Burgruine Kaja

About the museum

Kaja Castle lies east of Merkersdorf on a rocky ridge between the Kajabach and Merkersdorfer Bach streams. A predecessor structure belonged around 1050 to a chain of fortifications along the Thaya. Around 1150, the first lords named themselves after the castle; in the 13th century, Bohemian King Ottokar stayed here several times. From 1317, the castle was in the hands of Bohemian nobles and at times was considered a robber baron's nest, as recounted in the legend of the "Devil on Kaja Castle."

After devastation by the Hussites, the lords of Eytzing took the fortress in 1425 and rebuilt it to its present size. As the border to Moravia lost importance after 1526, later owners moved their administration and residence to Schloss Niederfladnitz; by the late 17th century, the fortress was a ruin. The Auersperg princes had parts restored; after 1945, the complex passed to the Waldstein-Wartenberg counts.

Because the ruin was dilapidated in the 1950s, it was closed. In 1969, a society was founded for its preservation, leased the complex, and began restoration work. Today visitors reach the castle via two bridges and a gatehouse; to be seen are the 23-meter-high keep, palace, banquet hall, chapel, armory, dungeon, and a well over 50 meters deep, plus documentation on the castle's history.

Highlights

• 23-meter-high keep with views over Thayatal National Park
• Well over 50 meters deep
• Dungeon with "fear hole"
• Access via two bridges with several castle gates
• Castle courtyard with centuries-old linden tree

Permanent exhibition

• Dokumentation zur Burggeschichte – Display panels and documentation explain the history of Kaja Fortress from its origins to the ruin's rescue by the preservation society.

Operated by

Burgruine Kaja Erhaltungsverein

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The ruin lies east of Merkersdorf in Thayatal National Park; from there, hikes into the Thayatal are possible.

Amenities & dining

Refreshments are offered in the castle courtyard under the old linden tree.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

The banquet hall, chapel and castle courtyard can be rented for weddings and celebrations.

Plan your visit