Scheuchenstein Castle

The first castle was probably built by order of the Styrian provincial lords towards the end of the 12th century. In 1260, the castle was first mentioned in a document. The first Scheuchensteiner, "Ulrich der Scheuchenstainer", appears in a Heiligenkreuz document in 1304.

In the course of the dispute between the brothers Emperor Frederick III and Archduke Albrecht VI, the castle was conquered and the Scheuchensteiners were expelled. Kling von Urschendorf, a supporter of Archduke Albrecht, succeeded in ambushing and expelling Erhard von Scheuchenstein from his castle in 1463. Kling left a garrison behind and retreated to Urschendorf. The fortifications of Scheuchenstein were reinforced by three wooden towers. Frederick III, in turn, had Scheuchenstein besieged in 1464. Finally, the castle had to surrender. Martin Beheim was appointed castle captain of Scheuchenstein, but soon withdrew from this post, as the situation in this remote side valley became too insecure for him.

During the battles against the Hungarian King Matthias Corvinus in 1480 and 1490, the castle was probably burned down and then largely demolished. In 1577, the Heussensteiners acquired the lordship, but sold it in 1632 to the Counts Hoyos of Gutenstein. Today, the forests with the ruin belong to the Thun-Hohenstein family.