It became increasingly difficult to maintain the castle, and so his successor, Franz de Paula, even considered demolishing the fortress. However, the castle’s significant regional prominence and its role as a point of identification were used as counterarguments by public authorities. After prolonged negotiations, the preservation of the castle was secured.

For more than 120 years, the castle has been welcoming guests. What began as a cautious attempt to open the castle to the public, gradually became more professional. Under Prince Friedrich and Princess Annemarie (the parents of the current owner), the castle received an initial tourist boost in 1987. 

The state exhibition “Witches & Wizards” attracted over 350,000 visitors to the castle, re-establishing it as a key Styrian landmark. Various exhibitions followed, such as “Clear & Strong,” which presented the history of the House of Liechtenstein in 1996. The urgently needed funicular lift was installed in 2003. 

In 2009, the castle was handed over to the next generation in good condition. Since then, Prince Emanuel and his wife, Princess Sonja, have been looking after this historically significant and largest fortress in the country. They have carried out renovation and expansion and added additional attractions. With their three children, there is great hope that Riegersburg will be preserved by future generations of the family.