• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Throne & Vine

Discover South Tyrol - Italy's Best Kept Secret

  • NEW TO SOUTH TYROL?
    • Why You Will Love South Tyrol
    • South Tyrol 101
    • What to See & Do in South Tyrol
  • TRIP RESOURCES
    • Instant Access to FREE Guides & Checklists
    • South Tyrol Travel Resource Library
    • Driving in Italy Guide w/Cheatsheets
    • Helpful South Tyrol Websites
  • LATEST POSTS
  • TRIP CONSULTATIONS
    • South Tyrol Itinerary Review
  • ABOUT US
    • Who We Are
    • Work With Us
    • Get in Touch

The Wickedly Cool Castles of South Tyrol

By Kate & Vin 34 Comments

Tirol Castle South Tyrol

Throne & Vine IconFew things capture the imagination like an imposing medieval castle towering from an even more imposing mountainside. South Tyrol, Italy has no shortage of them. The region swells with around 800 castles and mansions spread over a variety of landscapes — more than any other area of Europe.

Surrounded by vineyards, orchards, forests and hiking trails, South Tyrol’s castles provide a truly breathtaking way to plunge yourself into the Middle Ages. You don’t have to be a kid at heart or a fanatic of Games of Thrones to find these fortresses fascinating. Here are some celebrated South Tyrolean medieval haunts you’ll want to visit.

Tirol Castle

Perhaps the most important castle in South Tyrol, Castle Tirol rises over a deep ravine in Dorf Tirol and lends its name to the entire region. From its ramparts, you’ll cast your eyes over stunning panoramic views of blooming apple orchards, terraced vineyards and the rich greenery of the Etschtal valley.

Built in the 1100s, Castle Tirol was home to the Counts of Tyrol and wielded enough influence throughout Euorpe to earn ink in Dante’s Inferno in the 14th century.

South Tyrol Castle Tirol
The Tappeiner Promenade, Algunder Waalweg (a path along an ancient water channel) and Falconers’ Path (Falkernrweg) provide an unforgettable trek to and around the castle presenting plenty of Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. Plus, there is a perfectly positioned beer garden near by to stop in and soak in the view with some suds.

Chapel inside Tirol Castle in South Tyrol
The castle is the perfect place to get a feel for the history of South Tyrol as it also contains the South Tyrolean Museum of History.

Castle Taufers

Castle Taufers South Tyrol
Castle Taufers attracts around 75,000 visitors annually and is one of the largest castles in South Tyrol. Glancing up at its brooding stone walls, it’s hard not to conjure up thoughts of Ned Stark boldly commanding from the castle’s throne room. Fortunately, you don’t have to be on the set of Game of Thrones to walk through its knightly halls.

Schloss TaufersCastle Taufers was residence to some of South Tyrol’s most powerful aristocrats of the 13th century. History abounds within. The castle includes a torture chamber, exhibit on WWI and a Romanesque chapel with striking frescoes.

Lebenberg Castle

Castle Lebenberg in South Tyrol

Walking along an ancient water channel carved into the steep mountainside it’s easy to lose your breath when you round a corner and spot Castle Lebenberg vigilantly standing guard over the valley below. The Lords of Marlengo constructed this elegant fortress in the 13th century.

SOUTH TYROL IS CALLING YOU!
GET INSTANT ACCESS TO OUR FREE LIBRARY of South Tyrol guidebooks, step-by-step travel tips and insider tricks. Our resources show you the budget-friendly way to escape to Italy's Best Kept Secret!
We hate spam. Your email address will not be sold or shared with anyone else.

Its three-story chapel showcases celebrated frescoes from the 14th century and the castle has a Hall of Mirrors and Hall of Knights that is complete with a collection of medieval weapons worth marveling at. You can also explore an ornate French flower garden and inner courtyards straight out of a fable.

Prösels Castle

Prosels Castle in Winter
Erected more than 800 years ago, the Prösels Castle is a magnificent fortress with a haunting history. The castle sits in the shadow of Schlern mountain and in the 16th century was the site of witch trials, which resulted in the burning of dozens of women at the stake.

Despite its tragic past, the castle now serves as a place of celebration hosting many events and concerts. Its stark beauty against the rolling countryside leaves an impression you will not be quit to forget no matter the season you visit.

Prosels Castle in South Tyrol
Churburg Castle

As much as Castle Taufers looks it belongs in Game of Thrones, it’s Churburg Castle that could be the inspiration for the swords, lances and armor of Westeros. For the last 500 years, Churburg Castle has remained within the same family and holds the largest collection of medieval armor in the world.

With 50 authentic suits of armor and accompanying weapons, one can only imagine the intense battles that were once fought to keep its arcaded courtyard with its two stories of frescoes fully-protected and remarkably-preserved to this day. The Churburg Castle is a feast for those drawn to the military history of Europe.

Churburg Castle South Tyrol
Wander the Medieval Heart of Europe

With 800 plus castles to pick from on any given visit to South Tyrol, you’ll have no problem going full medieval while enjoying this historic countryside.

