Alle forten en kastelen

The ruins of the two castles Rotund and Reichenberg are clearly visible from the village of Taufers in the Münstertal. Rotund Castle is located at an altitude of 1500 metres, making it one of the highest castles in Tyrol. It was built around 900 by order of the bishops of Chur. The castle changed hands several times over the centuries before it was abandoned at the end of the 17th century and left to decay. Below Rotund is Reichenberg Castle. Originally, Reichenberg Castle was owned by the bishops of Chur, but in the middle of the 12th century it fell into the hands of the robber baron, Lord of Reichenberg, who spread fear and terror. At the end of the 17th century, this castle was also abandoned. Today, the ruins of both estates can be visited.

Above Schluderns in the sunny Vinschgau, towers the Churburg, one of the best preserved castles of South Tyrol. Today’s visitors find an impressive Renaissance castle, enhanced by the remarkable paintings in the arcades surrounding the courtyard. Many precious objects are to be seen in the Romanic chapel, the Matscher chamber and other splendid rooms. The world renowned armoury contains the largest collection of its kind. The harnesses, all made for members of the family, are of incomparable artistic and historic value.

Visits are only possible with a guided tour!
Guided tours in English on request: +39 0473 61 52 41

Churburg Castle is closed from the beginning of November to the end of March.

The stately castle of Enn is located above Montan/Montagna. It was built around the year 1300 at the request of the noble Lords of Enn, who at that time also owned the fortress of Castelfeder. In the course of a dispute, the von Enn family was expelled. The castle was subsequently inhabited by several noble families and repeatedly rebuilt. Since the 17th century, Enn Castle has been privately owned by the Albrizzi family and is not open to visitors. An exception is the traditional "Schlosskonzert," which takes place annually in mid-August. This is a good opportunity to see the castle courtyard and experience a traditional concert by the Montan Music Band.

The Engelrast viewing platform on Puflatsch offers a breathtaking 360° panoramic view of the Alpe di Siusi, the Val Gardena and the Dolomites. The platform is surrounded by a metal plate that gives a detailed description of the fantastic mountain panorama of the entire Alpe di Siusi with Sciliar, Sassolungo and Sassolungo, as well as the surrounding mountain ranges. You can find out which mountains you can see in which direction of the sky and how high the peaks are. A nice detail of this platform is the little angel enthroned above this vantage point. A visit to this magnificent viewpoint with some wooden benches is worthwhile. The Engelrast is located near the mountain station of the Telemix Puflatsch. You can reach the viewing platform on foot from Compatsch on the Alpe di Siusi following hiking trail no. 14 or by taking the Puflatsch cable car.

After a short hike through the mixed forest up to Hocheppan Castle, visitors are greeted with a unique panorama: towering above the provincial capital of Bolzano is one of South Tyrol’s most famous mountain groups, the Sciliar massif and the legendary Rosengarten. Looking further across the landscape, one can see the Ötztal Alps to the north and the Lagorai range in Trentino to the south.

History:

The castle was built by Count Ulrich II around 1130 and was already one of the most powerful fortresses in the region at that time. In 1158, it was destroyed but soon rebuilt. In 1315, it was handed over to the territorial princes of Tyrol and has since changed ownership several times. Since 2019, Hocheppan Castle has been owned by the municipality of Eppan. Among the many well-preserved castles in South Tyrol, Hocheppan Castle is undoubtedly one of the most impressive due to its unique location.

Architectural Style and Features:

Hocheppan Castle combines the beauty of the surrounding landscape with the romantic charm of a medieval fortress. Particularly striking is the keep, with its pentagonal shape, parts of which date back to the 16th century. The highlight from an art-historical perspective is the castle chapel, featuring a remarkable fresco cycle.

Art-Historical Guided Tours:

Hocheppan Castle and its chapel can be visited as part of guided tours, available every 30 minutes from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on the following days:

• April – July: Thursday to Sunday
• August: Thursday to Monday
• September – November: Thursday to Tuesday

For more information about guided tours, please contact the Tourist Association of Appiano at info@eppan.com or by phone at +39 0471 662206.

Archery Course at Hocheppan Castle:

The archery course next to Hocheppan Castle is open daily except Wednesdays and offers visitors an exciting and medieval-like experience during the "hunt" with bow and arrow. Completing the entire course takes approximately 3 hours.

Hiking Options:

The hike to Hocheppan Castle is one of the highlights of the "Three Castles Hike," which also includes the ruins of Boymont Castle and Schloss Hotel Korb.

