In the middle of the Tyrolean Alps, you find a fabulous castle taken straight out of a fairy tale. Enter Tratzberg castle, and step into the Renaissance.
Tratzberg Castle has overlooked the Inn Valley since the 13th century from its perfect hillside location, less than a kilometre from the river Inn. After Tyrol’s independency from the Duchy of Bavaria in the 12th century, the local noblemen needed strongholds to defend their newly acquired freedom. Thus, a fortress was constructed at a strategic location. The white washed castle walls firmly stand out from the lush green surrounding forest. Perched on the hillside, 100 metres above the Valley floor, the castle demanded respect when it was built. The blending exterior does not, however, match the magnificent interior of the palace.
Click on the images to enlarge >>
From castle to palace
It’s called Schloss in German means palace, which in this case is a more accurate description. Although we didn’t see any on our tour of the palace, I’m sure that there are some dark dungeons hidden away somewhere. We only saw the stately dwellings of the nobles. Notwithstanding, the darker side of mediaeval society, must rest for now. Because, you what you get see of Tratzberg is a great insight, however small, to the life of high society in Habsburg Austria. After all, Tratzberg Castle was Emperor Maximilian’s I hunting-lodge. As it often happened, the at that time fortress was destroyed by fire in the 1490’s. However, the former fortress was rebuilt and lavishly decorated into a palace.
Tour of the palace
The Schloss Tratzberg you see today originates from 1553, when the former fortress and hunting lodge was rebuilt into a grand palace – within the walls of a castle. Step inside the palace, and enter the Renaissance. Most of the interior, furniture and other items are from the late Middle Ages to the Renaissance. The great halls, such as the Hunting Hall and Habsburg Hall showcase the architectural grandeur that was necessary in those days to impress your peers. The furniture bedrooms, for example, display more practical and useful objects. The last stop on the guided tour takes you to the armoury, that has a vast collection of historical arms, body armour, and yes – torture instruments. Finally, when you have finished the tour stay behind and enjoy the splendid courtyard.
Other attractions
Tratzberg Castle is more than just a museum. The privately owned castle arranges an array of different events, such as weddings, wine recaptions or seminars. Furthermore, to make the experience for exiting for children, there are separate tours and the exhibitions have special made features for the kids.
Check out these links:
Schloss Tratzberg
Tyrol Tourism
Practical info:
There are good parking facilities below the castle, next to the road. If you don’t feel like a steep walk of about 15 minutes up to the castle, you can pick up the Tratzberg Express (€ 1,50), that leaves just next to the restaurant Schlosswirt Tratzberg.
-
The contrast between the forest groves and the straight-lined vines in the hilly landscape that characterizes the view is fascinating. What’s more, the small villages you pass are nothing more than clusters of houses. However, in these picturesque clusters of homes, you’ll find what makes the region worth a visit: the restaurants and wine shops […]
-
Austria boasts a number easy accessible viewing platforms, where you simply board a cable car. To truly appreciate the Alps, you have to get up on the mountains. 1. Dachstein Skywalk From Ramsau, in Styria, you can pick up the cable car to the Dachstein massif. You can enjoy the stunning view from 2 spectacular […]
-
Are you looking for some excellent ski resorts near Vienna that you can easily access by train? We’ve got you covered! Check out these fantastic ski destinations that offer excellent family-friendly slopes and unforgettable skiing experiences. Hop on a train and get ready for an adventure. Stuhleck ski resort – Spital am Semmering At Stuhleck in […]
-
The historic small town in the Styria region of Austria, with about 4500 inhabitants, is surrounded by the majestic Dachstein mountains. The winter season usually starts at the beginning of December and runs until the beginning of April. Skiing day and night Schladming offers 123 km of slopes spread over four interconnected ski areas: Planai, […]