Stockern Castle

The origins of Stockern Castle date back to the early 13th century, when a fortified building belonging to the Stockhorn family was first documented on this site. In 1474, Stephan von Eytzing captured the complex and largely destroyed it after the then owners joined the opposition against Emperor Frederick III. Although Hans von Wullerstorf received permission to rebuild in 1484, this plan was not carried out. It was not until Ulrich von Haselbach, who took over the lordship in 1507, or his successor, that the castle was rebuilt as a fortified palace. The Counts of Lamberg shaped its current appearance through Renaissance-style alterations in 1576. The castle later passed into the possession of the Lords of Engelshofen and, through marriage, into the Suttner family. A fire in 1772 is documented by a painting by Martin Johann Schmidt. In 1889, Bertha von Suttner wrote her work “Lay Down Your Arms!” here.