein: A tall, slender building with a pointed roof stands out among the green foliage. The walls of the building are grey in colour and have a few windows. A few trees and bushes surround the building, which stands out against a clear blue sky.](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/206325/1F84EA1F0F053D6758F4B65D85BFD68B1364D903D944099EE59907C0D773160F/burg-vichtenstein.jpg) ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/206325/1F84EA1F0F053D6758F4B65D85BFD68B1364D903D944099EE59907C0D773160F/burg-vichtenstein.jpg) © Open copyright © Gemeinde Close copyright [ ![Vichtenstein Castle in Vichtenstein: A historic castle or fortress is enthroned on a wooded hill. It has various towers, roofs and parts of buildings made of stone. It is surrounded by dense vegetation and green hills in the landscape.](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/206326/E97A31C4A23A2BBBAAF4B3A7B04A3CB5012B9FB9B3910DE8B5D32141A7EFA124/burg-vichtenstein.jpg "© Gemeinde") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/206326/E97A31C4A23A2BBBAAF4B3A7B04A3CB5012B9FB9B3910DE8B5D32141A7EFA124/burg-vichtenstein.jpg) [ ![Vichtenstein Castle in Vichtenstein: An imposing castle with several towers and buildings, surrounded by a wall. The buildings have a historic character with stone walls and tiled roofs. The complex is situated on a hill and can be seen from afar. A picturesque landscape with mountains and trees frames the fortress.](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/206327/8F864C9682D1EA599E0BA6EFB4AA1664CE450039143ED5552354B344B35E2405/burg-vichtenstein.jpg) ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/206327/8F864C9682D1EA599E0BA6EFB4AA1664CE450039143ED5552354B344B35E2405/burg-vichtenstein.jpg) [ ![Vichtenstein Castle in Vichtenstein: A historic castle or fortress in the middle of a snow-covered landscape. The building is constructed in a traditional style and consists of several towers and wings. Other buildings and trees are visible in the surrounding area, creating an idyllic winter scene.](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/206328/B4398E4C2FCEE241832BE596760C9AEFE85D26BD8A78A634E20FA949C859B292/burg-vichtenstein.jpg) ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/206328/B4398E4C2FCEE241832BE596760C9AEFE85D26BD8A78A634E20FA949C859B292/burg-vichtenstein.jpg) [ ![Vichtenstein Castle in Vichtenstein: an imposing, multi-storey building with towers and battlements in the middle of a snowy winter landscape. The complex is surrounded by tall trees and offers a picturesque view of the mountains on the horizon.](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/206329/F044B2440371F361918646B53EBDE556BA16D66EC57B77AC5EBBE7F81274A4D6/burg-vichtenstein.jpg) ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/206329/F044B2440371F361918646B53EBDE556BA16D66EC57B77AC5EBBE7F81274A4D6/burg-vichtenstein.jpg) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Vichtenstein 1 4091 Vichtenstein [ open in Google Maps ](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Vichtenstein%201%2C%204091%20Vichtenstein "Link will open in a new window") [ Open in Apple Maps ](https://maps.apple.com/place?address=Vichtenstein%201%2C%204091%20Vichtenstein "Link will open in a new window") ![](https://static.ecmaps.de/staticmap.jpg?experience=webarchitektur-meta&lat=48.527803447918188&lon=13.65214347839354&width=991&height=450&project=ttg-osm-summer-original&zoom=2000&server=meta.tourdata.at) Vichtenstein Castle was built around 1100 by the Counts of Formbach. **Vichtenstein Castle - of feud and the bishop's victory** The romantic Vichtenstein Castle is located in the centre of Vichtenstein, just a few metres off the Donausteig trail. It was probably founded in the 11th century by one of the Counts of Formbach. After this dynasty died out in 1145, the castle passed to the Hallgraves of Wasserburg. In 1217, a reversal of fortune began that was to throw the region into turmoil for years! Konrad Count of Wasserburg and Vichtenstein wanted to go on a crusade to the Holy Land and borrowed money from the Prince-Bishop of Passau. As a pledge, he gave Vichtenstein Castle with its numerous possessions. Before his departure, Konrad married and signed the castle over to his wife. However, the Bishopric of Passau regarded the castle as her property and considered this transfer to be unlawful. Thus began an 8-year feud between Konrad and the bishopric. He harmed Passau wherever he could: he destroyed Passau property, attacked Passau merchants, blockaded the Danube, ... His strategic "masterpiece": as Passau's prosperity was based on the salt trade, Konrad channelled the salt from Salzburg past Passau! He utilised his salt trading privileges as Hallgraf and had the salt transported down the Inn River landed in Schärding. It was then transported overland via Münzkirchen, Vichtenstein and Kasten to Obernzell, from where it found its usual route to Bohemia. In doing so, he not only damaged Passau, but also made very good money himself! Konrad was finally excommunicated several times (!) for his actions and later even ostracised. In the end, however, he had to give in. In 1227, Vichtenstein became the property of the Bishopric of Passau for the next 550 years. Soon afterwards, the newly founded Engelszell Monastery was supported by being exempted from the Vichtenstein toll and also received all the storm-damaged trees of the Vichtenstein dominion in 1299. In later years, the castle was a favourite hunting lodge of the Passau bishops. The Jagabild chapel on the ridge of the Haugstein has some marvellous stories to tell about this time of hunting! Find out more under "Jagabild Chapel - a marvellous gem!". In 1803, the rule of the Bishopric of Passau ended through secularisation and Vichtenstein Castle fell to the Austrian state. From 1860 onwards, a period of eventful private ownership began. Today, the castle is owned and inhabited by the Schulz-Wulkow family. The castle cannot be visited! (Source: Schulz-Wulkow, K. (2012). Vichtenstein in the Sauwald) By the way: Castle mounds used to be kept free of woodland for military reasons. This also helped Linz's Pöstlingberg to become a popular vantage point after the Maximilian fortifications were abandoned. Today, the Pöstlingberg is the landmark of Linz and a must-see for every Donausteig hiker! [ Contact ](#ttgCollapseKontakt) ---------------------------------- **Vichtenstein Castle** Vichtenstein 1 4091 Vichtenstein Phone +43 7714 8055Show no. Fax machine +43 7714 8055 - 31 E-Mail [m.haderer@vichtenstein.ooe.gv.at](#mailto) Web [www.vichtenstein.at](http://www.vichtenstein.at "New window") http://www.vichtenstein.at --- **Contact person** Gemeinde Vichtenstein Vichtenstein 70 4091 Vichtenstein Phone +43 7714 8055Show no. Fax machine +43 7714 8055 - 31 E-Mail [m.haderer@vichtenstein.ooe.gv.at](#mailto) Web [www.vichtenstein.at](http://www.vichtenstein.at "New window") --- **We speak the following languages** German [ Opening hours ](#ttgCollapseOeffnungszeiten) ------------------------------------------------ - Can only be viewed from outside [ Arrival ](#ttgCollapseAnreise) ---------------------------------- **Elevation**536 m **Parking**- Parking space: 30 [ Equipment ](#ttgCollapseAusstattung) ---------------------------------------- - Food and drink available [ Suitability ](#ttgCollapseEignung) -------------------------------------- - Suitable for single travelers - Suitable for friends - Suitable for couples [ Accessibility ](#ttgCollapseBarrierefreiheit) ------------------------------------------------- Please get in touch for more information. 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