Kufstein Fortress

Kufstein, Austria

Kufstein fortress is one of the most impressive medieval constructions in Tyrol. It is located on a hill rising above the city of Kufstein. This fortress has already been built very early in order to control the entrance from the Alpine foothills into the Inntal valley. However, it has been mentioned for the first time in 1205 AD, when it was in possession of the bishops of Regensburg. In 1415 it was reinforced by Louis VII, Duke of Bavaria.

In 1504 the city and the fortress were besieged and conquered by Emperor Maximilian I. Maximilian had the massive round tower built between 1518 and 1522, substantially adding to its defensibility. From 1703 to 1805 it was a Bavarian possession, returning to Austria in 1814. The fortress acted as prison for a number of political dissidents during the Austro-Hungarian empire.

Today it houses the City Museum of Kufstein. Part of it is also used for concerts and meetings.

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Details

Founded: c. 1205
Category: Castles and fortifications in Austria

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Norbert Balázs (3 years ago)
Very well maintained fortress. The visit tooks about 2 hours. Parking is available close to the fortress, just follow the signs.
Simona Siniescu (3 years ago)
Excellent!! Definately a must see when in Kufstein! The view from various parts of the fortress is spectacular! :) The old fortress is combined with new technology in a way that the two concepts get along just great. There is also a nice restaurant within the fortress with good food and friendly staff.
Uula-Matti Laitinen (Digisuomi) (3 years ago)
Cool and interesting place. Lots of things to see and few things you can even try by yourself. Exciting stuff.
Reinier van Antwerpen (3 years ago)
Nice high fortress with museum, lift available so fairly easily accessible. Fortress entry with dogs allowed, dogs not allowed in the museum.
Michel Gadron (3 years ago)
Certainly an interesting place to visit, especially for those of us who are interested in military history and equipment related to the fortress. Meaningful information has been brought together in some larger or smaller exhibitions throughout the fortress. Wouldn't go there a second time but happy to have seen it.
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