Ruine Türkensturz
Fortress, Ruins, Scenic lookout
Description
The Türkensturz above Gleißenfeld on the edge of the Bucklige Welt is a steep limestone cliff. According to legend, scattered groups of the Turkish siege were driven into the abyss here by peasants in 1532. Prince Johann von Liechtenstein had an artificial ruin built in front of the precipice in 1824 to decorate the landscape. Today it is a popular photo motif.
In 2023, the striking tower collapsed after heavy rainfall and work has been underway to protect the ruins ever since. Visitors are only permitted to enter the ruins at their own risk and should refrain from climbing the walls or anything similar.
The local flora is remarkable: in addition to orchids, cyclamen, cowbells and the diptam - also known as the "burning bush" - grow here. The Türkensturz is also interesting for mountaineers who feel at home on the via ferrata (difficulty level D) of the striking limestone rock in the Pittental.
If you don't want to climb quite so high, you can have a barbecue at the rest area in Gleißenfeld and watch the children play in the playground. Alternatively, you can visit the Seebenstein forest nature trail or Seebenstein Castle.
From the Türkensturz ruins, you have a wonderful view of the surrounding landscape. The ruins can only be reached on foot.
How do you get there?
Milestone trail via Seebenstein Castle to the Türkensturz ruin
