Alle forten en kastelen

First documented in 1159, the ruins were destroyed many times due to fires and battles, and have always been rebuilt. The castle ruin today bears the name “Sauschloss”, which literally translated means “pork/pig castle”, as according to a legend a pork was thrown out of the castle.

The ruins are only 15 minutes walk from the restaurant Noafer in Cologna/San Genesio.

In Eppan | Piganò, above Castel Gandegg, you find near Castel Englar the residence Moos Schulthaus. A little bit hidden, how it is usual for an insider tip, you can find a nice little museum for Middle Aged living.

Around the middle of the 13th century the dynasty of the Rottenburger built a Romanesque residential tower above the location Pigenò. Around the 14th century it was transformed and extended into a gothic residence for hunting. After the extinction of the Rottenburg in 1410, the complex ended up in the hands of the princes and later on to the Lords of Firmian and around 1500 to the Earl Spaur who expanded it even more. Until the middle of the 19th century it remained in the hands of the aristocrats of Schulthaus. With this intense change of property and the related architectural procedures caused a special fusion of connected elements, interlaced and on different levels situated premises and last but not least style characteristics of different époques. In 1958 Walther Amonn, merchant of Bozen and patron, bought the complex and had it costly restored and opened it for the public in 1985.

Well worth seeing are especially the frescos of the premises, which are a unique example of gothic mural art and give an insight in the life and philosophy of that time.

For the exploration of this historical valuable area around Castel Moss-Schulthaus, with the castles Englar and Gandegg together with the residences of Pigenò, we suggest the marked hiking and biking trails.

The Wiesemann farm, situated between Antholz Niedertal and Antholz Mittertal, is one of the oldest farms in the valley. The old water mill stands and rattles on a modest foundation of lime and stones, harmoniously close to the farmhouse. Today the mill is a testimony of how dependent people were on nature at that time and what burdens they had to take on in order to survive.

The stone-framed round-arched portal opens towards Goethe Street on the west side of the An der Lan estate, a Renaissance building from the 16th century. Above it you find the beautiful double-arched windows. The south façade is adorned by a belt cornice and large rectangular windows set in stone with wrought-iron grilles. Inside, the central halls have vaulted ceilings, with the wood-panelled room on the first floor a testament to expert woodcarving and inspired by the Renaissance style. In 1817, the building was acquired by the Gelmini zu Kreuzhof family.

Ansitz Heufler by Norbert Niederkofler

Ansitz Heufler, located in the picturesque Antholz Valley in South Tyrol, is a historic manor house dating back to 1580. Built by the noble family Hohenbühel zu Heufler, the estate is regarded as an outstanding example of Renaissance architecture and has been carefully preserved to maintain its historical value.

The wood-paneled rooms on the first floor are among the most atmospheric in the entire region—most notably the historic “Hearnstube”, adorned with an intricately crafted ceramic stove bearing the Heufler family coat of arms. Celebrated as one of the most beautiful parlors in all of Tyrol, it impressively blends artisan craftsmanship with living tradition.

On the door to the Hearnstube, one can see a fine engraving of the south façade of Ansitz Heufler: a square, three-story structure surrounded by four diagonally positioned corner towers with characteristic gabled roofs.

The old “Rauchkuchl”, now transformed into a stylish lounge bar, was once a traditional open kitchen where food was cooked and smoked over an open flame or in a smoke channel – a method that added rich flavor and ensured long preservation.

Among the most distinctive architectural features are the bay windows and the towers themselves, all topped with steep gabled roofs. The large windows on the first floor are decorated with finely wrought iron grilles, adorned with elegant floral motifs.

Today, Ansitz Heufler presents itself as a refined residence offering luxurious hospitality and culinary excellence. Guests are immersed in a unique experience where historical charm meets modern comfort – an authentic journey back in time through the preserved spirit of an ancient noble home.

Since May 2025, the estate has been led by South Tyrolean Three Michelin Star chef Norbert Niederkofler, who has breathed new life into the residence, infusing it with his signature philosophy, “Cook the Mountain”. Ansitz Heufler features 10 rooms, a public restaurant, and a bar with a scenic terrace.

