A first castle at Weitra was built from about 1201 onwards at the behest of the Austrian noble Hadmar II of Kuenring, also owner of Dürnstein Castle where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the winter of 1192/93.
A primary stronghold in Weitra was built from around 1201 on at the behest of Austrian noble Hadmar II of Kuenring, who also controlled Dürnstein Castle, where King Richard the Lionheart was held captive during the winter of 1192-93.