Top 10 Castles in the Stubai Alps
Castles in the Stubai Alps are predominantly found in the surrounding Tyrolean and South Tyrolean regions, which are easily accessible from the valley. The Stubai Alps are known for their natural landscapes, offering extensive opportunities for hiking and skiing. While the valley itself features historical monuments like traditional farms and chapels, grand castles open to the public are located nearby. This region provides a blend of alpine scenery and historical exploration.
Best castles in the Stubai Alps
- The most popular castles is View from Jaufenburg Castle (Castel Giovo), a castle that has been lovingly restored and made accessible to visitors. It offers a small four-story museum with information about the castle's history and the Jaufer area.
- Another must-see spot is Hofburg, Innsbruck (Imperial Palace), a castle and significant historical site. Visitors can explore a late Gothic inner courtyard, a covered staircase, and the "Frauenzimmer" (women's chambers).
- Visitors also love Reifenegg Castle Ruins, a castle ruin with a rich history. The castle was built to control the way over the Jaufenpass and offers views of the surrounding mountains.
- Stubai Alps is known for its castle ruins, renovated hilltop castles, and baroque castles. Visitors can explore medieval complexes, historical residences, and cultural museums housed within these structures.
- The castles in the Stubai Alps are appreciated by the komoot community. The guide features 7 highlights, with more than 300 photos and over 600 upvotes from users.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Hofburg, Innsbruck (Imperial Palace)
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In 1500 the Hofburg Innsbruck was completed under Emperor Maximilian I (1459-1519). It already had the same dimensions as today and was captured by Albrecht Dürer as a watercolor. You can see a late Gothic inner courtyard with a covered staircase, the coat of arms tower and the women's chambers, called "Frauenzimmer". There was a large reception room, which was designed as a hall with columns and vaults and is now known as the "Gothic Cellar". A "Kürnstube" in which Maximilian's hunting trophies were housed, a "Silverkammer" (treasury) and a banquet hall (with depictions of Hercules) have also been preserved.
The "racing ground" in front of the Hofburg served as a tournament venue for the sports-loving emperor.
Almost 250 years later, Maria Theresa (1717-1780) visited the Imperial Hofburg Innsbruck and felt that it was no longer up to date. Since 1665 there were no more Tyrolean sovereigns and the governors, who now ruled Tyrol on behalf of the Emperor, lived on the first floor (Lieutenancy). The state rooms on the second floor, which were reserved for the Imperial Family, remained uninhabited. The ruler ordered a renovation in the Viennese late baroque style and sent her best artists to Innsbruck: Konstantin von Walter and Nicolaus Parcassi. Martin van Meytens and his school as well as Franz Anton Maulbertsch were commissioned to furnish the interior. The renovation work was interrupted by the Seven Years' War and lasted until the 1870s.
Text / Source: INNSBRUCK TOURISM
innsbruck.info/gehenswuerdigkeiten/sightseeing/historical-buildings/detail/infrastructure/kaiserliche-hofburg-innsbruck.html
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Reifenegg Castle Ruins
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Mentlberg Castle and Mentlberg Chapel
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Wolfsthurn Castle
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Schneeberg Castle
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View from Jaufenburg Castle (Castel Giovo)
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Martinsbühel Castle
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The Martinsbühel is a low hill east of Zirl at the foot of the Martinswand. It rises at 616 m above sea level. A. around 30 meters over the Inn. It was already settled in the Latène period, later the Roman fort Teriolis was located here. The hill was also important in the Middle Ages because of its strategic location on the Inn ferry and the road from Innsbruck to the Upper Inn Valley and to the Seefelder Sattel.
At the site of the late Roman Teriolis fort and the former road block, a castle was built over the ruins of the fort in the early Middle Ages. In 1290 Heinrich von Aufenstein enfeoffed Ludwig von "sant Marteinsberg bei Zierlen". After the nobles of Martinsberg died out, Martinsberg fell to Prince Meinhard II of Tirol. Martinsbühel was originally intended to be the widow's residence of Margarete Maultasch, who had kept St. Martinsberg in addition to Ambras Castle and two castles in South Tirol when Tirol was handed over to the Habsburgs in 1363. Rudolf IV von Habsburg prevented Margarete Maultasch from remaining in Tirol. In the 15th century it became a hunting lodge for Duke Friedrich with the empty pocket or for Archduke Sigismund the Coin-Rich. The hunting lodge was also expanded by Emperor Maximilian I (a zoo, stables, farm buildings) and used as a starting point for show hunts in the Martinswand. The castle was mostly administered by aristocratic fiefdoms, around 1450 by the Mentlberg family.
