Altpernstein Castle - Burg Altpernstein

Altpernstein Castle - Burg Altpernstein, Micheldorf, Upper Austria, Republic of Austria.

   Altpernstein Castle was first documented in 1179. It acquired its present appearance only in the 16th century, during the modern era, when the Jörger von Tollet family were lords of Altpernstein. They were among the most powerful nobles in the region and transformed the defensive structure into a residential castle. At that time, a large part of the Traunviertel region – including the Jörger family of Altpernstein – was Protestant. When the rebellion against the Catholic Emperor Ferdinand II was suppressed (1620), Pernstein passed to the Bavarian governor of Upper Austria.

   After his death, the estate was sold to Kremsmünster Abbey (1630). Since it was easier to administer the surrounding land from the valley, as the farmers' dues did not have to be carried uphill, Neupernstein Castle was built in Kirchdorf. Altpernstein subsequently served as the residence of the monastery's forester and was already a popular destination for pilgrims and day-trippers. As a defense against a threatened Turkish invasion, the castle was later expanded with the addition of the outer bailey to the north (1683) and the stone castle bridge (1730).

   After the Second World War, the Diocese of Linz leased the castle for ninety-nine years to use it for Catholic youth activities. Several dedicated individuals, such as Father Johann Gebetsberger and the Strasser family, took charge of the castle's upkeep and the operation of the castle tavern.