Top 9 Castles around Kolsassberg
Best castles around Kolsassberg include historic sites that offer insights into the region's past. Kolsassberg, a mountain village, is home to the historic Burgruine Rettenberg. For those exploring further, Freundsberg Castle near Schwaz provides a more complete castle experience with a museum. These locations offer views of the Inn Valley and the surrounding Karwendel mountains.
Best castles around Kolsassberg
- The most popular castles is Freundsberg Castle, a castle that was built around 1150 AD as the ancestral seat of the Knights of Freundsberg. It features a museum within its donjon and offers views of the Inn Valley.
- Another must-see spot is Hasegg Castle, a historical site with a mint tower. This castle was built to protect saltworks and shipping, and houses a coin museum.
- Visitors also love Neurettenberg Castle Ruins, a castle ruin perched on a small hill in Kolsassberg. It offers views of the Inn Valley and the Karwendel mountains.
- Kolsassberg is known for castle ruins, historical castles, and castles with museums. Visitors can explore remnants of medieval structures and well-preserved historical sites.
- The castles around Kolsassberg are appreciated by the komoot community, with 220 upvotes and 159 photos shared.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
Freundsberg Castle
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The beautiful castle church from the late Renaissance was only added between 1634 and 1637. The city of Schwaz has owned the complex since 1812 and had the local museum established in the castle tower in 1948: it offers an interesting insight into the cultural and economic development of the silver city. On the top floor, the old tower apartment takes you back to the time of the sovereign Duke Sigmund.
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Hasegg Castle
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The old town of Hall is the largest preserved medieval old town in North Tyrol: its landmark is the mint tower of Hasegg Castle.
Two special features of this charming little town are its old town and the mint with the mint tower. In 1477, Archduke Sigmund of Tyrol moved the princely mint from Merano to Hall, probably because of its proximity to the silver mines of Schwaz. In 1748, the Maria Theresa thaler was minted over 17 million times here and used as a means of payment all over the world. Today, the coin museum at Hasegg Castle tells of these times, and the associated mint tower offers you a wonderful view of the city.
Text / Source: Tirol.tl
tirol.tl/de/tirol/innsbruck-und-umgebung/hall-in-tirol
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Water Wheels at Hasegg Castle (Hall Mint)
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The water-powered drive for the cylindrical stamping machine, which was a technical leader in its time, has been rebuilt by hand on its original location.
The roller minting machine was considered a technical sensation in the Middle Ages and was able to mint around 4000 coins a day. By way of comparison, a normal workman could only mint about 300 coins a day by hand.
In the 15th century, the “Guldiner”, the so-called “Taler currency”, was invented. This not only enabled economic exchange across national borders, but was also the origin of the name ‘dollar’.
The silver mine in Schwaz, operated by the German Fugger trading house, caused the demand for silver coins to skyrocket.
The demand for new talers could no longer be met by hand embossing, which was still common at the time. So they began to look for ways to automate the embossing process.
Archduke Ferdinand II of Tyrol (1529-1595) was a great enthusiast for technical innovations. Under him, not only was the Hall coin moved from the city centre to Hasegg Castle, but roller minting was also introduced.
The roller minting machine, driven by water power, was first used in Hall in 1571 and enabled the mass minting of silver coins. This form of minting was extremely efficient and offered a significant competitive advantage. The Hall Mint was thus the first mint in the world to make the transition from a craftsman’s business to an industrial enterprise.
This technology spread throughout Europe and was considered “state of the art” for over 180 years.
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Neurettenberg Castle Ruins
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Schloss Mitterhart
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Interesting architecture
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Hasegg Castle, Hall in Tirol First mentioned in documents in the 13th century, the castle was built to protect the saltworks, shipping, the bridge over the Inn and to monitor the old salt road. The name comes from the Pfannhäuser, in which brine was evaporated and on whose "Egg" (corner) the castle was located. In the 15th century, the castle was expanded into a princely residence. In 1567, Archduke Ferdinand II had the mint moved here. Text / Source: Hall-Wattens Tourism, Unterer Stadtplatz 19, 6060 Hall in Tirol https://www.hall-wattens.at/de/burg-hasegg.html
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Mint tower of Hasegg Castle, Hall in Tirol The old town of Hall is the largest preserved medieval old town in North Tyrol: its landmark is the mint tower of Hasegg Castle. Two special features of this charming little town are its old town and the mint with the mint tower. In 1477, Archduke Sigmund of Tyrol moved the princely mint from Merano to Hall, probably because of its proximity to the silver mines of Schwaz. In 1748, the Maria Theresa thaler was minted over 17 million times here and used as a means of payment all over the world. Today, the coin museum at Hasegg Castle tells of these times, and the associated mint tower offers you a wonderful view of the city. Text / Source: Tirol.tl https://www.tirol.tl/de/tirol/innsbruck-und-umgebung/hall-in-tirol/
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The Münzerturm, the legendary landmark of the city of Hall, can also be visited. There are individual tickets for the museum and tower, as well as a combined ticket for both. Personal tours or tours with audio guides are available in various languages.
