Karlstein Castle

Karlstein Castle, also known as Burg Karlstein, is located on a steep rock in Karlstein an der Thaya in Lower Austria.

Karlstein was first mentioned as Chadelstain in 1112. As a feudal castle of various noble families, Karlstein belonged to the respective sovereign. Briefly, under the Puchheim family from 1576, it also became a center of the Reformation.

Since it was not continuously owned by one family for a longer period, it was constantly rebuilt and expanded. Practically nothing remains of the original castle. The preserved castle chapel dates back to the 16th century.

Its use also changed over the centuries. Formerly used as a noble residence, from 1880 it was also a clock factory. The castle also temporarily served as a prison. For example, the peasant leader Georg Schrembser was presumably imprisoned here from 1597 until his execution.

Although the castle, owned by Count van der Straten, was uninhabitable in 1914, an internment camp was set up here during the First World War. The Montenegrin General Staff was also held captive here.

After the war, the Hungarian communist leader Béla Kun was interned here.

Later, the castle was also used as a youth hostel, and in the 1960s, also as a guesthouse.