The castle was built between 1622 and 1641 by Engelhard Dietrich von Wolkenstein-Trostburg. It is located between Selva and S.Cristina and was used as a summer and hunting lodge. In 1863, Count Leopold von Wolkenstein-Trostburg granted the castle to S.Cristina municipality to transform it into a almshouse. The castle has been owned by the Franchetti Barons since 1926, and it is currently closed to the public.

The Postbrücke is one of Merano’s most refined architectural statements – a bridge that embodies the elegance of floral Art Nouveau while connecting key parts of the historic centre. Constructed in 1909 at the request of local merchants, it was designed to replace an ageing wooden bridge and improve the flow of people and goods between the lively Sandplatz Square and the then still-growing districts across the Passer.

From the outset, this was more than just a practical structure – it was a symbol of modernity and urban refinement. The bridge rests on three evenly spaced piers and features two graceful, low-lying arches made of reinforced concrete – a cutting-edge material at the time. What gives the bridge its charm, however, are the decorative elements: delicately wrought white-painted railings with gilded floral details, finely modelled lanterns, and balustrades proudly engraved with the year 1909. These artistic flourishes evoke the spirit of early 20th-century craftsmanship and lend the bridge its unmistakable character.

Today, the Postbrücke is much more than a river crossing. It is a cherished meeting place for locals and visitors alike. People pause here to enjoy views of the surrounding mountains, to watch the river’s flow, or to move between the leafy Winter and Summer Promenades on one side, and the arcaded old town and Sandplatz Square on the other.

Recent restoration work has returned the Postbrücke to its original splendour: the bridge deck, railings, and embellishments now gleam once more, often adorned with fresh seasonal flowers. It stands not only as a monument to a bygone aesthetic, but as a vibrant part of Merano’s everyday life.

The bridge continues to mirror the town’s pulse – from the movement of goods in centuries past to today’s urban rhythm. For those who seek to experience Merano’s cultural and architectural soul, the Postbrücke is not just a route, but a destination.   

From a medieval core, remodelled in the 17th century during the Renaissance, a pointed-arch courtyard gate with stone surround and family crest leads onto the street. The stone archway features the letter "A" with an arrow as a bar. Above the front door is a coat of arms in stone consisting of three wavelike curving lines and the initials "L.H.". The ribbed vault and shouldered-arch doors date from 1500; the stone-framed rectangular and double-arched windows, as well as a bay on the façade, are from the 17th century.

“It is wonderful here and definitely invigorates soul and body....” so wrote Mahler during his summer stay in Toblach.

During the sommermonth between 1908-1910 Gustav Mahler composed some of his most famous works in this simple wooden cabin in the heart of the Dolomites: the 9th and 10th symphonies and the "Lied von der Erde".

“How can people forever think,” cried Mahler “that Nature lies on the surface! Of course it does, in its most superficial aspect. But those who, in the face of Nature, are not overwhelmed with awe at its infinite mystery, its divinity (we can only sense it, not comprehend or penetrate it) -- these people have not come close to it. […] And in every work of art, which should be a reflection of Nature, there must be a trace of this infinity.”

More informations about composing house

In his honour the town organises the annual Gustav Mahler Music Weeks, when the most famous and beautiful pieces by this famous composer are played.

Dobbiaco also has the Cultural Centre Euregio, where many other concerts and events take place in a historic setting.

The Town Hall of Sterzing is considered a true gem in the entire Tyrolean region. It was built in the years 1468 - 1473, and the distinctive bay window was added in 1524 during a renovation. The Gothic council chamber, with simple paneling and beamed ceiling, is considered the most beautiful in all of Tyrol. The rooms of the Town Hall have been repeatedly used for historical meetings: in 1525, the emergency council met in the council chamber during the peasant uprising (whose famous leader, Michael Gaismair, is a native of Tschöfs near Vipiteno), and from the 15th to the 17th century, several sessions of the Tyrolean Landtag were held there. Additionally, members of the imperial family were received there (Emperor Maximilian, King Philip of Spain, Archduke Ferdinand, Maria Theresa, Joseph II, and many others).

In the courtyard, flooded with light by flat arch windows on the south wall, various museum objects related to the city's history are exhibited. The Town Hall is connected to a citizens' hall, named after Vigil Raber, born in Sterzing and the first theater publisher in the German-speaking world.