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Freundsberg Castle is located on a steep hill south of Schwaz. It was built around 1150 AD as the ancestral home of the Knights of Freundsberg. Initially there was only a residential tower, in which parts of the original frescoes are still visible, but when Duke Sigismund the Rich acquired the castle and court in the 15th century, he had it converted into a hunting lodge. The beautiful castle church from the late Renaissance was only added between 1634 and 1637. The city of Schwaz has owned the complex since 1812 and had the local museum established in the castle tower in 1948: it offers an interesting insight into the cultural and economic development of the silver city. On the top floor, the old tower apartment takes you back to the time of the sovereign Duke Sigmund.
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From the Münzerturm, the city's landmark, you have a wonderful view over the medieval town of Hall to the impressive Karwendel massif. The tower is located in the grounds of Hasegg Castle. A visit to the tower is not only worthwhile for the view. There is also an exciting museum here that explains everything about the coin and its production. You can find all the information here: https://www.muenze-hall.at.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of castles can I explore around Kolsassberg?
Around Kolsassberg, you can explore a mix of historic castle ruins, well-preserved castles, and those featuring museums. These sites offer insights into the region's past and often provide stunning views of the Inn Valley and the Karwendel mountains.
Which castles offer museums or cultural exhibits?
For cultural exhibits, you should visit Freundsberg Castle near Schwaz, which houses the Schwaz Town Museum in its donjon, detailing the 'Silver Town's' history. Another excellent option is Hasegg Castle in Hall in Tirol, known for its mint tower and coin museum, showcasing the history of coinage.
Are there any castle ruins to visit in Kolsassberg itself?
Yes, Neurettenberg Castle Ruins (also known as Burgruine Rettenberg) is located directly in Kolsassberg. It's a popular excursion destination, offering remnants of medieval walls and foundations, along with panoramic views of the Inn Valley and Karwendel mountains.
Which castles offer the best panoramic views?
Freundsberg Castle, perched on a steep hill above Schwaz, provides breathtaking views of the Inn Valley. Similarly, Neurettenberg Castle Ruins in Kolsassberg also offers wonderful vistas of the Inn Valley and the Karwendel mountains from its elevated position.
Are there family-friendly castles or activities for children?
Hasegg Castle is considered family-friendly, particularly with its coin museum and the fascinating water wheels at the Hall Mint (Water Wheels at Hasegg Castle (Hall Mint)) that demonstrate medieval minting technology. The historical context and interactive elements can be engaging for children.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
Many castles are situated near scenic routes. For example, Freundsberg Castle is accessible via hiking trails. If you're interested in cycling, Schloss Mitterhart is conveniently located right on the Inn Cycle Path. You can find various road cycling, touring bicycle, and MTB trails around Kolsassberg, offering routes like the 'Gartlach snack station – Rettenberg Castle Ruins loop' for mountain biking. Explore more options in the MTB Trails around Kolsassberg, Road Cycling Routes around Kolsassberg, and Cycling around Kolsassberg guides.
Can I find food and drink options near the castles?
Yes, Freundsberg Castle features a charming tavern (Hofschänke) offering traditional Tyrolean dishes and a medieval ambiance. Schloss Mitterhart also has a restaurant and cafe on-site. For Neurettenberg Castle Ruins, while there isn't a dedicated restaurant, a farmhouse within the castle walls may grant access to its courtyard.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Kolsassberg?
The castles are generally enjoyable from spring through autumn. Freundsberg Castle, for instance, is open from March to December, with its viewing platform accessible year-round. Visiting during milder weather allows for comfortable exploration of the ruins and surrounding hiking trails, and for enjoying outdoor terraces at castle taverns.
Is there parking available near the castles?
While specific parking details for each castle may vary, generally, castles like Freundsberg Castle are accessible by a short climb, suggesting nearby parking in the town of Schwaz. For Hasegg Castle in Hall in Tirol, parking would typically be available within the town. It's advisable to check local parking information for each specific location.
How long should I plan for a visit to a castle?
The duration of a visit depends on the castle. For a ruin like Neurettenberg Castle Ruins, a short walk around the remains and enjoying the views might take an hour or two. For castles with museums, such as Freundsberg Castle or Hasegg Castle, you might want to allocate 2-3 hours to explore the exhibits and grounds thoroughly, especially if you plan to enjoy a meal or coffee.
Are dogs allowed on castle grounds or nearby trails?
While specific rules for each castle vary, many outdoor areas and hiking trails around Kolsassberg are dog-friendly. For castle ruins or outdoor castle grounds, dogs on a leash are often permitted. It's always best to check the specific regulations for each castle or museum before your visit.
What makes <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/516914" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hasegg Castle</a> unique?
Hasegg Castle in Hall in Tirol is unique for its prominent mint tower and its history as a princely residence and mint. It played a crucial role in European coinage, being the birthplace of the Maria Theresa thaler and pioneering roller minting technology. The coin museum within the castle offers a deep dive into this rich history.
Can I visit castles during winter around Kolsassberg?
Some castles, like Freundsberg Castle, have viewing platforms accessible year-round, even if the museum or tavern has seasonal closures. Winter can offer a different, often picturesque, experience, especially with snow-covered landscapes. However, some trails leading to ruins might be less accessible, so checking local conditions is recommended.
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