Rappottenstein Castle
Rappottenstein, Austria
A never-conquered medieval castle on a granite outcrop in the Waldviertel, with a series of courtyards and original frescoes. Guided tours run in summer.
Rappottenstein Castle is a medieval castle in the valley of the Kleiner Kamp in the north-western Waldviertel in Lower Austria. Rapoto of Kuenring founded it around 1150 to secure the Kuenring lands, and it guarded the old trade route Pehamsteig to Bohemia. It later belonged to the Dachsberg and Starhemberg families, among others, and since 1664 to the Counts of Abensperg-Traun.
The castle stands on a rock, its walls rising straight from the stone and its foundations following the terrain. Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance parts can be seen. The main courtyard is surrounded by three-storey Renaissance arcades, and sgraffito decorates gates and windows. The Gothic archive room with its star vault holds frescoes attributed to the Danube School.
For road trippers: the castle can only be visited on a guided tour. Tour times are on the castle website; according to the tourism portal only cash is accepted (as of October 2026, check ahead).
- Nearest town
- Rappottenstein, Austria
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 48.5217, 15.0736
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Austria: Vignette needed for motorways. Vehicles over 3.5 t need a GO-Box for distance-based tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Stellplatz ArbesbachMotorhome stopover9 km from Rappottenstein CastleMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Kinderbauernhof CampingCampsite12 km from Rappottenstein CastleTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowers
- Wohnmobilstellplatz KampparkplatzMotorhome stopover12 km from Rappottenstein Castle · 3 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalFree
- Campingplatz Wirtshaus zur MinidampfbahnMotorhome stopover17 km from Rappottenstein Castle · 10 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Camping OttensteinCampsite20 km from Rappottenstein Castle · 90 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesShowersToilets
- Camping WaldensteinMotorhome stopover23 km from Rappottenstein Castle · 12 pitchesCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsNo dogsWi-Fi
All campsites in Austria · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Rappottenstein Castle?
Rappottenstein Castle is in Rappottenstein, Austria, at GPS 48.5217, 15.0736. It is about 12 km from Zwettl.
Can you camp near Rappottenstein Castle?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Stellplatz Arbesbach, about 9 km away; within 25 km there are 18 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Rappottenstein Castle?
Rappottenstein Castle is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Kamptal and Waldviertel: castles beyond the Wachau.
What is there to see near Rappottenstein Castle?
Places worth a stop nearby: Maria Taferl Basilica (33 km), Dürnstein (36 km), Melk Abbey (38 km) and Altenburg Abbey (41 km).
When is the best time to visit Rappottenstein Castle?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)