Burg Golling: A Historic Castle in Golling an der Salzach, Austria

Visitor Information

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Official Website: www.burg-golling.at

Country: Austria

Civilization: Unclassified

Remains: Military

History

Burg Golling is a castle situated in the municipality of Golling an der Salzach, Austria. It was built by the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg during the 13th century, likely under Archbishop Eberhard II in the early part of that century.

The strategic importance of the site at Burg Golling extends far back before the stone castle’s construction. Since Roman times, a wooden watchtower stood above the nearby ancient Roman road connecting Virunum and Iuvavum. This route passed close to the Lueg Pass, a narrow passage between the Hagen and Tennen Mountains, which had been a vital transit route since the Bronze Age. Following the Bavarian conquest in the early Middle Ages, a wooden motte castle—a fortified elevation topped with a timber structure—was established at the site to control this key corridor. This early wooden stronghold was eventually replaced by the stone fortress built in the 13th century.

Historical records first mention the castle in 1325 when Archbishop Friedrich granted it for life to Margarete von Huchel and her sons, Conrad and Hartneid, in exchange for a payment of 300 pounds of silver pennies. Later, in 1375, Hartneid sold the castle back to Archbishop Pilgrim II, after which the fortress remained under the direct ownership of the archbishopric from 1438 onward, typically managed by appointed stewards rather than permanent residents.

In the late 15th century, Burg Golling underwent significant expansions and renovations to strengthen its defenses and accommodate administrative functions. The castle played a notable role during the Peasants’ War of 1525, serving as a rallying point for rebels in the region. Throughout the 16th century, the fortress experienced various challenges; it suffered damage from attacks, particularly during conflicts related to the war, and faced natural calamities such as flooding in 1573 and a lightning strike in 1599. These events resulted in multiple cycles of repairs and modifications, which continued into the 17th century.

Further improvements came in the early 18th century when Prince-Archbishop Franz Anton von Harrach carried out renovations and installed a heated chamber suited for princely residence. Enhancements to the southern wing took place in 1871, transforming that section into a prison facility. Following the abolition of the regional court in 1923, portions of the castle were adapted for residential use and to house customs and tax offices. Since the early 1970s, the castle has preserved its historical legacy by hosting a local history museum and serving community cultural purposes.

Remains

Burg Golling stands as a large hilltop fortress perched on a rocky elevation at 469 meters above sea level, offering a commanding view over the Salzach valley. The site’s naturally defensible position lies near the narrow pass between the Hagen and Tennen Mountains, securing control of a historic transit route. The castle was constructed primarily of stone, built over the earlier wooden motte castle and watchtower that once occupied this strategic location.

One of the castle’s distinctive features is its bridge spanning a defensive moat, which leads to the main gate. This bridge has seen several reconstructions; originally built before the 16th century, it was rebuilt in 1532 following damage and later renovated again in 1713. The moat and bridge formed an essential part of the fortress’s protective design, regulating access to the interior.

The castle walls have undergone alterations over time. Notably, in 1619, sections of the fortification walls were deliberately demolished to mitigate the spread of fire after a large market fire nearby. These parts were replaced with a new wall two years later. Internally, the fortress includes a princely chamber which was paved in 1633 and later enhanced with heating in 1722 during renovations commissioned by Prince-Archbishop Franz Anton von Harrach.

The southern wing of Burg Golling, once damaged and deteriorated, was enlarged and repurposed in the late 19th century as a prison. This adaptive reuse marks a significant change in the castle’s function reflecting the administrative needs of the time. Throughout the centuries, consistent restoration work has maintained the castle’s structure, with ongoing construction efforts documented well into the 17th century.

Several rooms within the castle now house a local museum established in 1971. The museum holds artifacts that reflect the castle’s extensive history alongside fossil finds from the surrounding region, linking the site’s cultural past with its natural heritage. The remains of Burg Golling preserve evidence of continuous occupation and modification from its Roman-era origins through medieval fortification to modern adaptations.