Ladin Museum - Tor Castle In the very heart of the Dolomites live more than 30,000 Dolomite Ladins whose identity is characterised mainly by two important features: the uniqueness of their language, which derives from popular Latin, and the extraordinary mountain landscape at the heart of the southern Alps. It is only thanks to the physical characteristics of this landscape that the Ladin language has survived today. It is the eldest of all languages spoken in this region and is restricted by the Italian and the German cultural and linguistic areas that surround it. The way through the museum focuses on some significant aspects of the present and past lives of the Dolomite Ladins, highlighting the important influences of cross-regional events on the lives of the population and pinpointing the existing interrelations between landscape forms and lifestyles. The museum is housed in the Ciastel de Tor, a castle dating back to 1230, created as a fiefdom of the Bishops of Brixen.

The castle is available as a wedding venue for couples interested in crowning an unforgettable day and experiencing a fairytale moment in a medieval castle.

In 1940-41 by the fascist regime was built this bunker for reasons of defence. It is an impressive underground structure made on several storeys with a tight net of tunnels, that joins shooting ranges and inner rooms. In the front area there is an exhibition of photographs (Gampen Gallery), whereas the central part hosts an exclusive collection of minerals. 

The Fort Nauders was built as a roadblock to protect the lnntal from troop invasions from Lombardy and the Engadin. The five-storey fortress was built from 1834 to 1840. The wedge-shaped porch was equipped with cannons. The crew casemate reaches 20 meters deep into the rocks. The fortress was never attacked and has remained unchanged. Currently the fortress is being restored.

 

The particular homey character of the feudal Taufers Castle astonishes around 70,000 visitors every year. 

As early as 1136 a noble-free family is named Taufers. In the 1220's the family built a new, generously arranged lord house, whose donjon with an attached living tower is constructed against the mountainside, as this was thought to be the possible attacking side. The powerful Taufers Castle is a dynastic seat of the Barons of Taufers with impressive and interesting fortified grounds.

Another great hall (later used as grain storage room) is located at a secured area in the western part of the castle. The naturally given construction space is delimited by a surrounding curtain wall, where there are different living complexes, attached to it.

In the 15th and 16th centuries the grounds were renovated into an expansive castle residence, most of them built in the early 16th century. The impressive weir system, although, dates back to the 15th century.

Taufers Castle has been in the possession of the Südtiroler Burgeninstitut since 1977. The entire furnished and well preserved castle numbers among the greatest and most beautiful castles of the entire Tyrolean region.

Prices:
Adults:
10€
13€ (29.03.2024 - 03.11.2024 including the exhibition)

Students/Pensioners (over 65 years old):
7€
9€/Person (29.03.2024 - 03.11.2024 including the exhibition)

Children (6-16 years old):
5€
6€ (29.03.2024 - 03.11.2024 including the exhibition)

Special exhibition: “German Peasants' War - the pursuit of freedom 500 years ago"
18.04. - 02.11.2025

Knights' festival at the castle: 29.06.2025

In 1256, the Winnebach Castle, also called Aschburg, was first mentioned in an official document. The castle was originally owned by the Rodank family of Asch. Part of the dungeon was still there about 50 years ago, and in the middle of the tower an imposing, giant and legendary spruce grew. A local wanted to search for the legendary gold treasure in Aschburg Castle around 1970, and thereby blew up the entire tower. According to the legend, Arnold V. von Schöneck constructed the castle as a hunting castle. It is believed, that at the end of their lives, the Schöneck sons were cruel men who attacked and plundered the people. For this reason the castle is also called the Thieves Castle by locals. Starting point: car park in the village center

The castle of Salorno stands imposingly on the rocks above the village and is the symbol of the village. Its position makes it one of the most impressive ruins in the Alps. It was built in the Middle Age and during the time it was constantly enlarged. It was in possession of different nobel families and since the 17th century it belongs to the descendants of Earl Zenobio-Albrizzi from Venice. Thank to their help the castle was restored. Since 2003 it can be visited during summer. Nowadays there take place many cultural events during the warm season.

There is a path called "Way of visions" which leads to the hill of the castle in 20 minutes (by foot).

The remarkable Baroque residence of the Barons of Longo dates back to the beginning of the 18th century. It presents a simple façade and a Baroque portal which can be reached through a two-winged staircase. The stone frame of the portal is decorated with two putti and a female bust. The interiors are richly decorated: high reliefs in stucco by Franz Hannibal Bittner and frescoes by Giacomo Antonio Delai, two artists who worked in the Bolzano/Bozen area from 1730. The palace also includes a unique park that extends to the forest behind the village.

