Niederfalkenstein Castle

The origins of Falkenstein Castle, to which Niederfalkenstein belongs, date back a long way, making it one of Carinthia's oldest castle complexes. Its first documented mention under the name "Valchenstain" dates to 1164. The noble family of Falkenstein, ministeriales of the Counts of Görz, played an important role in the region. After their extinction around 1300, the complex was divided and separately granted to various noble families. In 1394, Count Heinrich IV of Görz pledged Oberfalkenstein to Duke Albrecht III of Austria, bringing the castle into Habsburg possession. In the 16th century, ownership changed frequently, including Julian Count of Lodron and Christoph Count of Frangipani. From 1693 to 1883, the castle was owned by the Barons of Sternbach, who, however, allowed it to fall into disrepair. It was not until 1905 that Privy Councillor Ferdinand Kaltenegger von Riedhorst acquired the castle and gave Niederfalkenstein its current appearance. After a fire in 1969, which destroyed the palas, the reconstruction was carried out by the then owner Anni Helene Johanna Oehmichen. In 1998, the castle was sold to the Fersterer family.

Niederfalkenstein Castle is located in Obervellach-Pfaffenberg in the Spittal an der Drau district, Carinthia, Austria. It stands at an elevation of approximately 853 meters above sea level.

Niederfalkenstein Castle is privately owned and is a restored historic building that is still inhabited today.

• Oberfalkenstein Castle Ruin, approx. 0.5 km away
• Mölltheuer Castle Ruin, approx. 2.7 km away
• Trabuschgen Castle, approx. 3.2 km away
• Groppenstein Castle, approx. 4.9 km away