Brandhof Castle

The origins of Brandhof date back to an old farm owned by St. Lambrecht Abbey, located on the border of the Mariazell and Aflenz lordships. Around 1390, a tenant named Prantner was mentioned, whose name gave the farm its current title. By the end of the 15th century, the owners were obliged to provide hauling services over the Seebergsattel. In 1818, Archduke Johann, brother of Emperor Franz II (I), acquired the property through an auction. He planned to establish an exemplary Alpine cattle breeding farm. After an inheritance, he was able to expand the modest dwelling into a hunting lodge according to his own designs starting in 1820 and enlarged the estate through additional purchases.