 

Seeschlössl: this romantic house is situated on the west bank of the large Montiggl Lake. History: Josef von Zastrow, who came from Germany and also owned Aichberg, in 1888, built it. At this time he also owned both the lakes. In 1902 the village of Eppan took over both lakes. Architectural style: the whole building is very pleasing and blends in well with the scenery. The style is middle Aged, the windows have pointed arches and the gables have a staircase form finish. The painter Max Sparer from Tramin often painted this house. Walking: as soon as you get to know the two Montiggler Lakes, it is no problem to find this beautiful house. Walks through the Spring Valley and round the large lake take you past this house

The mighty buildings of Castle Schenna just above the city of Meran are still partly surrounded by a moat. Using the bridge, you will come to the entrance of Castle Schenna and from there, if you pass the dungeon, you’ll arrive in the courtyard. An open staircase will lead you to the castle chambers. Castle Schenna in South Tyrol is open for guided tours. Only the wing containing the private rooms of the count’s family remains closed to the public. The halls and grand chambers are home to a painting and portrait gallery, a weapons collection, as well as numerous art-historic objects of Tyrolean history.

Guided tours:
Tuesday to Friday at 11.30 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. and every Monday and Thursday guided evening tours at 9 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday closed.

Online registration required:
https://www.schloss-schenna.com/anmeldung-fuehrungen-831191.html

The castle can be visited only with guided tours!

Guided tours take place daily during the summer months (except Saturdays) at 11.30 am and 2.30 pm.

Duration: approx. 1 hour

No registration required – or sign up online and get a discount!

Tickets available at www.rodenegg.it

 

Group registrations from 15 persons: schloss.rodenegg@gmail.com

 

The castle is located between Sciaves and Rio di Pusteria in the municipality of Rodengo on a small rock outcrop, steeply descending into the gorge of the Rienza river. Castel Rodengo is one of the most majestic fortresses of its times in South Tyrol and you will be astonished by its position and the large number of rooms and cellars of the castle.

 

Entry fee:

Adults: € 12,00 - Online € 10,00

Juniors (10-18 years:) € 8,00 - Online € 6,00

Children (6-10 years): € 6,00 - Online € 4,00

Groups (from 15 people): € 8.00 - No online prices available

 

GUIDED TOURS FOR KIDS (23/06 - 01/09/2025)

• Every Monday at 09.30-11.00 a.m.
• Age: 6 - 12 years
• Registration: www.gitschberg-jochtal.guestnet.info

The castle was build in the 14th century. The lock was seat of the former court of Gufidaun. 1880 the well-known Germanist Ignaz Zingerle bought the expanded castle plant and today she is still inhabited by its descendants and cannot be visited.

Patronal feast: June 29th.

The church ruins date back to the 5th century AD. The building reminds of church buildings in Aquileia and Milan. During excavations, the old position of the altar as well as the relic chamber could be determined. The S. Peter ruin in Altenburg is probably the oldest Tyrolean church ruin. Its decay began with the closure of the church in 1782.

Source: Parish office Kaltern

- in St. Martin/S. Martino: Haupold, Saltaus, Granstein, Kalm, Baumkirch, Gereuth, Steinhaus

- in St. Leonhard/S. Leonardo: Ebion, Buchenegg, Happerg, Gomion

In Vorderpasseiertal Valley there are some unique buildings: farmhouses built mostly of wood, or a castle-like building overgrown with ivy and decorated with ancient sundials or frescoes. The history of the Schildhof farmers dates back to the 13th century, when they served Count Albert of Tyrol (1190-1253) as shield-bearers. As a result, the large farms were granted many privileges. What remains now are only fishing rights in the Passer river.

Tip: Passeirer Schildhöfeweg trail

Egna is located at the foot of he Castelfeder hill. Already in the Middle Ages the village was a thriving trading centre due to its strategic geographical position and today it is the main cultural and economic centre of the Bassa Atesina. It is no coincidence that this lovely village is considered one of the most beautiful places in Italy. A must see is the old village centre with its 500 metres of arcades, its stately manors and magnificent inter courtyards. This is where you will find the perfect mix of entertainment, relaxation and taste.

Häuserl am Stein is one of the most fascinatingly odd buildings in all of South Tyrol. Its history, in fact, sounds a bit like a fairy tale. A long time ago, just below St. Pankraz in Ulten Valley many small farm houses were situated at the banks of the Falschauer brook. In 1882 the river was flooded and took every single house with it, apart from one. The legendary Häuserl am Stein, in fact, had been built by pure accident on a gigantic rock which only became visible after the floods.

