Castles and Skiurlaub Tirol?
April 23, 2009 – We all know that Tirol is famous for a skiurlaub and its cuisine but it is much more than that. Tirol is also a very cultural area that is rich in medieval history. Castles have always been an interesting focal point of medieval times and Tirol can show you a part of that history.
They are several castles in the area and it would be quite a task to visit every castle in the span of a week. I will however give you my list of must see castles in the area of Tirol.
Herberstein Castle is a 700 years old castle that was erected on a rock in the Herbersteinklamm gorge. Today, this castle is open to the public and contains a beautiful garden and even a zoo.
As one of the most famous historical castles of Austria, this castle blends the architectural structure of the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque era.
Heinfels Castle is better known in the Heinfels area as the place where Gaismir and his peasant attacked during the Tyrolean Peasant War of 1562.
Today this castle is a major tourist attraction that is owned by the Burger family of South Tirol.
Burg Haseg Castle is located in Hall Tirol and is known for being the last preserved town gate and also contains reliefs of the coats of arms of Tirol and Austria.
One of the best features of the Burg Haseg castle is it mint tower which was built in the Gothic era.
A great tour is offered which will take you back to 1306 when it was first built to protect the salt mines and the houses of the civil servant.
The Brug Klam Castle does not allow tours of the inside but it is worth mentioning since it is well known under the name, “Sonnensteing castle” from the Sat1 TV series, “Bergdoktor”.
This 12th century castle was used as a hunting and relaxation lodge for the Tirolean Dukes. Since then, the castle has been owned and renovated by the German industrialist, Hünnebeck.
So whether you came to Tirol for a skiurlaub, a hiking tour or just for fun, don’t forget to take some time and visit the castles of Tirol.
For more information about the visiting Tirol go to www.skiurlaub-in-tirol.de
Frank Jergen is a freelance travel and vacation writer that has seen and visited over 75 countries and lived in 25 of them. He currently resides in St. Johann, Austria where he enjoys a well earned skiurlaub and Winterurlaub every year. You can contact Mr. Jergen at frank_jergen@hotmail.com.
