Kaisersberg Castle (Old Castle)

Kaisersberg Castle probably originated in the 12th century, but the first, likely mostly wooden, structure may date back to the 11th century.

Kaisersberg was then a princely fief, granted to the Counts of Pfannberg. They or one of their vassals are presumed to be the builders of the castle. Through conspiracies, the castle changed hands several times between the Styrian lords and the Pfannbergs. Finally, the Counts of Cilli inherited the castle and lordship. Since the engagement of the last Pfannberger woman to the son of Count Hermann of Cilli did not result in marriage, he had to surrender the castle to Counts Wilhelm and Haug of Montfort in 1373.

Due to a contract, Kaisersberg became princely again in 1460. Among the administrators appointed for its management, Bernhard Krabatsdorfer was of the greatest importance; between 1466 and 1477, on behalf of Emperor Frederick III, he expanded the castle into a palace and modernized its defensive facilities. In the 16th century, the lordship was pledged several times, for example, to the Mersberg, Trautmannsdorf, Rauber, and Windischgrätz families. In 1557, Sebastian von Windischgrätz was able to acquire the castle. In 1588, Georg Ruprecht Baron von Herberstein bought the lordship. The subsequent owners, such as the Barons von Wagensperg (1617) and the Barons von Breuner (1618), were also able to expand the castle and lordship.

Since the administration was moved to the newly built palace, the castle fell into disrepair from 1793 and became a ruin. In 1827, the Counts Lamberg took over the property. In 1872, Kaisersberg came to the Princes of Liechtenstein and finally, in 1882, to the Mayr-Melnhof family. Since 2005, the castle ruin has been owned by Dr. Sigurd Hochfellner.