Gars am Kamp Castle

Gars am Kamp Castle, locally known as Burg Gars am Kamp but also as Babenberger Burg or Burg Gars, lies in the town of Gars am Kamp, south of the city of Horn in the province of Lower Austria in Austria.

The castle was first mentioned in the 11th century. It was built on a rock near the shore of the Kamp river, by the noble Babenberger family. Leopold II, "The Beautiful", von Babenberg and his son Leopold III, "The Saint", both Margraves of Austria, resided here between 1075 and 1095.

Between 1096 and 1121 it was owned by Bishop Ulrich of Passau. Of later owners the Lords of Maissau and the Barons of Teufel are worth mentioning. In 1709 the castle was completed.

Around 1800 the castle fell into disrepair as a result of the roof taxes after which it was destroyed, in 1809, during the French War. In 1996 ownership of the castle transferred to the town of Gars am Kamp. The castle is now used for different cultural activities as there is an open air theatre.

This is a very nice castle ruin with nice views of the town below and the Kamp valley. I could roam the castle grounds but couldn't get into any of the buildings which was too bad. When I visited it was freely accessible but there could be entrance fees when a cultural activity is taking place.

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