Burg Taufers

About the museum

Castel Taufers was built at the beginning of the 13th century on a rocky spur separating the Tures Valley from the Valle Aurina. Already in the 1220s the lords of Taufers, a dynasty documented from 1136 and extinct in 1336, held a large complex with a keep, residential tower and palazzo. Around 1309–1315 much of the lordship passed to the Counts of Tyrol.

In 1504 the castle and its jurisdiction were pledged to the von Fieger family, who carried out the late Gothic extension that is still visible. In the 19th century the fief became private property. In 1903 Ludwig Lobmeyr bought the castle, then in ruins, restored and furnished it; in the 1920s part of the furnishings was sold. From the 1960s tourism became the main source of funding for maintenance.

Since 1977 the castle has belonged to the Südtiroler Burgeninstitut, which looks after it with works such as larch-shingle roofs, the restoration of the façades and the recovery of the old granary for events. The rooms with wood panelling, partly dating back to the 16th century, are fully furnished; the chapel preserves Gothic frescoes from the school of Pacher. Taufers is one of the most visited fortresses in South Tyrol.

Highlights

• More than twenty furnished rooms, including the court room, library, Knights’ Hall and the cardinal’s room
• Chapel with late Gothic frescoes from the school of Pacher
• Armoury and collection of portraits of 16th-century schoolchildren
• Keep with projection room, patrol walkways and the palazzo’s attic
• Drawbridges, castle garden, old kitchens and ice house

Permanent exhibitions

• Visita guidata agli interni del castello – Route through more than twenty furnished rooms, including the court room, library, chapel with frescoes, Knights’ Hall, armoury and the cardinal’s room.
• La storia della Valle Aurina – Exhibition at the castle on the history of the valley, open from Easter to All Saints’ Day.

Founded

1225

Operated by

Südtiroler Burgeninstitut

Visitors per year

approx. 67,531

Admission & discounts

Prices for the guided tour with tower and exhibitions, valid from Easter to All Saints’ Day, range from €12 to €15 for adults (€9–12 reduced, €6–7 children, €32–39 family), depending on the period.

Accessibility

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

The 13th-century building has no lifts or ramps: strollers and wheelchairs can only reach as far as the inner courtyard.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Children’s programme in summer: Tuesday morning “Giocare al castello per piccoli nobili” (playing at the castle for little nobles) (9:00–12:30) and Wednesday evening “Ora dei fantasmi per bambini” (children’s ghost hour) (20:30–22:30), with registration by phone on +39 0474 678076. The armoury is much loved by children; an album of stickers from South Tyrolean museums is available.

Getting there & parking

From Brunico continue for about 13 km into the Tures Valley; after Campo Tures cross a bridge and, after 100 m, turn right onto the 200 m road signposted for the castle. Address for satnav: Burg-Taufers-Weg 4, Sand in Taufers.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Castle tavern (Burgschenke); a 40 m² shop, open in summer, with souvenirs, books and children’s toys; in winter a reduced selection at the till.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The renovated granary is used for events.

Plan your visit