But a word of caution to those that favor the couch over a trail. Getting to many of these magnificent structures can be a challenging walk up steep trails and cobblestone paths. By the time you get to the top you’ll know if you were cut out to be a knight. But worry not. The view from a mountain-born castle always quickly washes away any memory of the hike up. Always.

TAP TO PIN IT!

South Tyrol Castles

SOUTH TYROL IS CALLING YOU!
GET INSTANT ACCESS TO OUR FREE LIBRARY of South Tyrol guidebooks, step-by-step travel tips and insider tricks. Our resources show you the budget-friendly way to escape to Italy's Best Kept Secret!
We hate spam. Your email address will not be sold or shared with anyone else.
Divinely Alpine - Exploring the Wines of Elena Walch
South Tyrol Belongs at the Top of Your Travel Wish List

Related Posts

Filed Under: South Tyrol Castles & Fortresses Tagged With: Castles, Fortresses, hiking, South Tyrol

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marta says

    June 2, 2017 at 8:30 pm

    What amazing photos and castles! I love the idea of hiking up to view/tour them too!!

    Reply
  2. DebbZie Leksono says

    June 3, 2017 at 3:35 am

    I am awestruck reading your post!
    I adore anything related to medieval castles and every time I travel to Europe, I always try to visit one or more castles. Last year I was in Poland and visited Malbork castle which is amazing. And nowww I’m dying to visit South Tyrol and stay there perhaps for a year to explore all those 800 castles? Lol. Thanks for sharing this post! 🙂

    Reply
    • Kate & Vin says

      July 20, 2017 at 9:22 pm

      So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much!

      Reply
  3. Cameron Whitlock says

    June 3, 2017 at 7:06 pm

    Really enjoyed this post! As a fan of fantasy-fiction, I’ve always dreamed of spending a night in a castle like these.

    Reply
    • Kate & Vin says

      July 20, 2017 at 9:21 pm

      I absolutely have the same dream!

      Reply
  4. Carola says

    June 4, 2017 at 4:24 am

    Thanks for this guide!
    I love castles. This idea of all the history — and it will always have been exciting history — these centuries-old walls have seen 🙂

    Happy travels!
    C

    Reply
  5. interNATionalcaty says

    June 16, 2017 at 8:12 am

    Wow! I love the castles. My first castle was last year and now I want to visit more.

    Reply
    • Kate & Vin says

      July 20, 2017 at 9:21 pm

      I know the feeling!

      Reply
  6. Kelly & Dusty says

    June 16, 2017 at 12:28 pm

    oh my gosh! These pictures are stunning! This looks like an experience of a lifetime!

    Reply
  7. Nina Danielle says

    July 20, 2017 at 7:40 pm

    My jaw just kept dropping all through this post… every one of these castles is amazing and I can’t believe how many there!

    Reply
    • Kate & Vin says

      July 20, 2017 at 9:20 pm

      Thanks so much! We barely scratched the surface of all the castles in South Tyrol. Keep an eye out for more.

      Reply
  8. mytraveltricks says

    August 5, 2017 at 9:06 am

    Wauw how beautiful are those castles!! We always visited them when I was little, but didn’t appreciate them that much yet (I hated the hikes up there). But now I’m reading your blog it looks amazing! Definitely gonna save your recommendations for my next trip to Italy!

    Reply
  9. jin says

    August 5, 2017 at 9:07 am

    wow … just wow! such a great list of medieval castles in south tyrol! I hope to see one of these in the future – they all look quite delightful. =)

    Reply
  10. Ania | Snow to Seas says

    August 5, 2017 at 9:12 am

    Thank you for writing such a detailed overview of castles in South Tyrol. They are all absolutely spectacular. I want to visit them all!

    Reply
  11. Sally says

    August 5, 2017 at 9:34 am

    These castles are so cool! Amazing photos as well! I’d love to do a castle tour of the South Tyrol (and many other regions too ;)!

    Reply
  12. Alaine says

    August 5, 2017 at 12:37 pm

    The castles look so beautiful set against the alps. I love visiting castles and pretending what it would be like to be a princess living in a big castle. ??

    Reply
  13. Michelle Joy says

    August 5, 2017 at 1:53 pm

    These pictures are amazing!

    Reply
  14. Sarah Shumate says

    August 5, 2017 at 7:00 pm

    Oh my goodness, these castles are amazing! (And the landscapes surrounding them aren’t too shabby either.) You did such a good job photographing them! I can’t believe South Tyrol has 800 castles – that’s incredible!

    Reply
  15. Christine says

    August 5, 2017 at 9:06 pm

    Wow! All of these castles are breath taking! Your photography is impeccable!

    Reply
  16. Christabel Lobo says

    August 5, 2017 at 10:30 pm

    Absolutely stunning – the castles definitely look like they’d be featured in GoT.
    I’ve been to Italy but never made it up that far North…looks like I have to plan a return soon – cannot decide if castle hopping would be better in the spring or winter!

