Burg Mauterndorf

About the museum

Burg Mauterndorf is located in the Salzburg Lungau on the old road over the Radstädter Tauern. A Roman castle is said to have secured the connection to Iuvavum at this point; an emperor document from Henry II names 1002 a toll station. The castle itself has been documented since 1253: the Salzburg Cathedral chapter had it built in the 13th century together with a mighty defense tower to secure market and toll.

In the 15th century, Canon Burkhard of Weißpriach and Archbishop Leonhard of Keutschach expanded the complex; Keutschach used it as a summer residence and gave it its present appearance. Until 1806 the castle remained the administrative seat of the cathedral chapter and then passed to the state, after which it gradually declined.

Berlin physician Hermann Epenstein bought the castle in 1894 and had it extensively restored. After his death it came into the possession of his godchild Hermann Göring for some years. In 1968 the state of Salzburg acquired the complex and renovated it from 1979 to 1982.

Today the Salzburg Castles & Palaces operates the castle as an experience destination: an audio guide tour with recreated scenes tells of life in the Middle Ages, the defense tower shows a siege situation on six levels, and the Lungau Regional Museum is dedicated to the culture of the region. The castle chapel with Gothic frescoes, knight's playground and a tour through the castle park with drawbridge complete the experience.

Highlights

• 44 meter high defense tower with scenes of a siege
• Audio guide tour with Archbishop Leonhard of Keutschach
• Castle chapel with high Gothic frescoes around 1350
• Lungau Regional Museum (in summer)
• Knight's playground in the castle courtyards
• Tour with functional drawbridge

Permanent exhibitions

• Burgrundgang „Zeitreise ins Mittelalter“ – Toll station, rock cellar, knight's hall and rooms of Archbishop Leonhard of Keutschach with figures and recreated scenes from castle everyday life.
• Wehrturm – The 44 meter high tower shows six stories of dungeon, armory, emergency quarters and tower keeper's rooms during a siege; at the top a view over the Lungau.
• Lungauer Landschaftsmuseum – Collection on nature, population and customs of the Lungau with historical photographs and works by priest August Schreilechner; open only in the summer season.

Founded

1253

Operated by

Salzburger Burgen & Schlösser Betriebsführung (Land Salzburg)

Visitors per year

approx. 41,589 (2025)

Admission & discounts

Summer prices May to October 2026; the ticket includes audio guide, castle chapel, defense tower, Lungau Regional Museum, knight's playground and castle park. Reduced tickets only at cashier. Surcharge for special events. Free admission with SalzburgerLand Card and Lungau Card, reduced with KatschbergCard. The tour around the castle and the castle tavern are accessible without admission.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Only the path from the North parking lot to the castle courtyard is barrier-free. Exhibition rooms, defense tower, Lungau Regional Museum and castle tavern have many steps. Mobility-impaired guests can drive to the North entrance after telephone registration (+43 6472 7426). Tablets with video tours through the interior rooms, including sign language, are available at the cashier. No accessible toilet.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children's audio guide from 6 years, free companion booklet with the jester Xaver Wuschelkovsky for children under 6 years, dressing up in the wardrobe, large knight's playground in the castle courtyards (weather permitting). In July and August holiday programs (e.g. 'Knight Junior', 'From Squire to Knight'). Medieval birthday parties for 6- to 12-year-olds. Some areas not accessible with stroller.

Getting there & parking

Via Tauern motorway A 10, exit St. Michael, then B 99 to Mauterndorf (tunnel toll Tauern or Katschberg tunnel). Without vignette from Salzburg via B 159 and B 99 via Radstadt and Obertauern (approx. 90 minutes).

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Wi-Fi

Burgschenke Mauterndorf with parlor and sunny terrace, Lungau cuisine and children's dishes; ritter feasts for groups. Dogs only allowed in the castle courtyard and at the tavern. Free WLAN.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 240 guests.

Cultural hall (162 m², up to 240 people) for celebrations, seminars, concerts and theater; castle chapel for weddings; small knight's hall and castle tavern with terrace via tavern. Available year-round.

Plan your visit