Wolkenstein Castle

It is presumed that an old refuge castle already existed at the site of the present castle ruin in the 9th century. In the 12th century, a knightly family calling themselves "von Werses" erected a tower, which was soon expanded into a small castle.

In 1186, it was already referred to as Wolchinstein. Ulrich von Wolkenstein resided here at that time. However, the castle belonged to the Styrian territorial princes, who enfeoffed their ministerials with it. After the death of the last Babenberg, Frederick the Quarrelsome, Archbishop Philipp von Sponheim of Salzburg established himself here. In the war of Duke Albrecht I against Salzburg, Wolkenstein returned to the territorial prince and was subsequently administered by burgraves and stewards.

The first steward was Jakob vom Turm, a former Salzburg ministerial. In the 13th century, Wolkenstein also became the seat of the Ennstal regional court. Only in 1754 was this moved to the more convenient Friedstein Castle. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Wolkenstein dominion frequently served as collateral. From 1524 to 1592, the Barons von Hofmann owned the castle, investing large sums in its expansion. In 1592, the dominion belonged to Admont Abbey. After passing through several hands, Polykarp Scheidt, Baron von Hohenburg, acquired it in 1622 as a free property. From 1630 to 1817, Wolkenstein belonged to the Counts of Saurau. However, they did not reside here, so decay began around 1680. The notorious "roof tax" finally turned Wolkenstein into a ruin around 1750.

The Counts of Goess followed the Saurau. In 1902, the demolition of the ruin was prevented. Since 1952, a local castle association has been responsible for the preservation and maintenance of the complex.