Historical excursion destinations
Castles in the surrounding area
Go on a journey back in time to the Middle Ages and immerse yourself in the beautiful but also hard life of the nobility of the past. Read our excursion tips for the castles in the surrounding area here!
Castle time travel
On the trail of emperors, dukes and duchesses, kings, princes and princesses. Historic walls, portrait galleries and castle chapels invite us on a journey back in time. The landscape of Tyrol with its castles, palaces and ruins illustrates the importance of this small country in the past and provides an insight into a very long and interesting history. Let us now enter the most beautiful castles in the area and transport ourselves back to times long past…
Contemporary witnesses from bygone eras: Tyrolean castles
Schwangau: Neuschwanstein Castle
Not far from the Tyrolean border, above Hohenschwangau near Füssen in the Allgäu region, sits the royal castle of King Ludwig II, which is now one of the most visited castles in Europe. The year is 1868: the foundation stone for the fairytale castle is laid, but its construction will never be completed. Equipped with the most modern technology of the time, the building is the most famous example of historicism. The completion of the gatehouse in 1873 marked the first milestone in the construction of a medieval castle. The retreat of the fairytale king for many years is now a magnet for visitors and can be viewed as part of a 30-minute guided tour.
Innsbruck: Ambras Castle
The second location on our journey through time takes us to the beautiful 20-hectare castle park in the Ambras district of Innsbruck. In front of us is one of the most beautiful highlights in Tyrol: Ambras Castle. Archduke Ferdinand II of Tyrol commissioned the construction of the imposing Renaissance-style city palace in the 16th century. As a patron of the arts and sciences, Ferdinand housed his collection of weapons as well as extraordinary objects and works of art there. The building thus became the first museum in the world. Today, the magnificent Ambras art collection and the imposing Spanish Hall attract numerous visitors to the changing exhibitions.
Jenbach: Tratzberg Castle
A former defensive fortress against the Bavarians has its roots in the 13th century. We are talking about a Renaissance jewel between Schwaz and Jenbach: Tratzberg Castle. Today, the private property of Count Enzenberg is one of the most important art and cultural monuments in Tyrol and invites you on a journey into the past with exciting tours through the inner courtyard, Habsburg Hall, Fugger Chamber, Hunting Hall, Chapel, King’s Room and Armory. The original building was destroyed in a fire in 1492 and rebuilt from 1500 onwards. The descendants of the former owner Count Enzenberg still live there today, but the castle is open to the public. In addition to an exciting audio tour, visitors can also enjoy a unique virtual reality journey through time. Experience the year of the fire in 1492 live and see how the new castle was built.
Landeck: Landeck Castle
We stay in the 13th century: The towering rock above the Inn south of Landeck served as the seat of the court and administration on the Via Claudia Augusta in 1290. From 1840, the historic building was converted into barracks. When it was sold to the town of Landeck in 1942, the building was extensively renovated for the first time and eventually became Landeck’s district museum. The permanent exhibition “Stay or go – the eventful history of the Tyrolean Oberland” takes visitors on a journey into the eventful past of the Tyrolean Oberland. A collection of paintings about the Tyrolean Oberland, changing exhibitions and many other exhibits await curious visitors.
There are more than enough historical excursions in Tirol. In addition to the beauty of nature, many cultural and historical sights await young and old time travelers alike in Tyrol’s world of castles.