In the courtyard at the end of the ground-level gallery, finds from the history of Roman settlement are displayed. A copy of the "Mithras stone" found in Mauls in Freienfeld bears witness to the well-known mystery cult practiced by many Roman soldiers. The adjacent Roman milestone (circa 200 AD) confirms the expansion of the Roman road along the Brenner Route under Septimius Severus.

The courtyard and the historic council chamber are open to visitors during the Town Hall's opening hours.

The former water station in Welsberg, with its octagonal tower, is a remarkable technical monument from the Austro-Hungarian period. Inaugurated in 1871, it served as a “fuel stop” for steam locomotives. Together with the depot and railway houses built in 1926, it forms a rare ensemble of historical railway engineering, protected as a heritage site since 2004.

Located in the southern part of Merano’s old town, the Bolzano Gate is a well-preserved remnant of medieval urban architecture. Constructed in the 14th century, it once served as the city's southern entrance and remains one of three surviving gates in Merano today. The gate’s name reflects its orientation toward Bolzano, the present-day capital of South Tyrol. A fourth gate, the Ultimo Gate, originally stood on Freiheitsstraße street but was later relocated further west before being demolished in 1884.
The Bolzano Gate is a three-story tower crowned by a steeply pitched gable roof. Its southern façade is adorned with a stone relief of the double-headed eagle – the emblem of the Habsburgs – alongside the coats of arms of Austria, Tyrol, and Merano. These heraldic elements underscore Merano’s historical role within the Habsburg monarchy.
Originally, the gate was part of an extensive city wall system built between the 14th and 17th centuries. This fortification enclosed the city center and parts of the Steinach district, serving both as protection from external threats and as a means of regulating trade. Over the centuries, sections of the wall were rebuilt multiple times, particularly after destructive floods caused by the Passer River. The Bolzano Gate stands at Sandplatz square – a square named after the sandy deposits of the Passer River. Nearby is the former Hotel Erzherzog Johann, later known as Hotel Esplanade, which has since been restored and now houses shops and public offices.
Today, the Bolzano Gate is not only an architectural landmark but also an active part of the cityscape. It forms a symbolic and physical threshold between the modern parts of Merano and its historic core, with its medieval arcades, boutiques, and cafés. A visit to the Bolzano Gate offers both a glimpse into the city’s medieval heritage and a vibrant entry point into the daily life of the old town.

The Strassberg castel ruin lies on a hill near Gossensass/Colle Isarco and is a real landmark. It was first mentioned in 1280 and for a long time local seat of the regional government and court of justice. The decline started in the 17th century. The ruin is privately owned and can only be visited from the outside.

You will soon find more information about the Almshouse in Tisens/Tesimo here

The romantic Castle ruin Rafenstein rises high above the city of Bolzano at the entrace of Sarentino Valley. 

Centuries ago Dobbiaco’s waters were used by craftsmen and in mills. The historic melting furnace at the Klauskofel in the Val di Landro shows how people in those days used the power of the water to melt ores.
Modern usage of hydro power is demonstrated using the example of a power station.

Further information on Dobbiaco’s Water treasures

As a place of passage over the Alps, the Upper Vinschgau has always been of military interest. Not only the Romans, the Habsburgs and Napoleon passed through here, but also the Second World War left its traces. Most of these traces, however, are not visible to the naked eye, as they are monumental underground bunkers that were planned as defensive installations and places of refuge. The hidden fortresses were part of the Alpine Wall, but were never used for military purposes.
Today, the architectural relics from the interwar period are embedded in the orchards and pastures of the surrounding area.

Admission by guided tour only!
Bunker guided tours (in German or Italian): every Thursday from June to October. Registration and information on +39 0473 831 190

The Wandelhalle, Merano’s iconic covered promenade, was built between 1864 and 1866 – even before the heyday of the Belle Époque. Today, it ranks among the city’s most culturally and historically significant landmarks. As one of the earliest examples of representative spa architecture in the Habsburg Monarchy, it also marks an important architectural transition: bridging the refined classicism of late Biedermeier with the emerging Jugendstil, distinguished by ornamental motifs and vivid wall paintings.

This light-filled colonnade follows the curve of the Winter Promenade along the Passer river – offering a shady retreat on warm summer days and a sun-drenched path for winter strolls. Initially met with public resistance, the project was championed by Merano’s visionary mayor, Valentin Haller, who saw in it the potential to redefine the town as a modern spa destination. He persisted – and prevailed. By 1891, the Wandelhalle had evolved into an open-air gallery, adorned with busts, commemorative plaques, and sweeping landscape paintings by local artists such as Lenhart, Complojer, and Demetz – celebrating South Tyrol’s natural beauty in painterly form.

