Burg Plankenstein

About the museum

Burg Plankenstein stands on a light limestone rock outcrop in the Mostbiertel. The knights of Plankenstein, who built a fortified house here, are documented in 1186. In the Renaissance, the fortified complex was expanded into a castle. In 1571, the Protestant Malenthein family acquired the lordship; from this time come the secco paintings in the castle chapel. Later the Tattenbach and the Counts Kunitz, under whom Baroque gardens were laid out in the early 18th century.

In 1713 Plankenstein came to Bartholomäus Freiherr von Tinti, who also owned Schallaburg. After his death, his descendants lived at Schallaburg, and Plankenstein fell into ruins: furnishings, windows and doors were removed, roofs collapsed. Parts of the ruins temporarily housed a church, school and apartments.

In 1975 architect Peter Trimbacher bought the ruins, closed the main roof and secured the facade, and with income from a small bar for tour guests gradually built guest rooms and seminar rooms. Since 2010 the castle belongs to Viennese businessman Erich Podstatny, who continued its restoration. Today Plankenstein is a castle hotel, tavern and event venue; visitors can learn about it on daily castle tours.

Highlights

• Castle tours through historic rooms and viewpoints
• Castle chapel with secco paintings from 16th century
• Location on limestone cliff with view into Mostbiertel
• Castle tavern and overnight stay in castle rooms
• Children's castle tours and scavenger hunt

Operated by

EPI Erich Podstatny e.U.

Director

Erich Podstatny (Burgherr)

Admission & discounts

Prices for standard tour. With Lower Austria CARD the regular tour to the sun room is free, for extended tour a surcharge applies; Lower Austria CARD not accepted weekends at special events.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Historic castle with varying levels, steps and winding corridors; no designated barrier-free access.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Birthday parties for 5- to 12-year-olds with children's castle tour, scavenger hunt and Palatschinken or sausage party. Family packages with overnight stay, costumes and scavenger hunt; annual medieval festival with children's program.

Getting there & parking

From Vienna via A1 to exit Loosdorf, via Hürm and Kilb to Kirnberg and follow signs "Burg Plankenstein" through Texing; shortly after village end in Plankenstein district turn left to castle. From Linz via A1 to exit Ybbs, via Wieselburg and Purgstall toward Oberndorf on the Melk.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Wi-Fi

Castle tavern open April through December daily, warm food 11–8 p.m. Free WLAN in Prince's Hall. Overnight stay in castle and knight rooms possible. Dogs welcome throughout grounds (leashed on tours).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Tavern, chapel, halls and sun terrace for weddings (civil, church or free), family celebrations, seminars and corporate events; catering by castle tavern.

Plan your visit