Mühlbach fortress
Meinhard II and his brother Albert I had divided the heritage of their father in 1271. The border between the Duchy of Tyrol and the Duchy of Görz, which included the valley of Pustertal, had then run at the narrow part of the valley forming the western entrance to Pustertal. At this strategically important place, Meinhard II, who expanded the Duchy of Tyrol and who is meant to be the founder of Tyrol, built a wall barring the access as well as two towers. This fortress was a toll station and secured the border.
The new fortress
Between Mühlbach and Vintl, about 600 m east of the old border post Sigismund, Archduke of Austria, built new fortress in the 15th century – from the valley bottom to the hillside. Mühlbach fortress was a defensive barrage and toll station. The walls are formed almost seamlessly by ashlars with many loopholes.
In former times, the road bordered by walks lead through the gate and divided the complex into two halves. The squared gate tower “Vintler Torturm” has 15.50 m thick walls. Those of “Mühlbacher Torturm” are not that thick, as the attacks mostly came from the other direction. Of both towers, only one is left today.
Impressive fortification
In the southern part of the fortress there are remains off several buildings: The chapel was consecrated in 1472, her former portal is today part of the parish church in Mühlbach. The Kaiser tower was a defensive and inhabited tower and there was another building with the toll station, armouries and pantries.
More info & opening hours:
Mühlbach fortress association
Phone: +39 389 5121328
E-mail: info@muehlbacherklause.it
Web: muehlbacherklause.it
Images
Mühlbach fortress dates back to the 15th century and is the border between Eisacktal and Pustertal.
Oskar Zingerle - Brixmedia
The ring wall and the towers of the Mühlbach fortress are largely preserved and can be visited during the summer months.
Oskar Zingerle - BrixmediaCastles
Selected accommodations in Mühlbach
- Close to the slopes and trails of the Gitschberg-Jochtal ski area
- Cosy rooms
- Excellent breakfast buffet and dinner
- Indoor pool with sauna and whirlpool area
- Beautiful views of the surrounding mountains
- With farm & petting zoo
- Family-run hotel with its own alpine pasture
- Breakfast buffet with farm's own product
- Plenty of space for fun & games in the countryside
- Secure garage parking for cars, motorbikes & buses
- Family-run hotel with a panoramic view
- Rooms and suites made with quality materials
- Swimming pool with water from an Alpine spring
- Excellent cuisine for gourmets
- Close to the Gitschberg Jochtal hiking and skiing area
- Unique panoramic location
- 34 cosy rooms & suites
- 27-metre infinity pool
- 4 pools & 5 saunas
- Hotel's own farm with alpacas & other animals