On a hill above Mareit near Sterzing rises Wolfsthurn Castle, described by the Tyrolean historian Johann N. Tinkhauser in the 19th century as “the most beautiful castle in all Tyrol”.

The baroque castle has since its building been in the possession of the Sternbach family, and since 1996 has accommodated the South Tyrolean Museum of Hunting and Fishing.

The Museum displays the originally furnished ceremonial rooms as well as a rich cultural and historical collection on the history of hunting and fishing.

The interesting “Forest and Water” walking trail leads to the castle.

Witches'spring: adventure path with the witch Curadina to the sulfur springs

This imposing 3-storey Baroque building “Herrenhof” (17th century) has a façade with two rows of eleven wide windows topped by oeil-de-boeuf windows. The large round-arch portal framed with marble ashlars is noteworthy. Known as “maso Schnatterle”, the “Schnatterle farmstead” (1550-1600), it belonged first to Andreas von Fenner, then in the 17th century, to the Thun-Filippini family, before passing to the important Zenobio-Albrizzi family and finally, towards the mid-19th century, to the Noldin family.

In the Middle Ages, the "Klosterhof" in the Vill/Villa was probably the property of the Augustinian Canons' Monastery of San Michele all'Adige. From 1560, it was owned by Anna Regina Recordin zu Radeck. In 1740, it was acquired by Josef A. v. Feldmannsdorf. From 1762 to 1908, it was owned by the nobles of the v. Vilas family. Since then, it has been the farmstead and winery of the Pernter family. It is a stately two-story building and one of the most beautiful wine farms in the country. The current form dates back to the 17th century.

The adventure castle lies in a gorge-like valley at the Inn and can be reached on foot or by bike from the main streets in 20 minutes. Originally a customs office, fortified under Duke Sigmund and expanded under Emperor Maximilian to a closed fortress. Aitfinstermünz has been completely restored and is a popular excursion destination with castle tavern, chapel and a playground.

 

The buildings of the "Happacherhof" estate can be dated back to 1604. Originally, the estate consisted of two farmsteads belonging to two different families. One of them was the Happacher family; for several generations, the mayors of the municipality of Auer/Ora came from this family. In 1911, the Theodor Steinkeller acquired the estate. His family was employed in the fruit trade and supplied the Habsburger monarchy from Bolzano/Bozen. Due to the Great Depression of the 1920s and 30s, the family was unable to keep the estate. In 1938, the farmstead was put up for auction and bought by the "Ente di Rinascita," an organization that focused on buying farms in South Tyrol and making them available to interested Italian investors. It sold the estate to the Rovereto-based Botta family. A family supervisor ran the farm, but the family did not invest in its maintenance. In February 1984, the farm was purchased by the provincial administration for use as a "practice farm for the secondary school for agriculture" and named "Happacherhof" after the original owner family. Today, it is an important place for students of agriculture to practice their trade. The extensive restoration

Large estate building on an L-shaped plan, surrounded by a walled enclosure. The original medieval core, realised in the 13th century, was extended in the early 17th century. Its alternative name, the “Pottaschenhof [potash farm]”, refers to the potash once produced here that was used for laundry purposes.

The Steinerner Steg or “Roman Bridge” is the oldest bridge over the River Passer and was was built in the 17th century. It is situated where the winter and summer promenades end, and where the Gilfpromenade begins. This, and replaced a medieval wooden structure that linked Obermais to the city centre. Its original function was to carry the drinking water pipeline from one side of the river to the other. The Steinerner Steg is often also erroneously called the “Roman Bridge”, probably on account of its apparently Roman/ancient construction method.

The building in baroque style became the residence of the Venetian Counts Zenobio in 1729, after they acquired it from the Cazan lords. The façade is decorated with the coats of arms of the family that held the court of Enn and Kaldiff between 1648 and 1830. The interiors are arranged symmetrically around a central staircase and have magnificent stuccoed ceilings.

Andreas-Hofer-Street owes its name to the South Tyrolean patriot who led the 1809 uprising against Napoleon. When arrested in 1810, Andreas Hofer was imprisoned in the Neumarkt/Egna prison on the night of January 30th before being transferred to Mantua to be executed. The old court prisons are found at house number 28; originally property of the lords of Enn and Caldiff, they remained in use until 1830. Today, the building is in private hands, but on the ground floor, two cells with cross vaults remain, and plaque commemorating the illustrious guest marks the façade.