Brief information:
- What is the Altfinstermünz Adventure Castle? A medieval castle ruin with breathtaking views of the Tyrolean mountains.
- What highlights can you see there? The castle ruins themselves, the observation tower, the castle courtyard, the castle tavern, castle tours
- Where is it located? Altfinstermünz 180, 6543 Nauders
- How much is the entrance fee?8 euros for adults. Discount with the Tyrolean Oberland Summercard 6 Euro. Here you can find all prices.
- When is it open? Mid-May to October, daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Here you will find the exact times.
- How much time should I plan for? At least 1 hour, longer for connoisseurs and explorers.
- Further information? Wheelchair accessible, family friendly, popular venue for weddings and events.
General information about the castle
The Altfinstermünz hermitage is a decorative and interesting monument of the Dark Ages. After 300 years of decay, the former border and customs station was transformed into a Adventure world It is located in the Inn Gorge between Pfunds and Nauders, an ancient cultural landscape that has been inhabited by people for almost two thousand years. The gorge was once an important traffic artery used by the Roman Via Claudia Augusta. A castle was built here in the 11th century, which was converted into a customs house in the 13th century.
What is there to see?
The Klausen Tower
The Klausenturm is a mighty, 17-meter-high gate tower that was built in the 16th century. It is part of the former Finstermünz customs and defense complex, which was located on the Via Claudia Augusta.
The tower was built to defend the road and bridge more effectively in case of danger. It is equipped with gun ports and a covered walkway. In the 17th century, the tower was raised and given its current appearance.
The bridge tower in Altfinstermünz
The bridge tower in Altfinstermünz was built in the 15th century and spans the Inn. The tower is 17 meters high and has two round arches. Over the centuries, the bridge passed through the tower at different heights.
In the 19th century, the tower was roofless. It is believed that the western approach to the tower was once constructed as a drawbridge. Water, hot pitch or other liquids could be poured onto undesirable people through the machicolation on the west side of the tower.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, the bridge was destroyed by floods and fire. In 1948/49, the bridge tower was restored and the bridge was rebuilt according to the original model.
The Sigmundseck Fortress
The Sigmundseck fortress is the oldest part of the Finstermünz fortifications. It was built around 1471/73 and can be reached from the cave castle via a rock passage.
The fortress served as a watchtower and defense tower and as quarters for the sovereign. Archduke Sigmund had it built to control the bridge in the Inn Gorge. It has recently been thoroughly renovated.
The natural cave and rock passage
The Altfinstermünz adventure castle has a spacious natural cave in the Graubünden slate. It is about 14 meters long, 8 meters wide and 12 meters high. At the north-eastern end of the cave there is a natural passage about 7 meters long. On the other side, a passage leads to an underground connecting passage to the “Sigmundseck” part of the castle.
The cave opening was originally closed by a late Gothic door. In the 17th century it was changed with a new door and new windows. In the 18th century the cave was divided into two halves and divided into two floors. A kitchen was installed.
In 2004 and 2005, a scientific excavation was carried out in the cave. No major unexpected discoveries were made. Most of the finds date from the 14th/15th century and are the result of handicraft activities.
Today, the cave is a screening room for visitors to the castle. You can sit down on benches and watch a film about the castle complex and its history.
Chapel of the Assumption of Mary
The Chapel of the Assumption of Mary in Finstermünz is a small, Gothic chapel dating from 1604. It is dedicated to the patronage of the Assumption of Mary and houses an altar by the sculptor Andreas Thamasch. The panel painting on the altar shows the Assumption of Mary, with the Holy Spirit depicted in the form of a person.
The Klausenschenke
The Klausenschenke is a cozy place to stop after visiting the Altfinstermünz adventure castle. It is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed on Mondays).
We offer hot meals, homemade cakes and tarts, ice cream, desserts and snacks.
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