Schloss Runkelstein

About the museum

Runkelstein’s origins date back to 1237, when the prince-bishop of Trento authorised the brothers Federico and Beral of Wangen to build a castle on a rocky spur near Bolzano. In 1385 it passed to the brothers Niklaus and Franz Vintler, members of one of the most influential families of the Bolzano urban elite, who enlarged it and transformed it into a representative summer residence, decorating it with fresco cycles. These paintings, a unique testimony to court life, noble culture and the most beloved legends of the Middle Ages, celebrated the Vintlers’ social rise, which culminated in 1392 with their admission to the nobility.

In 1490 the castle passed to Emperor Maximilian I, who had the paintings restored; in 1538 the Counts Lichtenstein-Kastelkorn acquired it. A slow decline began in the 17th century, followed by renewed interest at the end of the 19th century: Emperor Franz Joseph initiated extensive restorations and in 1893 donated the castle to the city of Bolzano. In 1971 Pier Paolo Pasolini shot some scenes of the Decameron there. Since 2000 Runkelstein has been open again as a museum.

The new permanent exhibition, inaugurated 25 years after the reopening, presents the motifs of the secular paintings in an interactive way, with animated frescoes, music stations and activities for young and old. It occupies three rooms devoted to the Vintler family, to love and leisure in the Middle Ages, and to the literature and legends that inspired the paintings.

Highlights

• Secular fresco cycles of the 14th century commissioned by the Vintlers
• New interactive permanent exhibition in three rooms
• Castle on a rocky spur above the Val Sarentino
• “Castellum” castle inn with terrace
• Free audio guide via app

Permanent exhibition

• Mostra permanente – Interactive route through three rooms on the Vintler family, on love and leisure in the Middle Ages, and on the literature and legends that inspired the frescoes.

Founded

2000

Operated by

Fondazione Castelli di Bolzano (Stiftung Bozner Schlösser)

Visitors per year

approx. 49,552

Admission & discounts

Special visits for groups of fewer than 10 people or outside opening hours cost the admission price plus a €50 surcharge. With the “Dolomiten” card admission is free. Guest cards are no longer accepted.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• 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 castle is not accessible to people with mobility impairments: the access path and the courtyard are cobbled, and the rooms can only be reached by stairs. Dogs are admitted only in the courtyard and the restaurant; in the museum only dogs that can be carried.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Themed educational routes for children, for example on the fantasy world of animals in the frescoes (ages 4–10); family ticket for €20.

Getting there & parking

By car: state road of the Val Sarentino (SS 508), turn right before the tunnel; the castle cannot be reached by car.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop

“Castellum” castle inn (Tuesday–Sunday during castle hours, tel. +39 375 604 5180); bookshop at the start of the museum route. The rooms are neither heated nor air-conditioned.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The inner courtyard can be rented for events (runkelstein@runkelstein.info); the restaurant can be rented for private events.

Plan your visit