Greinburg Castle is enthroned high above the historic town center of Grein. It is the oldest residential castle in Austria. The present appearance of Greinburg Castle, which is privately owned by the ducal house of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, is determined by the late medieval castle complex from 1488 to 1493 and the reconstructions from the 16th and 17th centuries. The ceremonial rooms of the Greinburg can be visited all year round by appointment.
Also housed in Greinburg Castle is the Upper Austrian Maritime Museum, unique in Austria, with its permanent exhibition on the history of shipping and rafting along the Upper Austrian Danube and its side rivers, mainly the Traun and Enns. The museum is supported by the foundation of the Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gothaeus family, and most of the inventory comes from the holdings of the Upper Austrian State Museum.
The old town hall with its rococo-style municipal theater dates back to 1653 and was built by Max Canavale of Lake Como. Canavale was also involved in the construction of the Landhaus in Linz.
The City Theater has been preserved in its original state, it is the oldest theater in Austria. Special are the first three rows of seats, which are arranged as barrier seats, an old patent that has been preserved only in Grein. During the summer months, from July to August, the Grein Municipal Theater is open to the public.
Grein is a landing place for excursion and cruise ships, furthermore there is a harbour for private boats. Grein is also located on the Danube Cycle Path. Both banks of the Danube can be reached by bike.
(c) Elisabeth Storer
