Castles in South Tyrol

South Tyrol – the land of mountains – is also the land of castles and manors. The historical buildings invite to discover the exciting history of South Tyrol and give the picturesque landscape a mystical aura.

The most beautiful castles in South Tyrol

Hocheppan Castle
Hocheppan Castle

The well-preserved castle above Missian in Eppan is still today one of the most impressive fortified castle in Southern South Tyrol. The small chapel in the courtyard is particularly worth seeing. Hocheppan Castle can be visited during a guided tour.

IDM Südtirol - Angelika Schwarz
Hocheppan Castle
Hocheppan Castle

The well-preserved castle above Missian in Eppan is still today one of the most impressive fortified castle in Southern South Tyrol. The small chapel in the courtyard is particularly worth seeing. Hocheppan Castle can be visited during a guided tour.

IDM Südtirol - Angelika Schwarz
Hocheppan Castle
Hocheppan Castle

The well-preserved castle above Missian in Eppan is still today one of the most impressive fortified castle in Southern South Tyrol. The small chapel in the courtyard is particularly worth seeing. Hocheppan Castle can be visited during a guided tour.

IDM Südtirol - Angelika Schwarz
Hocheppan Castle
Hocheppan Castle

The well-preserved castle above Missian in Eppan is still today one of the most impressive fortified castle in Southern South Tyrol. The small chapel in the courtyard is particularly worth seeing. Hocheppan Castle can be visited during a guided tour.

IDM Südtirol - Angelika Schwarz
Hocheppan Castle
Hocheppan Castle

The well-preserved castle above Missian in Eppan is still today one of the most impressive fortified castle in Southern South Tyrol. The small chapel in the courtyard is particularly worth seeing. Hocheppan Castle can be visited during a guided tour.

IDM Südtirol - Angelika Schwarz
Hocheppan Castle
Hocheppan Castle

The well-preserved castle above Missian in Eppan is still today one of the most impressive fortified castle in Southern South Tyrol. The small chapel in the courtyard is particularly worth seeing. Hocheppan Castle can be visited during a guided tour.

IDM Südtirol - Angelika Schwarz
Bruneck seen from above
Bruneck seen from above

Bruneck's enchanting landscapes

Internet Consulting
Castle Juval
Castle Juval

The Castle uninhabited, was restored in 1983 by mountaineer Reinhold Messner.

Internet Consulting - Patrick Kammerlander

With around 800 castles, South Tyrol offers a fascinating treasure, fascinating countless visitors every year. Enchanted ruins by the wayside tell about princesses, knights and robbers. Many lovingly renovated castles in South Tyrol are restaurants, castle hotels or museums and open for visitors. Some of them are still inhabited by the castle lords and function as summer residence.

In summer, the famous extreme mountaineer Reinhold Messner lives at Castel Juval in Kastelbell-Tschars, at the entrance of Schnalstal. Here, he has also realised one of his six Messner Mountain Museums. Two other museums by Messner are located at Castle Bruneck and at Castle Sigmundskron near Bozen.

In the south of Bozen, around Eppan, visitors are able to see 200 castles and manors. This is why the area is the most castle-populated region in Europe, offering many well-known excursions and interesting cultural attractions. A recommendation for families is the castle hike in Eppan.

South Tyrolean Castle Institute

Tures Castle
Tures Castle

Tures Castle

DAN / Fotolia.com

Since 1963, the South Tyrolean Castle Institute aims at protecting private and public South Tyrolean castles. In addition to professional documentation, restoration and maintenance of Castle Trostburg and Castle Taufers, which are in possession of the institute, the association also engages in creating awareness among its members.

The voluntary association organises exhibitions, seminars and conferences around the topic of castles. As well, it encourages castle publications and the release of ARX magazine (lat. castle). The straight collaboration with other European castle institutes is of high importance in this matter.

Images

Castle Welsperg
Castle Welsperg

the oldes castle of Pustertal valley

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Castle Welsperg
Castle Welsperg

Today, the oldest castle of Hochpustertal is open for visitors. As well, it offers expositions and various events mainly in summer.

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Hiking tour to Rotund Castle
Hiking tour to Rotund Castle

The ruin of Rotund Castle above Taufers im Münstertal can be reached via a family-friendly hiking path.

Vinschgau Marketing - Frieder Blickle
Castle ruin Castelfeder
Castle ruin Castelfeder

The hill between Montan and Auer is a famous destination for excursions.

Ferienregion Castelfeder - Luca Dal Gesso
Brunnenburg Castle in Dorf Tirol
Brunnenburg Castle in Dorf Tirol

The Brunnenburg Castle was built around 1250. Over time, it fell into disrepair before it was given a new lease on life in the 20th century.

TV Dorf Tirol - Roter Rucksack
Reifenstein Castle
Reifenstein Castle

Reifenstein Castle is situated in Freienfeld. It is the best preserved castle in South Tyrol, as it was never conquered and destroyed.

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Castle ruins Ortenstein
Castle ruins Ortenstein

Today of the castle remained only the Powder Tower.

Internet Consulting - Patrick Kammerlander
Sprechenstein Castle
Sprechenstein Castle

The picturesque Sprechenstein Castle is located above Eisacktal, next to Reifenstein Castle, and can only be visited from the outside.

Internet Consulting - Jessica Steiner
Taufers Castle
Taufers Castle

The castle in Sand in Taufers can already be seen from a big distance.

TV Sand in Taufers - Manuel Kottersteger
Sonnenburg Castle
Sonnenburg Castle

Sonnenburg Castle near St. Lorenzen is situated in St. Lorenzen at the entrance to Gader valley. Today, it is a well-known luxury and gourmet hotel.

Internet Consulting - Stefanie Selva
Maretsch Castle - Bozen
Maretsch Castle - Bozen

Today, the picturesque Rennaissance building is a famous event location and conference centre.

Internet Consulting - Fabian Auer

Selected accommodations in South Tyrol

Hotel Elefant - Auer in Southern South Tyrol
  • Close to Lake Kaltern
  • Cosy and spacious rooms
  • Wine tastings
  • Excellent cuisine
  • For lovers of active holidays and cycling
from 41.00 € per night
Heideggerhof - Kaltern an der Weinstraße in Southern South Tyrol
  • Apartments on the wine route
  • Garden with swimming pool and barbecue
  • Fresh bread service
  • Many excursion destinations in the surrounding area
  • Törggelen in autumn
from 88.00 € per night
Residence Garni Hotel Vineus - Tramin an der Weinstraße in Southern South Tyrol
  • Quiet, panoramic location
  • Ideal for motorcyclists
  • Garten with swimming pool surrounded by vineyards
  • Terrace with view of Tramin
  • Rich breakfast buffet
from 74.00 € per night
EGGER Apartments & Suites - Villanders in Eisacktal
  • Sunny panoramic location
  • Two houses – one holiday
  • Breakfast & moments of indulgence
  • Garden & pool with panoramic views
  • Central location for experiences
from 65.00 € per night
Service