Steinerberg Castle

The origins of Steinerberg Castle date back to the 12th century, when the Kirchbergers are mentioned as the first owners. A Ulricus de Chrichperch is associated with the site around 1195. In 1263, Carl von Kirchberg sold his fief to the Tannbergers. The Steinerbergers, who resided there in the 13th century, served the Tannbergers as so-called “einschildige Ritter” (knights with a single shield). Names such as Ulricus de Stainaperg (1279), Gottfried von Steinaperg (1303), and Seibot von Stainaberg (1309) attest to their presence. After the death of their liege lord Kunrad von Tannberg in 1356, the Steinerbergers began to sell their property and leave the region. In 1362, the ancestral castle passed to Gundacker von Tannberg zu Pürnstein. Andreas Steinerperger, documented in 1415 as a vassal of the Schallenbergers and married to Dorothea Steinaperg, the widow of Erhard von Schallenberg, was the last provable Steinerberger. Wolfgang Steinaperg is presumed to be the last bearer of the name.