Burgruine Plankenau, Pongau Travel Guide

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Discover Burgruine Plankenau, a historic hilltop castle offering stunning alpine views near St. Johann im Pongau, Austria.

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Burgruine Plankenau

Explore the evocative ruins of Burgruine Plankenau, a 12th-century castle perched on a hilltop near St. Johann im Pongau. Wander through the remnants of this historical landmark and soak in the tranquility and panoramic alpine views.

A brief summary to Burgruine Plankenau

Liechtensteinklammstraße 146, St Johann im Pongau, 5600, AT

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Burgruine Plankenau.

Wear comfortable hiking shoes to navigate the trails leading to the ruins.
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and the best lighting for photography.
Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic viewpoints overlooking the valley.
Check the weather forecast before your visit, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
Take time to explore the nearby town of St. Johann for local culture and cuisine.

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Explore Burgruine Plankenau on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Burgruine Plankenau, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

To reach Burgruine Plankenau via public transport, take a train to St. Johann im Pongau station. From the train station, take the Citybus line 52 towards Liechtensteinklamm. Get off at the bus stop closest to Burgruine Plankenau (Plankenauwirt), and walk down Liechtensteinklammstraße for about 1.5 km to reach the ruins. The walk is scenic, with beautiful views of the surrounding area. Bus service is limited to Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings. A single fare on the Citybus is approximately €2-3.
Walking

From the Liechtensteinklammstraße bus stop (Plankenauwirt), head down Liechtensteinklammstraße. Walk straight for about 1.5 km, and you will reach the castle ruins. The walk is scenic, with beautiful views of the surrounding area, making it a pleasant trip. There are no costs associated with walking.
Car

From the center of St. Johann im Pongau, head southwest on Hauptstraße (B164) toward Liechtensteinklammstraße. Continue on B164 for approximately 2 km, then turn right onto Liechtensteinklammstraße. The Burgruine Plankenau will be on your left after about 1.5 km. Parking is available near the ruins, but may have a small fee depending on the time of year. Parking fees are unconfirmed but expect to pay around €3-5 for a few hours.

Discover more about Burgruine Plankenau

Burgruine Plankenau, located near St. Johann im Pongau, Austria, offers a captivating journey into the region's medieval past. These hilltop ruins, dating back to the 12th century, provide a glimpse into the architecture and life of the time. The strategic location of the castle allowed it to dominate the Salzach Valley and the entrance to the Großarl Valley.As you explore the site, you'll discover remnants of a stone wall that once enclosed the 80x40 meter castle area. A quadrangle keep's remains are also visible. The castle hill is traversed by a 160-meter system of tunnels about 4 meters deep. These tunnels, carved out of the conglomerate rock, feature light niches and air holes, reminiscent of earthworks more typical of Upper Austria. Please note that access to these tunnels is currently blocked.The journey to the ruins is a rewarding experience in itself, with a scenic hike through the stunning alpine landscape. The panoramic vistas from the site are breathtaking, offering perfect photo opportunities. The tranquility surrounding Burgruine Plankenau makes it an ideal place for reflection and exploration.