Top 12 Castles around Söll
Best castles around Söll are found within the surrounding Tyrolean region, as Söll itself is primarily known for its Baroque church and as a hiking destination. The area features a diverse landscape of mountains and valleys, characteristic of the Kitzbühel Alps. While not directly in Söll, several historical castles are accessible within a reasonable driving distance. These landmarks provide insight into the region's past as a border area between Tyrol and Bavaria.
Best castles around Söll
- The most popular castles is Kufstein Fortress and Römerhofgasse, a historical site that towers above the Tyrolean district capital Kufstein. Emperor Maximilian I conquered and expanded this fortress in 1504, and today it serves as a venue for events and features the world's largest outdoor organ.
- Another must-see spot is Mariastein Pilgrimage Church and Castle, a religious building. This snow-white castle and chapel is perched on a rock and became a pilgrimage church after a Marian miracle in the 18th century. Visitors can reach the Chapel of Mercy, known for its Madonna portrait, via 142 steps.
- Visitors also love Thierberg Castle and Pilgrimage Chapel, a castle with an interesting pilgrimage chapel and tower room. It offers great views over the Inn Valley and Kufstein, accessible via an easy hike.
- Söll is known for fortresses, pilgrimage castles, and historical sites. The region offers a variety of structures, from well-preserved strongholds to those with religious significance.
- The castles around Söll are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1000 upvotes and over 600 photos shared.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
Kufstein Fortress and Römerhofgasse
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Thierberg Castle and Pilgrimage Chapel
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Mariastein Pilgrimage Church and Castle
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Itter Castle
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Upper Town Square
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The fortress also towers high above the square.
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The Thierberg Castle ruins lie above Kufstein in Tyrol at an altitude of approximately 721 meters and are among the oldest castles in the region. They were built around 1280 by the Lords of Freundsberg as a small hilltop fortress to secure the Inn Valley. Over the centuries, the castle changed hands several times – among other things, it belonged to Bavaria for a time before falling to Tyrol in 1504. The striking keep has been preserved to this day and offers impressive panoramic views of Kufstein, the Inn Valley, and the Kaiser Mountains. Within the old walls lies the Thierberg Chapel, a popular pilgrimage site with numerous votive images and a quiet, spiritual atmosphere. A hermit traditionally lives next to the chapel to look after the site. Today, the Thierberg Castle ruins are a historic tourist destination that combines history, nature, and faith in a unique way.
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Worth seeing old town and beautiful buildings.
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“Who knows the pearl, the pearl of Tyrol” – this is how the charming town on the Inn is sung in the famous Kufstein song. And rightly so, because Kufstein on the mighty Keizerberg has a lot to offer. The beautiful old town with its historic medieval Römerhofgasse avenue, modern boutiques, shopping centers and inviting cafés make Kufstein a versatile, thriving city. Its city symbol is the fortress, which rises high above the city and now serves as a backdrop for cultural events. The Panoramabahn takes you from the city center directly to the fortress. Here you will find, in addition to the newly designed Heimatsmuseum (regional museum), also the famous Helden Organ, the largest open-air organ in the world. Every day at 12 noon his playing sounds and he calls for world peace.
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The Kufstein Fortress towers above the Tyrolean district capital Kufstein as an unmistakable landmark and bears witness to Kufstein's turbulent past as a border town between Tyrol and Bavaria. The fortress was first mentioned in 1205. Emperor Maximilian I conquered the castle in 1504 and had it expanded. Today, Kufstein Fortress is a popular location for theater and concert events and provides an impressive backdrop for the Kufstein Operetta Summer every year. Visitors can easily reach the fortress mountain with the modern panoramic railway line. The Hero organ in the Bürgerturm is special: it is the largest outdoor organ in the world. Their music is played daily in memory of all victims of military conflicts and calls for peace in the world.
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Kufstein is a beautiful little town, you simply have to go here. On the lower town square there are a number of opportunities to stop off and simply enjoy.
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The pilgrimage church is an imposing structure located in the heart of the Inn Valley, yet off the busy roads near the Inn River. A detour is especially worthwhile to admire the panoramic views of the Nordkette mountain range.
