Kriminalmuseum Schloss Scharnstein: Delving into Austria's Dark Past

The Kriminalmuseum Schloss Scharnstein provides a unique and unsettling look into the history of crime and punishment in Austria. Located in the ancient Schloss Scharnstein, the museum documents the Austrian judicial and security system from the late Middle Ages to modern times. Visitors can explore over 20 showrooms filled with exhibits depicting the evolution of crime, law enforcement, and the penal system. The museum's displays include historical court cases, torture devices, and methods of execution, offering a glimpse into the darker aspects of human history. One of the most striking features is the original torture chamber, providing a chilling insight into historical justice practices. In addition to its exhibits on crime and punishment, the Kriminalmuseum also features a collection dedicated to the history of the Austrian Gendarmerie from 1849 to the present. Uniforms, weapons, equipment, and accounts of spectacular criminal cases solved by the Gendarmerie are all on display. The museum also presents the development of police, justice, and prison systems, forensic medicine, the death penalty, and famous criminal cases. Currently, the museum is expanding to include more modern equipment and documentation of recent criminal cases. A notable addition is the car of a Turkish embassy employee destroyed in a 1984 terror attack in Vienna. Guided tours of the castle and museum are available for groups.