Tratzberg Castle

Tratzberg, Austria

Documented for the first time in the 13th century the Tratzberg castle was used as former border stronghold against the Bavarians and as Emperor Maximilian’s I hunting lodge. In the late 15th century the former fortress was destroyed by fire. The Emperor did not rebuild Tratzberg but exchanged the ruin for a castle of the Taenzels, wealthy owners of a silver mine. They had built the first late Gothic part of today’s Castle Tratzberg in 1500, in a particularly magnificent way, with artful ornaments made of marble, wood and iron. In 1554, Georg Knight of Ilsung, a wealthy merchant from Augsburg, acquired the castle, expanded and changed Tratzberg according to the spirit of the Renaissance age. Proof of those changes is the splendidly painted courtyard and exquisite Renaissance parlours. In 1590 Tratzberg came into the possession of the Fuggers, a well-known and wealthy family of merchants, who expanded the castle even further. Most of the now conserved inventory is from this time.

After several changes of owners there was a time when Tratzberg was uninhabited for 150 years. When Franz Count Enzenberg married Ottilie Countess Tannenberg in 1847, the rather neglected castle came into the possession of the Enzenberg family, and it has stayed their homestead since then. Thanks to the family’s dedication and efforts the 6800 sqm castle with its 5000 sqm shingle roof became a gem of a 16th century Tyrolean castle again. It is now one of the most important cultural monuments of the country and open to the public.

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Details

Founded: 1500
Category: Castles and fortifications in Austria

More Information

www.schloss-tratzberg.at

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Luke W (7 months ago)
Definitely worth the 4 euro's to go up and back by train bus. Otherwise a steep walk up. The castle is good to visit and has lots of period pieces
Caroline Maj (8 months ago)
Beautiful castle up in the mountains ?. You arrive by car or bicycle, then have to make a 10 minute walk up the mountain before you reach the castle. You're then divided into groups, including a guide according to your preferred language. You're not allowed to walk around and see the castle on your own. Our guide wasn't very including and mostly spoke german and forgot the english listeners. The castle is 4,5 out of 5 ⭐️ The guide/experience was 2 out of 5 ⭐️ The whole tour takes about 1,5 to 2 hours in total. Not suitable for smaller children since you have to be careful around the items and furniture. Will not visit again except if they open up for exploring on your own ?⛰️
Kristina Vaičiulienė (8 months ago)
Very nice castle. You can get an audio guide. If you want you can take a virtual tour. Also you can take a train up and down to the castle. Roundtrip costs 4€.
Lore Doms (8 months ago)
The tours aren't very well organised for people that don't speak German unfortunately (You do get an audio guide which is great but when the guide gives extra info, it's only in German). It is however a beautiful place with a great story to it. If you're visiting with small children or if you're not in for a climb, take the "train", it's worth the small amount you pay.
Rose Cervera (2 years ago)
Absolutely beautiful castle, a must for any arts and crafts enthusiast. Audio guides in multiple languages with versions for kids also, which kept my 11 and 6 yo very engaged. Easy parking on site and the option to walk or pay for a miniature train to take you to the castle. We had a fabulous visit. Allow for 1.5 hours or so for the tour. The restaurant at the bottom is excellent and serves really good food. Very glad we visited.
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