Burg Greifenstein

Burg Greifenstein is a castle in Lower Austria, Austria, overlooking the Danube.

History
The castle was built probably in the 11th Century. It was first mentioned in 1135. At that time it already had a significant role in the defense system along the Danube. The owners of the castle changed frequently.

From the 16th century, the castle served primarily as a notorious prison of the ecclesiastical court. Throughout history, the castle was repeatedly invaded and damaged but repaired again and again. It was inhabited until about 1770, when it was abandoned and fell into disrepair. Until 1803 it belonged to the Bishops of Passau.

Johann I von Liechtenstein refurbished it in 1807-1808 in the Romantic style but at the end of the 19th Century, the castle fell again and was sold in 1918, coming into private ownership.

On 16 September 2006, there was a fire in the castle. Since then, access is no longer possible.