In the 17th century the facilities were neglected and later also sold by the government. The Benedictine Father and Prior Edmund Hager (1826–1906) from St. Peter's Monastery, founded the “Kinderfreunde-Benediktiner”; In 1888 he acquired the property of the early castle complex to build a monastery with the aim of building an educational institution and training center for boys based on the model of Don Bosco. In Martinsbühel, a home for apprentices was set up in 1895, in which young people who were considered neglected were trained in tailoring, shoemaking, locksmithing and gardening. After the expropriation by the National Socialists, there was a school in Martinsbühel from 1938 to 1945 for "difficult to educate children", then a home for South Tirolean emigrants and a prisoner-of-war camp.
After 1947, the Benedictine nuns from Scharnitz, who belonged to the Melchtal mother monastery, ran a denominational girls' home in the buildings with an attached special school for mentally and physically disabled girls (the school was rebuilt in 1988). Against the nuns of this institution there are allegations of physical and sexual abuse of the children entrusted to them. From 1985 until the closure in July 2008, the one-year housekeeping school for girls was retained, which girls from other federal states could also attend and which were assigned by the respective youth welfare services of the federal states. Due to insufficient registrations, this facility was also completely closed and at the end of 2008 the last remaining nuns moved to the Benedictine monastery in Scharnitz. Since then, the building complex, including the school - this has been largely empty since 2010 - or is partly managed and inhabited by an estate manager (the artist Ferdinand Lackner). A media and publishing office can be found in the former special school.
Around 1700 the palas of the castle, the adjacent St. Martin's chapel and the castle wall were still completely preserved, but other buildings had already become ruins. Today the rectangular Romanesque palace of the castle, which is built up from regular layers of stone, is also still fully preserved. The house has a half-hip roof and unplastered stone masonry; it probably dates from the first half of the 14th century. The walled up arched portal on the second floor of the south wall is remarkable. Romanesque windows and a double-fluted, pointed arched gate from the time of Archduke Sigmund the Rich in Coin can also be seen on it. The front is adorned with a double-headed eagle on a yellow background. There are still a few remains of the old barrier walls.
The late Gothic St. Martin's Chapel next to it dates from the 15th century in its current form; At that time, under Emperor Maximilian, the ribbed vault was built and the presbytery was added. It is believed that this is the work of Niklas Türing the Elder, the court architect of Emperor Maximilian. The origins of the chapel go back to the 6th century; it is even assumed that Martinsbühel was temporarily the seat of the Rhaetian bishop Martinus-Marcianus (around 570 AD). In addition, the Martinskirche is said to be the oldest still existing church in North Tirol. The chapel was also rebuilt in the 17th century. The long building is now provided with a high gable roof, contains fresco paintings (serrated meanders, Heavenly Jerusalem and a holy bishop from the 12th century) and is adorned with a baroque bell rider. The last renovation took place in 1965.
The property is still owned by the St. Peter's Monastery in Salzburg today.
On July 24, 1703, an ambush was carried out on the Bavarian Elector Max Emanuel at Martinsbühel when he marched into Tyrol. But instead of him, the magnificently dressed Count Ferdinand von Arco (1643–1703), who was part of the company (and who was pro forma married to the Elector's mistress, Agnes Le Louchier,) was shot by mistake.
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Tips from the Community
Innsbruck's Hofburg, often referred to as the Tyrolean sister of Vienna's magnificent House of Habsburg, is a fascinating piece of history. The era of Maria Theresa, in particular, left its mark here and should not be ignored by anyone interested. Those familiar with the history of the dynasty can better understand the significance of this place. Admittedly, there are palaces in Austria that exude more glamour. But the Hofburg has its own special charm. The magnificent halls, large-format paintings, and breathtaking frescoes tell stories from times long past and invite you to immerse yourself deeply in history. The private chambers of Empress Elisabeth and Emperor Franz Joseph are particularly fascinating. Although the Empress rarely stayed here, her name still attracts many visitors. And the Hofburg's location is simply impressive – located in the heart of Innsbruck, it blends harmoniously into the cityscape. The exhibition can be explored at a leisurely pace without a guided tour, offering the opportunity to linger in the historic setting and absorb the atmosphere. A visit that brings history to life!
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Schneeberg Castle was first mentioned in documents in 1297. Parts of the defensive wall and the striking round tower still exist from this period. In 1571, the medieval complex was converted into a Renaissance castle. A devastating fire destroyed it in 1771, and the ruins were then converted into a castle-like residence. Today it is privately owned and can only be viewed from the outside.
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The Hofburg in Innsbruck is a residence built and inhabited by the Habsburgs. Members of the imperial family used the castle until the end of the monarchy in 1918.
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The old ruins of the JAUFENBURG were lovingly restored and made accessible to visitors. On Mondays between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., the small four-story museum with lots of information about the history of the former castle and the Jaufer area is open free of charge. Small mini tours included. If you like, you can also donate one or two euros.
