Karlstein Castle

Karlstein Castle, locally known as Burg Karlstein, lies in the village of Karlstein an der Thaya, east of the city of Zwettl in the province of Lower Austria in Austria.

Karlstein Castle was built on a high cliff above the Thaya River and was first mentioned in the 12th century. Between 1390 and 1470, it was owned by the Truchessen von Grueb family. The Hauser family followed them, and later the Puchheim and Van der Straaten families.

Because of its location close to the border between Bohemia and Austria, Karlstein Castle and the surrounding area were the scene of frequent conflicts between the Bohemian King Ottokar, the Hussites, and the Hungarian King Mathias Corvinus.

After the Farmer Rebellion of 1597 was crushed, its leader, Andreas Schrembser, was probably incarcerated in Karlstein Castle before being quartered in Waidhofen an der Thaya. In 1645, during the 30-Years War, the castle was besieged by Swedish troops but was not taken.

In the 18th century, a watchmaking firm was located in the castle. In 1832, the castle was abandoned and slowly fell into decay.

From 1914 until 1918, the empty and dilapidated Karlstein Castle was used as an internment camp for citizens from hostile countries for Austria and Hungary. After World War I, the Hungarian revolutionary Bela Kun was also interned here.

At present, the castle is used for cultural activities. A nice castle in a sleepy little village.

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