Visited August 2025
| Location | Grossgmain, Austria |
| Entrance Fee | No |
| Railway Station Nearby | No |
| Parking | Yes |
| Facilities | Toilets |
Grossgmain is a pretty village in the Salzburg area, which can be easily reached by bus from the centre of the city. It is surrounded by mountains, and nestled high above the village is a ruin of a medieval castle- known in German as the Plainburg Ruine. A walk up to the castle makes a lovely excursion from the hustle and bustle of Salzburg, and it is much quieter there than in the city!
Review
The siting of the castle high up in the hills was no accident- it had already been used as a burial ground in the Bronze Age when Count Werigand of Plain built the first castle there in 1100 . It then became the main seat of the House of Plain, and as an administrative centre for the surrounding area.
The castle is one of the oldest in Austria, and consists of a gatehouse, and an inner courtyard surrounded by walls still standing to 5 metres high. There is a viewing platform against the inner walls, which affords views over the mountains and the village below.
One thing to note is that the route up to the castle as recommended by Google Maps is incorrect. The Google route takes you along Plainburgstrasse, which is fine, but then suggests you turn left by Haus Ziller. Do not follow this route, as it is a treacherous path which is difficult to navigate, and the one-time castle entrance at the top of it has now been fenced off. Instead carry on up the Plainburgstrasse for a few minutes, and you will see a left hand turn which is a gentle and well maintained path up to the castle Gatehouse. On the day we went there were some portaloos halfway up, but I cannot vouch that they are there all the time!
Once you are in the castle (which is free to enter) there are some wooden sun loungers to sit back on and enjoy the peace of the inner courtyard : Of all the castle visits we have made we have never been offered sunloungers as a seating option!
Parts of the inner courtyard have been fenced off into what looks like a private wildlife garden, but the main attraction is the viewing platform, on which an Austrian flag is proudly mounted. Take some time to take in the fabulous mountain views and look down onto Grossgmain as the Counts of Plain might once have done!
Apart from the portaloos there are no facilities at the castle, but there are plenty of restaurants down in the village. We stopped off at the Gasthof Hafei, at nearby Hinntereit on the outskirts of Grossgmain. Alternatively if you are looking for another child-friendly activity after visiting the castle, there is a lovely open air pool just down the road from the castle, you will pass it en route so can't miss it!
More info: Plainburg Ruins