Architecturally, the structure is a gem of 19th-century ironwork: its delicate cast-iron framework was produced by the acclaimed Viennese foundry Griedel, echoing the design language of Otto Wagner’s urban rail stations and the early Paris Métro. The arcade stretches nearly 100 metres, inviting passers-by to linger, promenade, or enjoy a concert beneath its sheltering arches.

Today, the Wandelhalle is a beloved public space in Merano: mornings begin with espresso at the adjacent café overlooking the Passer, while Saturdays bring a bustling flea market that attracts artists, collectors, and curious strollers. The venue also plays host to regular open-air concerts and cultural events, continuing the tradition of spa music that once defined Merano’s elegant leisure culture.

For younger visitors, the Wandelhalle offers a uniquely atmospheric encounter with history, nature, and art – a place where riverside flair and artistic expression come together in the open air. It also marks the start of several scenic routes: from here, the Kurpromenade leads past Art Nouveau villas, the Kurhaus, and on to the Tappeiner Promenade or the Steinerner Steg.

The Wandelhalle is also rich in anecdote: in the 19th century, it was a favourite gathering place for so-called “whey cure guests”, who would stroll here in the early morning light – fasting, breathing the fresh air, and accompanied by gentle music known as Molkenkonzerte.

At its centre stands the Hall of Honour, still bearing busts of historical figures – among them Duke Karl Theodor, brother of Empress Elisabeth and a practising ophthalmologist in Merano. The Wandelhalle thus offers not only aesthetic pleasure, but also quiet traces of the town’s storied past – captured in cast iron, paint, and sunlight.

At the foot of the might rock face of the Santner, hidden deep in forest, lies the legendary castle ruin of Hauenstein. The castel dates back to the 12th century and was built by the Lords of Hauenstein and enlarged in the 15th and 16th century. One of the owners was the famous minnesinger Oswald von Wolkenstein.
Today all that remains of the former glory are the castle walls, and yet the site continues to emanate a very special, mysterious energy.
According to an old legend, a secret passageway runs between the two castles of Hauenstein and Salegg. And every so often, or so they say in the area around the Schlern, you can hear the spine-chilling wails of a banished damsel.

Castel Lebenberg is one of the most beautiful castles in Burggrafenamt, built in the 13th century. By the lords of Marling. Very extensive castle complex of late gothic castle chapel with valuable frescoes including some from the 14th century. Picturesque courtyards, French Ornamental Garden, Hall of Mirrors in the rococo style and knights hall with a large figure pedigree of the Counts of Fuchs, 1426 to its extinction in 1828 the owner of the castle, now since 1925 in the possession of the van Rossem van Sinoutskerke family, Farmer room with Gothic farm furniture and armory.

Above the village of Tscherms towers one of the most beautiful castles of the area: Castel Lebenberg. The landmark of Tscherms is visible from far away and enthroned on a moraine hill. It offers a beautiful view over the Etsch Valley.

The castle was built by the Masters of Marling, which then called themselves the Masters of Lebenberg. Later the Fuchs von Fuchsberg Family gained possession of the castle for nearly 400 years. Nowadays Castle Lebenberg is privately owned and the owners live here full time. Guided tours allow visitors to experience this architectural example of times long gone.

The well preserved castle has a lot to offer for visitors who are interested in arts and history: The 3 story chapel from the 14th century, romantic inner courtyards, a French flower garden, the hall of mirrors in Rococo style, an armoury as well as fully furnished rooms from various epochs and farmers rooms with gothic farmer's furniture are among the many things to see.

Lovers of medieval murals will enjoy the precious gothic frescos which have only recently been discovered.

The imposing complex of buildings from the 13th century is fully preserved to this day and can be visited daily. 

The medieval Schoneck Castle is located 958 meters above sea level and is said to be the birthplace of the famous poet and playwright Oswald von Wolkenstein (1377-1445), although this has not been historically proven . It is believed that the ruins of Pacherhof, birthplace of famous artist and sculptor Michael Pacher, are also nearby. Schöneck Castle was built in the mid-13th century by the Dukes of Rödeneck; The first mention of this complex dates back to 1155 and 1164.

