Spielberg Castle

A Roman watchtower is believed to have stood on the site of the present ruin in antiquity, supported by Roman tombstones recovered in 1941/42. In the Middle Ages, the castle was built by the Lords of Perg and Machland. After the death of Otto von Machland in 1148, it passed to Otto III von Lengenbach. From 1159, Spielberg was a fief of the Prince-Bishopric of Passau. The strategic importance of the fortress on the border between Bavaria and the Duchy of Austria is evidenced by coin finds from the 12th century. In 1236, Spielberg came into the possession of Frederick II of Babenberg and thus to Austria. The castle frequently changed hands, often as a princely fief or pawn lordship. In 1365, Spielberg was handed over to St. Florian Abbey as an eternal burgraviate, with the condition that the fortress remain open to the captain of Upper Austria.