Burgruine Schrattenstein is a 12th-century castle ruin situated on a dramatic rocky spur in the Wiener Alpen of Lower Austria. First documented in 1182 and likely constructed at century's end, the fortress commanded a defensive position over the region with cliffs dropping approximately 100 metres vertically. Abandoned and ruined by the 14th century, it remained undisturbed through subsequent centuries including significant earthquake damage in 1590. The City of Vienna has owned the site since 1937. Today, hikers can access the freely accessible ruins via a marked 30-minute trail from Schrattenbach, discovering medieval architecture embedded in stunning alpine scenery.
