The castle of Schluesselschloss is built on a spike of an island in the middle of the fast-flowing Teufel, at the entrance to a steep gorge. It is the perfect defensive position. There are drawbridges on both sides of the castle, so that it effectively bridges the river.[1a]
Despite its spectacular location, the castle itself is not particularly impressive. It is more a jumble of walls and towers from the last eight hundred years, a mishmash of styles, material, and quality. A wall runs around the perimeter studded with towers, but apart from that logic there seems to be little rhyme or reason for its design. Many of the rooms of the castle are actually cut out of the rock and burrow quite deeply into the spike.[1a]
The Barons von Schluessel have called the fortress home for many generations. They have income from the Teufeltal, and some small estates around Ubersreik. They are also paid a generous stipend by the burghers of Ubersreik who are well aware of the vital strategic position of the castle. The von Schluessels generally hold their family duty to defend this castle very seriously indeed. The von Schluessel coat of arms is a white tower on a blue field and the family motto is ‘Remember the Schluesselschloss’.[1a]