Schwanberg Castle (Old Castle)

The name "Schwanberg" is the German translation of the place "Odelisnic" mentioned in 1056 and means Schwentberg. This indicates the clearing activity of "Schwenden" and can be interpreted as a hint to the founding of Schwanberg Castle on Josefiberg.

Archaeological excavations provided proof of the existence of a first castle complex for the 9th or 10th century. Apparently, this castle is closely related to the Carolingian land acquisition. In 1056, the castle was taken from its owner Eppo and came into the possession of the Diocese of Brixen. The Bishops of Brixen presumably appointed the Lords of Stein from the Lavanttal as administrators in the 12th century.

This family, later elevated as the Lords of Pettau, owned Schwanberg until their extinction. Between 1240 and 1255, the castle was expanded. In 1266, it was besieged and captured by the Bohemian King Ottokar II Přemysl. After the extinction of the male line of the Pettau in the 15th century, the Lords of Schaumberg, the Stubenberger, the Spangsteiner, and the Galler followed. Under the Galler, the castle, which had been severely damaged by the Baumkircher Feud of the 15th century, was abandoned and largely razed. Incorporating the rear tower, they built the Renaissance castle Schwanberg.

Since October 2004, archaeological excavations have been carried out, and thus parts of the old castle have been and are being uncovered again.