The Story of the Castle
Historical sources show that an earlier castle stood on the site of today’s Tratzberg Castle in the 13th century and served as the hunting lodge of Emperor Maximilian I. A great fire later destroyed the ancient castle, and authorities then gave its ruins to the brothers Veit-Jakob and Simon Tänzl. The brothers, who were very wealthy due to their share in the Schwaz silver mine, invested a great deal of money to build a new and magnificent castle on the ancient ruins. For 8 years, the brothers built a splendid structure with three floors and many beautifully designed rooms.
After their deaths, the castle passed to their family members who sold it to another noble family, and since then, for years, the castle passed from one noble family to another, undergoing renovations and expansions. Wealthy noble families like the Fuggers owned the castle and made it even more magnificent. Their influence on it is evident to this day. In 1847, the Enzenberg family inherited the castle. The family members are its owners to this day, and some of them even live in it.
The Main Rooms of the Castle
- The Hunting Room: This room originally served as the castle’s dining hall. It features antique tables, chairs, and cutlery, along with a decorated wooden ceiling and a striking marble column at the center. The room also includes a sculpture depicting life-sized animals and a group of hunters.
- Armoury: The castle’s weapon rooms display a wide collection of historical arms, including cannons, shields, helmets, spears, and even torture instruments.
- The Fugger Family Parlor: This room was used by members of the wealthy Fugger family for relaxation and social gatherings. It contains antique wooden furniture, a fireplace for heating, and a hidden staircase. The walls are decorated with paintings, many portraying members of the Enzenberg family.
One painting that deserves special attention is a painting of Innsbruck Castle by the artist Hans Schäufelein. - The Fugger Family Bedroom: In this room, you can see an ornate historic bed, several antique wooden chests of drawers, and impressive paintings of the city of Innsbruck.
- The Habsburg Hall: The walls of this room are uniquely decorated with a picturesque family tree of the House of Habsburg. The hall also features animal murals, antique chandeliers, and a beautifully crafted marble column.
- The Chapel: As in many historic castles, there is a dedicated chapel for the residents. Built in the Gothic style, the room is decorated with golden statues and an impressive altar.
Besides the ancient castle rooms, its exterior is also impressive in its beauty. The central courtyard of the castle allows you to look at its beautiful outer walls and enjoy the delicate flower design in its center.
This is what the Castle looks like
Guided Tours in the Castle
A visit to the castle is possible as part of a guided tour during which you will pass through the ancient castle rooms and learn about the function of each room and the antique furniture in it. There are tours in 8 languages, including English. The tour lasts about 30 minutes.
Visitors can take a guided tour designed for children from the age of 4. This experiential tour will allow children to experience life in the castle in a fun and different way. They will meet a real knight and search for the ghost that still lives in the ancient castle today. At the end of the tour, there is a short quiz, and with a little luck, you can also win a prize. This tour is offered in 4 languages, including English.
Additional Essential Information for Your Visit
Opening Hours:
End of March to the beginning of November. Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (the last tour departs at this time). The castle is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Cost:
- Adult – €16.20
- Youth (13-17) – €11.30
- Child (up to age 12) – €8.50
Please note: If you have visited the Schwaz silver mine, you are entitled to a 10% discount on admission upon presentation of your tickets from the mine.
There is no need to book a guided tour in advance. Only groups of over 20 people are required to book in advance.
Official Website
Address: Tratzberg 1, 6200 Jenbach
From the car park at the foot of the castle, you have to walk about 20 minutes uphill to the entrance.
Map:
