Steuerberg Castle

The origins of Steuerberg Castle date back to the 11th century, when it was likely built by the Eppenstein Dukes of Carinthia. After the extinction of the Eppenstein line in 1122, the castle passed to the Lords of Touernich in the 12th century, who served as vassals of the Spanheim Dukes. An undated donation note from Admont Abbey, dating between 1130 and 1145, first mentions the castle. Reginher de Touernich, a lord of the castle, participated in the Second Crusade in 1147. After his return and the transfer of the lands to Margrave Ottokar III of Styr, the castle was renamed “Styrberch” between 1147 and 1169. The castle changed hands multiple times, including the Lords of Pettau and the Counts of Ortenburg. In 1260, it served as a refuge for the Peggauer-Pfannberger and was set on fire in 1264 during conflicts with the Diocese of Gurk.