Over time, it became the property of the Tyrolean counts, and Engelmar von Willanders later became the owner of the Schoneck estate. Today, not only the cathedral is preserved, but also fragments of the palace, ruins of the chapel and fragments of the historic wall. In the ruins of the castle chapel there is also a fresco by master Michael Pacher. The castle is private property and inaccessible. Today, there is also a restaurant of the same name nearby.

The castle is private property and may not be entered.

The Weiberbödele is a site dating back to the Bronze Age (approx. 2000-1800 a. C) where votive pyres were consumed. Nearby, numerous metal slags and a bronze axe were found, which suggests the existence of a forge. The mineral should not have made a defect if you think that Stelvio - which is accessed after 15 minutes of ascent respecting the marker 9 (h. 1302 )- was built and inhabited by miners working in the mines of the area.

The castle has always guarded over the entrance to the Val Casies-Gsieser Tal valley. It was first documented in 1126 and was the main administration castle of Welsperg for about 800 years until 1907. It is open for visitors in summer.

Castel Monguelfo is not only a particular castle complex, but is also the oldes castle of Alta Pusteria. Castel Monguelfo, also called Castel Welsperg, is undoubtedly a particular castle complex and it is a core castle. One of the oldest parts of the castle is the high donjon, which has been constructed in 1126. The brothers Schwikher and Otto von Welsperg had this castle built. In these days the Lords of Welsperg were one of the most significant noble families of Tyrol. Due to their smart commercial activity and administrative work as well as their wedding politics they build up a fortune and increased their importance. For this reason in 1359 Georg von Welsperg purchased the castle on the opposite, Castel Tesido. Consequently both castles were in possession of the Lords of Welsperg. In the 15th and 16th century Castel Welsperg was considerably enlarged and also reconstructed. In 1765 there was a fire which destroyed parts of the castle complex, including the great hall and the commercial building. Despite of the fact that there were renovation works, the castle started decaying and has no longer been inhabited.

Today the castle complex is venue for numerous concerts and exhibitions, organised by the board of trustees.

The Thurn ruins sit on a wooded hill above the Gsieser stream, opposite Welsperg Castle. Built in the 13th century, the fortress was abandoned in the 17th century and destroyed by fire in 1765. The 22 m tower still stands in good condition today. The ruins can be reached on foot and combined with a visit to nearby Welsperg Castle.

Located in the heart of Merano, the Puccini Theatre is a magnificent example of Art Nouveau architecture and a beloved venue for cultural life in South Tyrol. Designed by Munich architect Martin Dülfer and completed between 1899 and 1900, the theatre reflects the refined taste and creative spirit of an era when Merano was a celebrated spa town and meeting place for the European elite.

The façade enchants with its blend of classical proportions and Art Nouveau flourishes, while the interior reveals exquisite stucco details, elegant marble features, and a spectacular auditorium with 296 plush salmon-colored velvet seats. An elegant first-floor foyer and a terrace overlooking the surrounding townscape add to the theatre´s timeless charm – especially on warm summer evenings.

The theatre opened its doors on December 1, 1900, with a performance of Goethe’s Faust, and quickly established itself as a cultural epicenter, hosting up to 250 performances per year. In 1923, the venue was renamed Teatro Puccini in honor of the famous composer Giacomo Puccini, who visited Merano that same year.

Yet the theatre´s path was not without challenges: after serving as a cinema during and after World War II, the building fell into decline and suffered a devastating fire in the 1960s. It wasn’t until 1978 that it was lovingly restored and reopened, reclaiming its role as a premier stage for performing arts.

Today, the Puccini Theatre is run by the Merano City Theatre and Kurhaus Association and ranks among South Tyrol’s most distinguished historic theatres. With a vibrant program that ranges from classic dramas and operas to contemporary performances and concerts, it continues to inspire artists and audiences alike. A visit promises not only cultural enrichment, but also a journey into Merano’s illustrious past.

Located between the Bolzano Town Gate and the Postbrücke – once spanning the wild waters of the Passer river – Sandplatz Square marks a graceful transition into Merano’s layered past. From here, winding alleyways lead into the historic Steinach district, whose weathered façades whisper tales of centuries gone by. Once a sandy riverbank and later a lively hub for salt trade and postal routes, Sandplatz has long stood at the crossroads of commerce, culture, and everyday life.

At its centre rises one of the city’s oldest monuments: the Baroque Marian column. A symbol of protection and belonging, it has served as a place of pause and reflection for generations. Nearby, a small fountain murmurs beneath façades dating from the Wilhelminian and Art Nouveau eras. Today, Sandplatz is both a local gathering place and a popular stop for visitors entering the city via the Bolzano Town Gate – a site where shopping, strolling, and cultural curiosity converge.

