Cultural Partners / Burg Heinfels
Virtual Tours
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Heinfels Castle
Burg Heinfels stands on a distinctive rock, 1130 m above sea level. It is the largest castle complex in East Tyrol and the Pustertal valley. The travel writer Beda Weber called it a „queen who rises into the air“. From 2016 to 2020, the museum association, the Land of Tyrol, and the Federal Monuments Office restored the castle from scratch together with the region.
Today, Burg Heinfels is a sight, museum, and event venue all in one. The museum combines historical masonry, magnificent views, and vividly presented history. It alternates between narrow defensive walls and round towers with wide panoramic views. In addition, modern architecture opens up the ruins and the tallest tower for those who are afraid of heights.
Experience history with all senses
In 1210, the highest tower was built on the rock and marked a new era of rule. Subsequently came the residential building and the ring wall, and finally in 1280 the castle chapel. The castle hill already belonged at that time to the once powerful counts of Görz.
On site, you can explore the towers and observation platforms of Burg Heinfels on your own. In addition, trained cultural guides accompany guests through Heinfels. In each castle chamber and hall, the museum tells a chapter of the eventful history. For example, it uses castle models, film and audio stations, photographs, original objects, and animations to do so.
The journey through time begins with the founding story, the battle of the legendary giant Haunold against the Huns. It then continues through everyday life at the castle and its geopolitical position up to the initial assault during the peasant uprisings. People who were persecuted, such as the Hutterites, followers of a reform of the church, also speak out, as does Thomas Hanns, the convicted murderer of the cook at Heinfels.
Discovering Burg Heinfels digitally
Two free 3D tours will already take you to the castle in advance. The first takes you through the castle courtyard on two levels to the impressive castle chapel. The second follows the tour through the castle museum, with videos, audio guides, and documents about the history. Both tours are available in German and English, and they run directly in the browser. This way you can prepare your visit to Burg Heinfels.