Burg Ottenstein

Burg Ottenstein is a hilltop castle located in Rastenfeld, in the Waldviertel region of Lower Austria. Its origins trace back to the 12th century or earlier, with the first written record dating to 1177, mentioning Hugo de Ottenstaine. The castle was initially established by the Ottensteiner family, who were related to the lords of Rauheneck near Baden. This family maintained ownership until the early 1400s.

In the mid-15th century, ownership passed to Tobias von Rohr. His tenure ended abruptly after a siege in 1448, when he was captured due to misconduct. By 1516, Paul Stodoligk acquired the castle, and his son Eustach initiated major renovations, including the addition of the outer bailey, a fortified courtyard. In 1536, the noble Lamberg family purchased Burg Ottenstein, beginning a period of over four centuries of continuous ownership.

The Lambergs rose in nobility during their tenure, becoming barons in 1544 with the title Freiherren von Ortenegg und Ottenstein, and later counts in 1667. The castle endured military challenges during the Thirty Years’ War, withstanding two sieges in 1622 and 1640, and repelling a Swedish assault in 1645.

Starting in 1679, Burg Ottenstein underwent extensive Baroque remodeling. This included decorative stucco work in the chapel dedicated to Saint Florian, crafted by Lorando Aliprandi. A notable feature from this period is the “Päpstezimmer,” a room adorned with portraits of 241 popes. In 1822, Franz Adam von Lamberg donated the family’s art collection to the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts, while the castle’s archives were transferred to the Lower Austrian State Archive.

Between 1867 and 1878, the castle was renovated in the Romantic style. This phase introduced conical and tent-shaped roofs, replacing earlier Baroque onion domes, and added window shutters painted in red, white, and red, reflecting Austrian national colors.

Around 1940, the surrounding area was cleared of inhabitants to create the Döllersheim military training ground. The castle was sold to Nazi Germany and, after World War II, came under Soviet administration as part of the USIA (Soviet Property Administration). During this time, it served as officers’ quarters but suffered damage. Since 1958, the castle has been leased by the EVN energy company and is owned by the Windhag’sche Stipendienstiftung foundation. A restaurant operated in the outer bailey for some time but closed in 2014.