Top 10 Castles in the Stubai Alps

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!

Beautiful in the snow

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.

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.

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.

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

Great ruin above the gorge

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