Traders, vagabonds, archbishops and nobles: Mauterndorf Castle has seen many travelers in its long history. They all had to open their bags here on their way across the Alps to pay the toll. Today, the castle experience delights visitors of all ages with numerous medieval stations, a large knights' playground and a 700-year-old fortified tower. The latest highlight: a natural circular path through the revitalized castle park with a real drawbridge.
Thanks to the construction of the attractive circular path on the site of the old castle park, visitors have also been able to experience the castle hill with its varied flora, the Taurach river flowing past and the small waterfall of the Stampflbach stream since last year. There are always fantastic views of the castle and the surrounding nature of Salzburger Lungau. The highlight of the beautiful walk is the fully functional drawbridge over the Stamplfbach, which was built by Toni Schmale as the winning project in an art in architecture competition.
Mauterndorf Castle © Salzburger Burgen und Schlösser
Discover the castle individually with an audio guide
On the tour of the castle, re-enacted scenes from the hustle and bustle of the castle invite you to travel back in time to the Middle Ages. In the rock cellar, you can find out details on the subject of "attack and defense", in the entrance hall you can meet "real" people and their medieval professions and customs, visitors can "dress up" in the wardrobe and a festive table is laid in the Knights' Hall. One of the highlights of the tour through the castle is a tour of the fortified tower with its twelve-meter-high entrance. The original use of the tower is recreated on six floors with a dungeon, armory, emergency quarters and tower rooms. The audio guide for adults and children is available in nine languages.
For the past three years, it has also been possible to visit the historic castle chapel. An old entrance to the gallery was reopened for this purpose. Visitors can now get a close-up view of the culturally and historically significant chapel. The Gothic wall paintings are among the most beautiful in the Salzburg region. Saint Barbara, who can be seen on the winged altar, is the patron saint of miners and was greatly revered in Lungau. Another highlight is the large knights' playground. Here, children can conquer a real "castle within a castle", as the playground is integrated into the medieval walls and courtyards.
Mauterndorf Castle © Salzburger Burgen und Schlösser
Full calendar of events and exciting special programs
Mauterndorf Castle offers special and romantic evening tours for groups as well as vacation and school programs for children. The castle is home to the Lungau Landscape Museum and a large knights' playground as well as an event hall and a castle tavern. The castle tavern also has a 120 m2 sun terrace with a view over Mauterndorf. Event highlights include the Medieval Spectaculum, the Long Nights and the atmospheric Advent market at the castle.
Archbishop's summer residence on the Via Imperialis
The first documented mention of the castle as a toll station dates back to 1002. At the beginning of the 13th century, construction began on the castle and its 44-metre-high fortified tower. Under Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach, who used Mauterndorf as his summer residence, the complex took on its current appearance. Mauterndorf Castle is one of the last three remaining toll stations along the Via Imperialis, the Roman trade route from south to north. The fortified tower with its excellent views is unique in Europe and offers exciting insights into castle life during a siege.
Winter Tue, Wed, Thu & Sun
Summer May 1 to October 31 daily