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IMPERIAL HOFBURG In 1500 the Hofburg Innsbruck was completed under Emperor Maximilian I (1459-1519). It already had the same dimensions as today and was captured by Albrecht Dürer as a watercolor. You can see a late Gothic inner courtyard with a covered staircase, the coat of arms tower and the women's chambers, called "Frauenzimmer". There was a large reception room, which was designed as a hall with columns and vaults and is now known as the "Gothic Cellar". A "Kürnstube" in which Maximilian's hunting trophies were housed, a "Silverkammer" (treasury) and a banquet hall (with depictions of Hercules) have also been preserved. The "racing ground" in front of the Hofburg served as a tournament venue for the sports-loving emperor. Almost 250 years later, Maria Theresa (1717-1780) visited the Imperial Hofburg Innsbruck and felt that it was no longer up to date. Since 1665 there were no more Tyrolean sovereigns and the governors, who now ruled Tyrol on behalf of the Emperor, lived on the first floor (Lieutenancy). The state rooms on the second floor, which were reserved for the Imperial Family, remained uninhabited. The ruler ordered a renovation in the Viennese late baroque style and sent her best artists to Innsbruck: Konstantin von Walter and Nicolaus Parcassi. Martin van Meytens and his school as well as Franz Anton Maulbertsch were commissioned to furnish the interior. The renovation work was interrupted by the Seven Years' War and lasted until the 1870s. Text / Source: INNSBRUCK TOURISM https://www.innsbruck.info/gehenswuerdigkeiten/sightseeing/historical-buildings/detail/infrastructure/kaiserliche-hofburg-innsbruck.html
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An old ruin in the middle of the forest, the walls of a tower are still standing. You can go inside. The place is beautiful in the forest. There are beautiful views along the way
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the main castles located in relation to the Stubai Alps?
While the Stubai Valley itself is known for its natural beauty, the grand castles open to the public are predominantly found in the surrounding Tyrolean and South Tyrolean regions. These areas are easily accessible from the Stubai Valley, allowing you to combine alpine scenery with historical exploration.
Which castles are most popular with visitors?
Among the most popular castles are View from Jaufenburg Castle (Castel Giovo), which has been lovingly restored and features a small museum. Another highly regarded site is Hofburg, Innsbruck (Imperial Palace), a significant historical site where you can explore a late Gothic courtyard and the 'Frauenzimmer' (women's chambers). Reifenegg Castle Ruins also draws visitors with its rich history and views of the surrounding mountains.
Are there any family-friendly castles to visit?
Yes, Wolfsthurn Castle in South Tyrol is highly recommended for families. It houses the South Tyrol Museum of Hunting and Fishing, and a 'forest and water' theme path is located right by the castle, offering an engaging experience for children.
What kind of historical sites can I expect to see?
The region offers a diverse range of historical sites. You can explore a beautifully preserved Baroque castle at Wolfsthurn Castle, the impressive Imperial Palace in Innsbruck (Hofburg), and various castle ruins like Reifenegg Castle Ruins, which once controlled the Jaufenpass. Some castles, like Jaufenburg Castle, have been restored and offer museums detailing their history.
Can I visit Martinsbühel Castle?
Martinsbühel Castle is a renovated hilltop castle situated near Zirl. While it's a notable historical landmark, its accessibility for interior visits may vary. The exterior and its strategic location on a low hill, important in the Middle Ages, are certainly worth seeing.
What is the history behind Schneeberg Castle?
Schneeberg Castle was first documented in 1297 as a medieval complex. It was later converted into a Renaissance castle in 1571. Although much of it was destroyed by fire in 1771, the ruins were transformed into a castle-like residence. Today, it is privately owned and can only be viewed from the outside.
Are there any castles with good viewpoints?
Yes, View from Jaufenburg Castle (Castel Giovo) offers excellent views. Similarly, Reifenegg Castle Ruins provides beautiful vistas of the surrounding mountains, having been built to control the way over the Jaufenpass.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The Stubai Alps region offers extensive opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, cycling, and road cycling. Many of these routes pass through scenic areas close to historical sites, allowing you to combine your visit with an active adventure.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles in this region?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical exploration with the stunning alpine scenery. They enjoy the well-preserved architecture, the rich history embedded in each structure, and the unique cultural experiences, such as the museum at Wolfsthurn Castle. The opportunity to explore medieval complexes, historical residences, and cultural museums within these structures is highly valued.
Is Mentlberg Castle open to the public?
Mentlberg Castle and Mentlberg Chapel are very well maintained from the outside, with a nice, well-kept small park. While the exterior and grounds are accessible and pleasant for viewing, public access to the interior of the castle may be limited as it appears to be private property. The chapel, however, might offer more opportunities for interior visits.
Are there any castles that are ruins?
Yes, the region features several castle ruins that offer a glimpse into the past. Reifenegg Castle Ruins is a notable example, with a rich history and strategic location. While Jaufenburg Castle (Castel Giovo) was once a ruin, it has been lovingly restored and made accessible to visitors, offering a blend of historical preservation and modern accessibility.
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