One architectural gem is the former Hotel Erzherzog Johann – later renamed “Esplanade” – an elegant showcase of 19th-century hospitality that also housed Merano’s main post office until 1913. Today, the building has been carefully restored and is home to boutiques and cafés. Across the square stands the stately Ansitz Hohensaal, which later became the seat of the Institute of the English Ladies, now flanked by the neo-Gothic Sacred Heart Church consecrated in 1904 and serving as a youth church since 2017.

Sandplatz remains a place of lively exchange: every Saturday, local farmers and artisans gather here for the weekly market, offering fresh produce, specialties, and regional flair. At the same time, the square is an ideal starting point for exploring the city: the medieval arcades, the Kurhaus palace, the riverside promenades, or the paths leading to the Gardens of Rametz Castle and Trauttmansdorff.

Sandplatz Square is more than just a stop along the way – it’s a vibrant part of Merano’s identity. A place where history is alive, architecture speaks, and new stories are written every day. 

The Castle Ehrenburg was the residence of the Sirs von Ehrenburg, who were later called von Künigl. It was built in the 12th century. During the 15th century, the castle was extended, and in the year 1512, it was extended again with the arcade yard. In the year 1732, it was converted into a baroque castle. The big hall, the bay windows, the wooden paneling, and the paintings on the ceiling, as well as the castle chapel are very remarkable. The castle is not open to visitors.

The castle is located below the church. It can only be visited from the outside.

Visiting the town of Certosa/Karthaus is like a journey into the past. The town was built inside the walls of the Cloister of Certosa degli Angeli, founded in 1326 and reopened in 1782. The Via Crucis of the ancient cloister is especially interesting.

An old villa, a lush park, and stories waiting beneath the surface – Villa Freischütz in Merano is more than just a museum. It’s a place of memory, a lens into a time often overlooked in South Tyrol: the interwar years. Built in 1909 as a summer residence, the villa bore witness to Merano’s golden age as a spa destination. But what makes its collection truly unique is its authenticity: the legacy of the von Franz Fromm family, who lived in the house for nearly a century. Here, history isn’t pieced together from textbooks. It lives in the furniture, the photographs, the clothing, the handwritten notes. It tells of a world in transition – of monarchy fading, Italian rule emerging, and a society caught between tradition and change.
Exciting Insights:
• The collection features more than 10,000 original objects – many of them carefully arranged throughout the house to evoke the feel of a lived-in home.
• The villa offers intimate “living room tours”: guests can wander freely through parlors, studies, and bedrooms, guided by the personal stories behind the objects.
• A highlight: the expansive park with towering old trees and hidden sculptures – perfect for reflecting after a journey through time.
For culture lovers, Villa Freischütz offers a different perspective on Merano. Not just as a refined spa town, but as a mirror of social and political transformation. The museum’s concept is intentionally personal: there are no long-winded wall texts or physical barriers. Instead, letters, accessories, and household items speak for themselves – sometimes quietly, sometimes disarmingly direct. Among jazz records and Art Nouveau vases, patriotic postcards and delicate diary entries, a rich mosaic unfolds – layered, complex, and deeply human.
This is no conventional museum. It’s a home that invites exploration, reflection, and conversation. And that’s precisely what makes Villa Freischütz one of the most fascinating places for those who don’t just want to study history – but truly feel it.

The Fahlburg Castle, originally „Tower of Vall“, was built during the 13th Century and owned by the Lords von Zobel. After the extinction of this family, there were some disputes over its ownership amongst the heirs. It is said that the minnesinger Oswald von Wolkenstein was kept captive by Barbara Jäger in the „Vall“, where he wrote songs and lamented bitterly about the tortures. In 1597, Jakob Andrä von Brandis bought the „Fahlburg“. The re-building work for changing the fortress into a Renaissance castle finished in 1640. Today, it is owned by Count Jakob von Brandis, a descendant of the dynasty of the counts von Brandis. The castle still hosts old tiled stoves, wooden ceilings and paintings by the Barouque painter Stefan Kessler. The castle‘s chapel has two levels and the sanctuary is consecrated. Today, events such asweddings, conferences, concerts etc. are arranged.

After over 400 years in family ownership, the castle was sold to the Athesia Group in 2021, whose founder in South Tyrol, Canon Michael Gamper, was born and raised in the immediate vicinity. The castle has been carefully restored since 2023.