Short Information:
- What is Erlebnisburg Altfinstermünz (Adventure Castle Altfinstermünz)? A medieval castle ruin with a breathtaking view of the Tyrolean mountains.
- What highlights can you see there? The castle ruin itself, the viewing tower, the castle courtyard, the castle tavern, castle tours.
- Where is it located? Altfinstermünz 180, 6543 Nauders.
- How much is the admission? 8 euros for adults. Discount with the Tiroler Oberland Summer Card is 6 euros. You can find all prices here.
- When is it open? Mid-May to October, daily from 9 am to 5 pm. You can find the exact times here.
- How much time should I plan? At least 1 hour, for enthusiasts and explorers, longer is recommended.
- Additional Information? Wheelchair accessible, family-friendly, a popular place for weddings and events.
General Information about the Castle
The Klausen Altfinstermünz is a picturesque and intriguing monument from the dark Middle Ages. The former border and customs station was transformed into an adventure world after 300 years of decay. It is located in the Innschlucht 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 thoroughfare used by the Roman Via Claudia Augusta. In the 11th century, a castle was built here, which was converted into a customs house in the 13th century.
What is there to see?
The Klausen Tower
The Klausen Tower is a mighty, 17-meter-high gate tower built in the 16th century. It is part of the former customs and defensive complex Finstermünz, located on the Via Claudia Augusta. The tower was constructed to better defend the road and bridge in times of danger. It is equipped with arrow slits and a covered walkway. In the 17th century, the tower was raised and received its current appearance.
The Bridge Tower in Adventure Castle Altfinstermünz
The Bridge Tower in Altfinstermünz was built in the 15th century and spans the Inn River. The tower is 17 meters high and has two round arches. Over the centuries, the bridge passed through the tower at various 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. The parapet on the west side of the tower could be used to pour water, hot pitch, or other liquids on unwanted individuals.
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 in the old style.
The Sigmundseck Fortress
The Sigmundseck Fortress is the oldest part of the Finstermünz defensive complex. It was built around 1471/73 and is accessible from the cave castle through a rock passage. The fortress served as a watchtower and defensive tower, as well as a quarters for the regional ruler. Archduke Sigmund had it built to control the bridge in the Innschlucht. It has been thoroughly restored in recent times.
The Natural Cave and Rock Passage
Within Adventure Castle Altfinstermünz, there is a spacious natural cave in Bündner shale. It is approximately 14 meters long, 8 meters wide, and 12 meters high. At the northeastern end of the cave, there is a natural passage of about 7 meters. On the other side, a passage leads to an underground connection to the “Sigmundseck” part of the castle.
The cave entrance was originally closed by a late Gothic door. In the 17th century, it was altered with a new door and new windows. In the 18th century, the cave was divided in half and subdivided into two levels, with a kitchen installed.
In 2004 and 2005, a scientific excavation was carried out in the cave. No significant unexpected discoveries were made. Most findings date back to the 14th/15th century and relate to craftsmanship.
Today, the cave serves as a presentation room for castle visitors. Visitors can sit on benches and watch a film about the castle complex and its history.
Chapel of Maria Himmelfahrt
The Chapel of Maria Himmelfahrt in Finstermünz is a small, Gothic-style chapel dating back to 1604. It is dedicated to the patronage of Maria Himmelfahrt (the Assumption of Mary) and houses an altar by the sculptor Andreas Thamasch. The altarpiece depicts the Assumption of Mary, with the Holy Spirit represented as a person.
The Klausen Tavern
The Klausen Tavern is a cozy place to stop for a meal after visiting Erlebnisburg Altfinstermünz. It is open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Mondays). They offer hot dishes, homemade cakes and pastries, ice cream, sweets, and “Marend,” a traditional Tyrolean afternoon snack.