Finstergrün Castle

The origins of the old Finstergrün Castle likely date back to the 12th century, with a confirmed documentary mention from the year 1300. It was built as a border fortification at a strategically important point. Over the centuries, the castle changed hands multiple times and served, among other things, as the seat of archiepiscopal administrators. The name “Finstergrün,” derived from “finstre Gruam” (dark ditch), first appeared in the 17th century when the castle was already in significant disrepair. A devastating forest fire in 1841 completely destroyed the wooden parts of the fortress, turning it into a ruin. At the end of the 19th century, Count Sándor Szápáry acquired the burnt-out ruin and began reconstruction in the 13th-century style in 1901, which was continued by his widow Margit Countess Szápáry after his death. Around 1908, the complex achieved its current appearance but remained unfinished internally. After World War II, the castle passed to the Countess's children and has been used as a youth castle by the Evangelical Youth Austria since 1972.

Finstergrün Castle is situated at approximately 1080 m above sea level in the municipality of Ramingstein in the Tamsweg district, Salzburg, Austria. It is perched on a steep rocky outcrop south above the village of Ramingstein.

Today, Finstergrün Castle is a vibrant place. It houses a youth hostel and is the venue for various cultural events. The complex is accessible to visitors and offers insights into its eventful history.

• Wintergrün Castle (Schloss), approx. 0.4 km away
• Grimmingschloss (Schloss), approx. 6.2 km away
• Kuenburg Castle (Schloss), approx. 6.6 km away
• Edenfest Castle Ruin (Burg), approx. 8.7 km away