Castle of Losenstein

Burg Losenstein
	Losenstein
	Interior view of the Castle Losenstein
	Burg Losenstein
Coordinates	47°55′26.36″N 14°26′15.55″E
Type	hill castle
Code	AT-4
Site information
Condition	Ruin
Site history
Built	12th century

The Castle of Losenstein is a castle ruin in Upper Austria. It rises above the village of Losenstein on a 60-metre (200 ft) rock (Castle Rock), composed of dolomite. It is one of the largest and oldest ruins of Upper Austria. Built in the 12th century by the Styrian Ottokars, the Castle of Losenstien consists of the main building and one major ancillary tower. Beginning in 1252 the Lords of Losenstein (Losenstein) owned the castle.

The castle offers views of the village of Losenstein, the river Enns, and the foothills in the direction of Styria. The castle of Losenstein is freely accessible.

The original structure of the castle is still visible. Exterior walls, gothic windows and large arches are still visible. The individual premises such as church, living area, patio and economic activity are defined precisely.

History

The Styrian Otakare built this castle around 1150 to protect themselves from invading troops in the Steiermark. 1170 the castle was first mentioned in 1252 and went to Dietmar of Steyr, which received it from King Ottokar II Przemysl in exchange for the city of Steyr. From that point on, the family of Dietmar and his descendants are known as the Lords of Losenstein. Until their extinction in 1692, they continuously owned the castle. The grave of the family of Losenstein are located in Garsten (Losenstein chapel). Then the line went through inheritance over to the generation of von Auersperg, who eventually sold the castle in 1905 to the province of Upper Austria.

Current use

The ruins of Losenstein Castle have served on several occasions as a venue for plays. The castle theatre group of Losenstein has made use of the location on multiple occasions. It is a common place for historic tours by school groups and history buffs, and home more recently to the castle rock climbing area. The preservation of the historic building and the maintenance of the possibility for a variety of activities in this unique cultural treasure has been given highest priority. Signage allows interested visitors to understand the historical and cultural significance of the ruins of Castle Losenstein.

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