Hanfelden Castle | © Erlebnisregion Murtal | Markus Beren Hanfelden Castle | © Erlebnisregion Murtal | Markus Beren

I am a Murtaler - Hanfelden Castle

  • 2 minutes of reading time
Author: Claudia Bachler
Hanfelden Castle sits stately in Unterzeiring in the Pölstal in the beautiful Murtal in the heart of Styria. The walls of this castle could tell hundreds of stories, and they do. Many graffiti and inscriptions by the residents tell of life and everyday life in the castle. These can be discovered on Monument Day on 24th of September 2023.

Building with History

We can only guess when the construction of the three-storey castle began. It was probably around 1410, and the castle owes its name to Caspar Han, who was a toll collector on the Triebener Tauern at the time. However, he was only able to begin with the construction. It is documented that Hans Han was enfeoffed with the estate by King Maximilian I at the end of the 14th century and began to rebuild the "barren" farm at this time.

Maximilian I was the last knight in the castle; he wanted to reactivate the silver mine in Oberzeiring after it was flooded. A well-preserved Maximilian room with inscriptions still reminds us of his stay.

The castle was sold to Hans Rauenberger in 1579, who was responsible for the early Baroque architecture of the house. After that, the owners of the house changed often. So the castle was already dilapidated again at the beginning of the 18th century. In 1856, the castle was bought by Franz Xaver Neuper. His descendants still own the castle today.

Old Piano - Hanfelden Castle | © Erlebnisregion Murtal | Anton Steinwider
Picture - Hanfelden Castle | © Erlebnisregion Murtal | Anton Steinwider
Hanfelden Castle - Inside | © Erlebnisregion Murtal | Steinwider Anton
Schloss Hanfelden - Inscriptions | © Erlebnisrgeion Murtal | Anton Steinwider

I am a Murtaler - the Interview

Today, the castle is a listed building and is an archetectonic and archaeological jewel due to its authentic preservation. In 2015, the Hanfelden Castle Working Group was founded with the aim of researching the further history of the castle and ensuring its preservation and maintenance.

 

Erlebnisregion Murtal: "What connects you to the Murtal?"

Hanfelden Castle: "Just like the Murtal, I am full of stories and secrets that want to be discovered."

 

Erlebnisregion Murtal: "When do you feel the heartbeat in the Murtal?"

Hanfelden Castle: "Normally I don't open my doors to the public, but when many guests visit me on Monument Day, I feel the life in me again and that's when I already notice the typical Murtal heartbeat. It's nice how many visitors appreciate the history in me and the region."

 

Erlebnisregion Murtal: "Where is your favourite place in the Murtal?"

Hanfelden Castle: "In the Pölstal. It's quiet here, you can hike wonderfully and enjoy nature. Although I can't leave Unterzeiring and go in the mountains, I can look up at the peaks and dream about them. I am also surrounded by fascinating flora and fauna.

Monument Day

Curious about Hanfelden Castle? - Then visit the Monument Day on 24.09.2023 Monument Day.