Falkenstein Castle's flood-recovery plan

Severe Weather Alert: Get Ready for a Raging Tempest - Falkenstein Castle's flood-recovery plan

Following the Falkenstein Castle landslide in Flintsbach, Upper Bavaria, safety measures are being taken for the ruins' remains. The Rosenheim district office shared on Thursday that the area's situation is stable at present.

A Tyrolean company will handle the slope's safety measures, including securing the rock with nets. In the castle, the masonry remains will be stabilized, with some being of archaeological value. A temporary drainage system is being installed within the courtyard to divert potential rainfall from the landslide. This task will be carried out by a local earthworks company. Volunteer experts will also clear the debris field to secure any potential discoveries.

At this point, the extent of the damage is not yet determined by the district office.

The constant deluge of rain caused severe damage to the castle ruins. Structural engineers and architects inspected the partially shifted structure on Tuesday, while a geologist looked at the subsoil on Wednesday.

Initial findings suggest that the castle wall was not destroyed by a landslide, but rather, massive water volumes pushed a substantial section of the wall down and swept it away. Initially, 50 castle-adjacent residents were evacuated as a precaution.

This popular hiking destination near the autobahn on the Austrian border features the main castle, Falkenstein, which was built around 1300. The outer bailey was added in the 15th and 16th centuries. Following a period of extensive renovation in the 16th and 17th centuries, the complex was ravaged by fires at the end of the 18th century, leaving it in ruins. Along with the Romanic Peterskirche and Mesnerhaus, Falkenstein Castle is part of the Petersberg monument complex.

From 2016 to 2019, the castle underwent renovation at a total cost of roughly one million euros, as per the district office. The next steps will involve discussions with the State Office for Monument Preservation.

• Rosenheim District Office Announcement
• Chiemsee-Alpenland Tourism Association

Read also:

1. Despite the severe weather alert in Bavaria, the Chiemsee-Alpenland Tourism Association is encouraging visitors to explore the area, emphasizing the safety measures in place at popular destinations like Falkenstein Castle.
2. The flood waters in Flintsbach, Upper Bavaria, have unfortunately reached the historic Falkenstein Castle ruins, causing significant damage to the rock and masonry monuments.
3. In response to the weather-induced flood, the Rosenheim District Office has collaborated with a local earthworks company to install a temporary drainage system to divert potential rainfall from the landslide area.
4. While the district office is still assessing the extent of the damage, preliminary investigations suggest that the flood was caused by a massive volume of water pushing against the castle wall, leading to its partial collapse.
5. Together with the district office, the State Office for Monument Preservation will now discuss the next steps for restoring Falkenstein Castle, which was initially built around 1300 and is now part of the Petersberg monument complex in Tyrol.
6. To protect the archaeologically valuable masonry remains within the castle, a Tyrolean company will secure the rock with nets and stabilize the structure, ensuring the fortress's survival for future generations.
7. The recent storm and flood in Upper Bavaria serve as a reminder that even historic sites like Falkenstein Castle must adapt to the changing climate and implement safety measures to withstand natural disasters.

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