Festung Kufstein

Top choice in Tyrol


Lifted high on a rocky crag like an offering to the alpine peaks that surround it, Kufstein's turreted castle provides a fascinating insight into the town’s turbulent past. The fortress dates from 1205 (when Kufstein was part of Bavaria) and was a pivotal point of defence for both Bavaria and Tyrol during the struggles. The round Kaiserturm (Emperor’s Tower) is a 1522 addition.

The lift to the top affords sweeping views over Kufstein and the mountains that rim it. Inside is the small but imaginatively presented Heimatmuseum (Heritage Museum), showcasing everything from Bronze Age urns to folk costumes and – drum roll please – Andreas Hofer’s shoe. Below the Kaiserturm is the Heldenorgel (Heroes Organ) with 4948 pipes, 46 organ stops and a 100m gap between the keyboard and the tip of the pipes; the delay in the sounding of the notes makes playing it a tricky business. Catch recitals at noon and, in July and August, 6pm.

When the fortress is closed in the evening you can walk up the path in under 15 minutes and roam the ramparts and grounds free of charge.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Tyrol attractions

1. Römerhofgasse

0.19 MILES

A classic saunter leads along gingerbready Römerhofgasse, a reconstructed medieval lane that looks fresh-minted for a Disney film set with its overhanging…

2. Liebfrauenkirche

13.77 MILES

This rococo church has a chunky 48m belfry and an elaborately frescoed interior.

3. Pfarrkirche St Andreas

13.78 MILES

Slightly above the town is this Gothic-meets-baroque parish church, identified by its steep, wood-shingled roof.

4. Alpine Flower Garden

13.88 MILES

Arnica, edelweiss and purple bellflowers are among the 400 alpine blooms flourishing at this quiet garden atop Kitzbüheler Horn. It’s a four-hour (14km)…

5. Museum Kitzbühel

13.97 MILES

This museum traces Kitzbühel’s heritage from its Bronze Age mining beginnings to the present day. The big emphasis is on winter sports, and the permanent…

6. Schloss Herrenchiemsee

22.27 MILES

An island just 1.5km across the Chiemsee from Prien, Herreninsel is home to Ludwig II’s Versailles-inspired castle. Begun in 1878, it was never intended…

7. Frauenwörth Abbey

23.48 MILES

Founded in the late 8th century, this is one of the oldest abbeys in Bavaria. The 45-minute tours are in German only.

8. Torhalle

23.54 MILES

The austerely romanesque Carolingian Torhalle built in AD 860 houses medieval objets d'art, sculpture and changing exhibitions of regional paintings from…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "austria/tirol/kufstein/attractions/festung-kufstein/a/poi-sig/504870/358645",
      "destination": "Tyrol",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "country": "Austria",
      "region": "Tyrol",
      "position": "superzone"
    }