Velden Castle

The first documented mention of Velden Castle dates back to 1161, when it was owned by the Knights of Velden. In 1266, Helmhart der Rothe was killed during a Bavarian invasion that led to the siege, conquest, and destruction of the town by fire. His daughter Klithilde married Ullo von Blankenberg. Through a pledge, the dominion of Velden later came into the possession of the Prince-Bishopric of Passau. From 1347 to 1443, administrators were appointed to the castle, including Chrunrat II. von Tannberg and Andreas Herleinsperger. The Herleinsperger family held the property as a pledge from 1430 to 1479 and redeemed the dominion from Passau in 1503. Around 1505, ownership transferred to Hans von Tannberg and later to Achaz Prembser. During the Peasants' War in 1626, Velden was besieged and devastated by 800 peasants. The fortress once served as the seat of the Passau administrator and court, and later also as a prison. In 1699, most of the fortress was demolished and replaced by a burgher's house in 1789. In the same year, linen merchant Karl Wöß acquired the property from the Diocese of Passau and erected the current building. Since 1926, Velden Castle has been owned by the Scherrer brewing family.