Bernstein Castle - Burg Bernstein

Bernstein Castle - Burg Bernstein, Bernstein, Burgenland, Republic of Austria.

   The oldest stone walls of the castle date back to the 12th century. For a long time, the complex served to protect the population. In the 17th century, the defensive structures became obsolete due to technological advances, and so they were transformed into a natural rock garden, which is thus the oldest of its kind in Burgenland.

1236 First mention. The Hungarian King Bela IV hands over the castle to Ivan von Güns as compensation for other losses.
1260 Real Robber Knights. The castle is feared by the people of Güssing as a robber knight's nest and is avoided whenever possible.
1445 Pledge. The prominent Königsberg family receives the castle from Emperor Frederick III as collateral. Repairs to the damaged structure begin immediately.
1617 Lightning and thunder. A lightning strike ignites the powder magazine and renders large parts of the castle uninhabitable. As a result, the inhabitants of Königsberg are forced to abandon the castle.
1644 Pelicans and lions. The Batthyány family, whose coat of arms features a pelican, takes over Bernstein Castle and begins its reconstruction.
1704 Kuruc invasion. After the Turkish Wars, the castle once again serves as a refuge for the population. The widow Eleonore von Batthyány is in command of the garrison.
1892 Sale. Eduard Almásy moves with his whole family from Török St. Miklós to Bernstein and begins the construction of the electricity and water lines.
1922 The first guests. Since this year, Bernstein Castle has hosted guests from all over the world (with an interruption during the Second World War).