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Enjoy great views on racing bike tours through Kufsteinerland.
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Arrival of the Kufsteiner Cycle Marathon
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles near Söll are most popular with visitors?
Among the most popular are Kufstein Fortress and Römerhofgasse, an impressive landmark with a rich history and the world's largest outdoor organ. Also highly regarded is Mariastein Pilgrimage Church and Castle, known for its snow-white appearance and religious significance, and Thierberg Castle and Pilgrimage Chapel, which offers great views and an easy hike.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Söll?
Yes, several castles are suitable for families. Kufstein Fortress and Römerhofgasse is family-friendly and accessible via a panoramic railway. Thierberg Castle and Pilgrimage Chapel is also suitable for children, offering an easy hike and interesting features like a historic nativity scene.
What historical insights can I gain from visiting castles near Söll?
The castles in the region offer a deep dive into Tyrol's past as a border area. Kufstein Fortress, for example, was conquered and expanded by Emperor Maximilian I in 1504 and bears witness to centuries of conflict. Itter Castle has a unique history, including its role as a subcamp of Dachau concentration camp during WWII and the Battle for Itter Castle in 1945.
Which castles offer the best viewpoints or scenic vistas?
Thierberg Castle and Pilgrimage Chapel provides excellent views over the Inn Valley and Kufstein. Mariastein Pilgrimage Church and Castle, perched on a rock, also offers beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The Söll region is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as the 'View from Gruberhof' loop, and running trails, like the 'Söll Village Center – View of the Wilder Kaiser' loop. For more challenging adventures, there are mountain hikes, including the 'Hexenwasser Söll – Hohe Salve' loop. You can explore these and more routes in the Cycling around Söll, Running Trails around Söll, and Mountain Hikes around Söll guides.
How can I get to castles near Söll by public transport?
While Söll is a great base, direct public transport links to all castles can vary. For Kufstein Fortress, you can typically reach Kufstein town by bus or train from Söll, and then use the panoramic railway to ascend to the fortress. For other castles like Schloss Mariastein or Schloss Tratzberg, public transport might involve multiple connections, so checking local bus schedules or considering a taxi/car rental is advisable.
Are there any castles with unique features or experiences?
Yes, Kufstein Fortress is home to the world's largest outdoor organ, which plays daily. Schloss Tratzberg, though further afield (about an hour's drive), is known as a 'high-tech museum' offering virtual reality experiences and numerous hidden secret passages, providing a unique way to explore history.
What is the best time to visit castles around Söll?
The best time to visit is generally during the warmer months from late spring to early autumn (May to October) when the weather is pleasant for exploring and outdoor activities. Many castles and their surrounding areas are fully accessible during this period. Some attractions, like Kufstein Fortress, host events during the summer, adding to the experience.
Are there any castle ruins or less-preserved historical sites to explore?
Yes, for those interested in ruins, Burgruine Falkenstein is mentioned as a notable castle ruin near Söll, often recommended for a day trip. While specific details about its features are not provided, castle ruins typically offer picturesque views and a sense of historical mystique.
What are the opening hours and entrance fees for Kufstein Fortress?
Opening hours and entrance fees for Kufstein Fortress can vary by season and special events. It's recommended to check their official website directly for the most current information regarding admission prices and operating times before your visit.
Can I find cafes or pubs near the castles?
Near Kufstein Fortress, the town of Kufstein offers numerous opportunities to stop off, with cafes and pubs in the lower town square. For Thierberg Castle and Pilgrimage Chapel, there's a Gasthaus Neuhaus about 20 minutes before the destination, providing a place for refreshments.
Are there any castles that are particularly significant for religious history?
Mariastein Pilgrimage Church and Castle is a significant religious site. It became a pilgrimage church after an 18th-century Marian miracle, with pilgrims visiting the Chapel of Mercy to see its beautiful Madonna portrait, accessible via 142 steps. Thierberg Castle and Pilgrimage Chapel also features an interesting pilgrimage chapel.
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