Scharfeneck Castle

Scharfeneck Castle is one of the many hilltop castle ruins that dot the landscape of Austria. Located near the city of Vienna, in the local area of Baden, it overlooks the river Schwechat and the scenic Helenental valley. Although it is less known and visited than its nearby counterpart, Rauhenstein Castle, Scharfeneck has a fascinating history that spans several centuries and reveals the changing fortunes of its owners and occupants.

The Origins and Decline of Scharfeneck Castle

The exact date and purpose of the construction of Scharfeneck Castle are unknown, but archaeological investigations have shown that it was occupied around the year 1100 and abandoned no later than the 13th century. It is possible that the castle was originally called Veste Wolfsberg, but this is not certain. What is clear, however, is that Scharfeneck was a small and modest castle that lacked the economic resources and strategic importance to compete with its larger and more powerful neighbor, Rauhenstein Castle.

Unlike Rauhenstein, which was situated on a major trade route and served as a toll station and a defensive stronghold, Scharfeneck was located just a few hundred meters above the former traffic routes that passed through the Helenental valley. This made it less attractive and profitable for its owners and tenants, who probably used it as a hunting lodge or a summer residence. The castle also suffered from frequent attacks and raids by the Hungarians, who invaded the region several times in the 12th and 13th centuries.

The final blow to Scharfeneck came in the late 13th century, when the castle was deliberately demolished by its own occupants or by an enemy force. The evidence for this is the presence of a wide breach in the side wall of the castle, which was not caused by natural decay or erosion. The reason for this act of destruction is unknown, but it may have been related to a feud, a rebellion, or a political conflict. Whatever the case, Scharfeneck was never rebuilt or inhabited again, and it gradually fell into ruin and obscurity.

The Renaissance of Scharfeneck Castle

The castle remained in a state of neglect and decay for more than two centuries, until it was rediscovered and renamed in the 15th century by a wealthy and ambitious merchant named Ulrich Kamper. Kamper was a prominent citizen of Vienna, who had acquired a large fortune through trade and banking. He was also an avid collector of art and antiquities, and he had a keen interest in the history and culture of the region.

In 1470, Kamper bought the ruins of Scharfeneck from the Rauhenstein family, who had owned them since the 13th century. He did not intend to restore or inhabit the castle, but rather to use it as a symbol of his status and prestige. By separating the ruins from the Rauhenstein property complex, he was able to elevate himself to the aristocratic estates, becoming known as Ulrich Kamper zu Scharfeneck. He also commissioned a coat of arms that featured a sharp corner (scharfe Ecke), which was a pun on the name of the castle and a reference to his sharp business acumen.

Although Kamper never lived in Scharfeneck, he visited it occasionally and hosted parties and events there. He also decorated the castle with various artworks and relics that he had collected from his travels and purchases. He even installed a chapel and a library in the castle, which he filled with books and manuscripts. Kamper’s interest in Scharfeneck was not only motivated by vanity, but also by curiosity and admiration. He was fascinated by the history and architecture of the castle, and he wrote a detailed description of it in his diary.

Kamper’s ownership of Scharfeneck was short-lived, however. In 1517, he sold the castle back to the Rauhenstein family, who had regained their wealth and influence after a period of decline. Kamper died in 1526, leaving behind a large fortune and a legacy of cultural patronage. His descendants continued to use the title of Scharfeneck, but they had no connection or interest in the castle itself. The name of Scharfeneck Castle, however, remained unchanged and became the official designation of the ruin.

Scharfeneck Castle Today

Today, Scharfeneck Castle is a protected historical monument that belongs to the municipality of Baden. It is open to the public and can be accessed by a hiking trail that leads from the town of Baden to the castle. The trail offers a scenic view of the river Schwechat and the Helenental valley, as well as the ruins of Rauhenstein Castle. The castle itself consists of a rectangular main building, a round tower, a gatehouse, and a curtain wall. The remains of the chapel and the library are also visible, as well as some of the artworks and relics that Kamper had installed.

Scharfeneck Castle is not as popular or well-known as Rauhenstein Castle, but it has its own charm and appeal. It is a quiet and peaceful place, where visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature and the mystery of history. It is also a place of inspiration and imagination, where writers, artists, and researchers can find new ideas and insights.

Baden bei Wien, Austria