    Reply
  17. Nam says

    August 5, 2017 at 11:16 pm

    What a lovely list of castles! So fairytale like!

    I love castle Taufers the most 😛

    Reply
  18. Toni says

    August 6, 2017 at 1:55 am

    How amazing that there are so many castles to visit here! I definitely want to make it here and see it all. As a history teacher, this is right up my alley!

    Reply
  19. Ameeta says

    August 6, 2017 at 3:20 am

    800+ castles? That’s incredible! I like how you have drawn comparison to Game of Thrones 😉 Out of the ones you have listed, Prösels Castle and Castle Taufers look fantastic and I would love to visit them. The hike sounds cool too.

    Reply
  20. Katherine says

    August 6, 2017 at 4:16 am

    I can’t get over how many there are! And those pictures are incredibly stunning!!

    Reply
  21. Daniela || Ipanema travels to says

    August 6, 2017 at 6:56 am

    I love chasing castles. These are so much coming on my list!

    Reply
  22. Vicki says

    August 6, 2017 at 7:15 am

    Wow. Looks like this castles from old German fairytales that my grandma used to read to me when I was young 🙂 I would love to see them one day. Looks so nice. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  23. Kristine Li says

    August 6, 2017 at 10:32 am

    Wow! Some of them have such incredible backdrops against the castles, I’m in love with the photos!

    Reply
  24. Danik says

    August 12, 2017 at 9:37 am

    I love the South Tyrol region but I havent checked out these castles yet. I went many years ago so I am due another hiking trip here soon. 🙂

    Reply
  25. Nina Danielle says

    August 13, 2017 at 8:58 pm

    Oh my gosh! These castles are STUNNING. I’ve read a few of your posts about this area and just want to visit more and more

    Reply
  26. Manoj says

    August 14, 2017 at 6:13 am

    Awesome post. These castles reflect our richest tradition and culture. No doubt, it will be an unforgettable journey for the travelers as well as historians. I am impressed with the beauty of the surrounding location and nature.

    Take care,

    Have a nice week ahead.

    Reply
  27. Jean says

    August 15, 2017 at 4:42 pm

    Oh wow so many castles! Coming from Australia where we don’t have castles I’m always fascinated by European castles. Looks like I need to pack my bags and go see more castles

    Reply
  28. Priyanka singh says

    August 30, 2017 at 8:18 am

    Totally agree with you all of these pictures are Instagram perfect captures. And when I try to choose any one of the castle, I couldn’t. Amazing to know that how there is so much in the kitty of mother nature a person cant touch in a lifetime.

    Reply
  29. Jen S says

    August 30, 2017 at 11:52 am

    This is such a cool post! I love how you give the historical background of all the castles. I’ll definitely be visiting sometime soon!

    Reply
  30. Pooja Krishna says

    August 30, 2017 at 9:32 pm

    What an amazing post and pictures – didn’t know about this region and now I can’t wait to visit! Thank you!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Primary Sidebar

Fall in Love with South TyrolWelcome to Throne & Vine!
We bring you the insider's guide to "Italy's Best Kept Secret". Follow along and discover why this hidden gem belongs at the top of your bucket list.
- Vin & Kate

Discover the Wonders of South Tyrol! Follow Us

Visit Us On FacebookVisit Us On PinterestVisit Us On InstagramVisit Us On Twitter
South Tyrol Trip Planning Service

Tyrolean Recipes

SOUTH TYROL IS CALLING YOU!
GET INSTANT ACCESS TO OUR FREE LIBRARY of South Tyrol guidebooks, step-by-step travel tips and insider tricks. Our resources show you the budget-friendly way to escape to Italy's Best Kept Secret!
We hate spam. Your email address will not be sold or shared with anyone else.

Drive in Italy Without Stress! Get Instant Access to Cheatsheets to Bring on Your Trip!

Buy Driving in Italy Guide

LATEST POSTS

Discovering Bolzano – The Gateway to the Dolomites

Discovering Bolzano – The Gateway to the Dolomites

… [Read More...] about Discovering Bolzano – The Gateway to the Dolomites

The Best Forking Meal in South Tyrol?

The Best Forking Meal in South Tyrol?

… [Read More...] about The Best Forking Meal in South Tyrol?

Mountain Born Brilliance: Visiting Nals Margreid Winery

Mountain Born Brilliance: Visiting Nals Margreid Winery

… [Read More...] about Mountain Born Brilliance: Visiting Nals Margreid Winery

Before Footer

Discover the Wonders of South Tyrol! Follow Us

Visit Us On FacebookVisit Us On PinterestVisit Us On InstagramVisit Us On Twitter
  • NEW TO SOUTH TYROL?
  • TRIP RESOURCES
  • LATEST POSTS
  • TRIP CONSULTATIONS
  • ABOUT US

COPYRIGHT © 2017 – DELACROIX LLC – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED