Top 5 Castles around Ranten
Castles around Ranten, situated in the Murau district of Styria, Austria, provide opportunities for historical exploration. The region, though a small municipality, offers access to notable historical sites in its vicinity. This area is characterized by its proximity to the Mur valley and historical towns like Murau, making it a destination for those interested in medieval architecture and history.
Best castles around Ranten
- The most popular castles is Gatehouse of Schloss Goppelsbach, a man_made_monument that is a modern replica of the Friesacher Tor in Murau. It is situated right on the Mur river.
- Another must-see spot is Obermurau Castle, a castle first mentioned in 1250. The Renaissance castle was built in its current form in 1628 and can be visited as part of a guided tour.
- Visitors also love Hungerturm and the ruins of Grünfels Castle, the remains of Grünfels Castle, originally called "Lubathein". A viewing platform at the Hunger Tower offers views of the city of Murau.
- Ranten is known for its variety of historical structures, including Renaissance castles, castle ruins, and historical gatehouses. Visitors can explore different architectural styles and historical periods within the region.
- The castles around Ranten are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 160 upvotes and 39 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: October 1, 2026
Gatehouse of Schloss Goppelsbach
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Obermurau Castle
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The castle above Murau stands out prominently as a landmark. Without its defining castle and its history, Murau would not have become what it is today: a cultural, vibrant center with European values.
Fancy a short trip into the past? The castle, first mentioned in 1250, was long owned by the Liechtenstein family. Until 1617, the widow Anna Neumann von Wasserleonburg married the young Count Georg Ludwig zu Schwarzenberg in her sixth marriage. He had the castle demolished in 1628 and built the castle in its current form. The Schwarzenbergs have owned the Murau dominion ever since.
Today, Murau Castle houses, among other things, the Princely Schwarzenberg Forestry Administration, the Castle Museum, and the Schwarzenberg Archive. In the Castle Museum, you can breathe in history and marvel. In the painting gallery, the kitchen, the knights' hall, the cat hall, the dungeon, and the chapel, you get an impression of life in the castle, the history of the family, and the dominion. A highlight is the princely Gobelins collection with artfully embroidered and decorated tapestries. You can only visit the castle as part of the guided tours offered (special children's tours are also available).
Text / Source: Tourismusverband Murau, Liechtensteinstraße 3-5, Murau
steiermark.com/de/Murau/Urlaub-planen/Ausflugsziele/Schloss-Murau_isd_85443914
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Hungerturm and the ruins of Grünfels Castle
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The castle was originally called "Lubathein" and was probably built at the same time as Murau under Ulrich I von Liechtenstein. In 1269 it was destroyed by King Ottokar of Bohemia. Otto II of Liechtenstein had it rebuilt in the 14th century. The keep, the residential building, the remains of the fortifications with the hunger tower and the moat have been preserved to this day.
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Oberwölz
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Steinschloss Castle Ruins
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Murau Castle, Murau The castle above Murau stands out prominently as a landmark. Without its defining castle and its history, Murau would not have become what it is today: a cultural, vibrant center with European values. Fancy a short trip into the past? The castle, first mentioned in 1250, was long owned by the Liechtenstein family. Until 1617, the widow Anna Neumann von Wasserleonburg married the young Count Georg Ludwig zu Schwarzenberg in her sixth marriage. He had the castle demolished in 1628 and built the castle in its current form. The Schwarzenbergs have owned the Murau dominion ever since. Today, Murau Castle houses, among other things, the Princely Schwarzenberg Forestry Administration, the Castle Museum, and the Schwarzenberg Archive. In the Castle Museum, you can breathe in history and marvel. In the painting gallery, the kitchen, the knights' hall, the cat hall, the dungeon, and the chapel, you get an impression of life in the castle, the history of the family, and the dominion. A highlight is the princely Gobelins collection with artfully embroidered and decorated tapestries. You can only visit the castle as part of the guided tours offered (special children's tours are also available). Text / Source: Tourismusverband Murau, Liechtensteinstraße 3-5, Murau https://www.steiermark.com/de/Murau/Urlaub-planen/Ausflugsziele/Schloss-Murau_isd_85443914
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You can easily cycle past this ruin because it is untraceable. (I have searched the entire area, see photos with almost impassable paths)
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The archway belongs to the Goppelsbach Castle behind it. The Mur cycle path leads through the archway and then continues along the property next to the Mur.
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Excerpt from Wikipedia: In 1530, Wilhelm von Moosheim bought land from the Gurk Collegiate Foundation in Friesach and began building Goppelsbach Castle. This was completed in 1595 by Seifried von Moosheim. In 2005, the former third president of the Austrian National Council, Thomas Prinzhorn, acquired the castle and the associated 800 hectare forest. The archway belongs to this castle.
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Very nice here, I liked it very much
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The city's landmark in the middle of the city center
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Remains of Grünfels Castle. Unfortunately, the castle itself cannot be visited. A viewing platform has been set up at the Hunger Tower, from which you have a great view of the city of Murau. The castle was originally called "Lubathein" and was probably built at the same time as Murau under Ulrich I von Liechtenstein. In 1269 it was destroyed by King Ottokar of Bohemia. Otto II of Liechtenstein had it rebuilt in the 14th century. The keep, the residential building, the remains of the fortifications with the hunger tower and the moat have been preserved to this day.
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The castle is the symbol of Murau. Today, the castle itself houses, among other things, the Princely Schwarzenberg forest administration, the castle museum and the Schwarzenberg archive. In the castle museum you get an impression of life in the castle, the history of the family and their rule. The chapel, the dungeon, the old kitchen, the cat hall and the knight's hall are particularly worth seeing. Another highlight is the princely Gobelins collection with artistically embroidered and decorated tapestries.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most significant castles to visit near Ranten?
The most significant castle in the vicinity is Obermurau Castle, located in the district capital of Murau. This Renaissance castle, owned by the Schwarzenberg family, offers guided tours. Other notable historical sites include the Hungerturm and the ruins of Grünfels Castle, which provide a viewing platform over Murau, and the Gatehouse of Schloss Goppelsbach, a modern replica of the Friesacher Tor.
What can I expect to see during a visit to Obermurau Castle?
At Obermurau Castle, you can explore a four-winged Renaissance palace with Baroque interior features. Guided tours allow access to the Picture Gallery, Kitchen, Knights' Hall, Cat Hall, and Chapel, all featuring original furnishings and historical tapestries. The castle also houses a museum and archives, offering insights into the Schwarzenberg family's history.
Are there any castle ruins near Ranten that offer scenic views?
Yes, the Hungerturm and the ruins of Grünfels Castle near Murau offer a viewing platform with great views of the city. Further afield, the Steinschloss Castle Ruins in Mariahof, originally built in the 12th century, are located at 1,180 meters above sea level and provide breathtaking views of the Mur valley after a walk.
What is Finstergrün Castle and how can I visit it?
Finstergrün Castle in Ramingstein operates as a youth camp. It was rebuilt in the early 20th century in the style of the 13th century. While it serves as a youth facility, it still offers a glimpse into historical architecture. Specific visitor information should be checked directly with the castle for public access details.
Are there any family-friendly castle experiences in the Ranten area?
While specific family programs at castles are not detailed, the historical town of Oberwölz, with its well-preserved city wall, three city gates, and fortifications, offers an engaging medieval experience for families. Exploring its streets and historical structures can be a fun activity for all ages.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Ranten?
The best time to visit the castles around Ranten is generally from late spring to early autumn (June to September). During these months, the weather is pleasant for exploring, and guided tours for places like Obermurau Castle are regularly available. Autumn also offers beautiful scenery with changing foliage.
Can I visit the castles near Ranten during winter?
Visiting castles in winter can offer a unique, serene experience, especially with snow. However, some attractions, like guided tours at Obermurau Castle, might have reduced schedules or be unavailable. Castle ruins like Steinschloss might be less accessible due to snow and ice. It's advisable to check specific opening hours and accessibility before planning a winter visit.
Are there hiking opportunities near these castles?
Yes, the region around Ranten offers various hiking opportunities. For example, the Steinschloss Castle Ruins require a walk to reach, offering scenic views. You can find numerous hiking trails in the area, including easy hikes and more challenging mountain routes. Explore guides like Easy hikes around Ranten or Hiking around Ranten for routes that might pass by or offer views of historical sites.
How much time should I allocate for exploring the castles?
For a comprehensive visit to Obermurau Castle, including a guided tour, plan for 1.5 to 2 hours. Exploring ruins like Grünfels or Steinschloss might take 1-2 hours, depending on the walk to reach them and how long you spend enjoying the views. If you plan to visit multiple sites, a full day or even two days would allow for a more relaxed exploration of the region's historical offerings.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Ranten?
Visitors appreciate the historical depth and architectural variety of the castles, from the well-preserved Renaissance structure of Obermurau Castle to the ancient ruins offering panoramic views. The region's blend of history with natural beauty, especially the Mur valley, is also highly valued by those exploring the area.
Are there any castles that are particularly good for photography?
Obermurau Castle, with its prominent position above the town and Renaissance architecture, is highly photogenic. The Hungerturm and the ruins of Grünfels Castle also offer excellent photo opportunities, especially from the viewing platform overlooking Murau. The Gatehouse of Schloss Goppelsbach, situated right on the Mur river, provides a picturesque scene as well.
Is there a castle in the neighboring state of Salzburg that is worth visiting from Ranten?
Yes, Mauterndorf Castle, located in the neighboring state of Salzburg, is a medieval castle that served as a summer residence for the Archbishops of Salzburg and a toll-collecting center. It offers an immersive experience into the spirit of the Middle Ages and is a notable option for those willing to travel a bit further from Ranten.
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