Few 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.
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.
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 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.
Lebenberg Castle
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.
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
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.
What amazing photos and castles! I love the idea of hiking up to view/tour them too!!
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! 🙂
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much!
Really enjoyed this post! As a fan of fantasy-fiction, I’ve always dreamed of spending a night in a castle like these.
I absolutely have the same dream!
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
Wow! I love the castles. My first castle was last year and now I want to visit more.
I know the feeling!
oh my gosh! These pictures are stunning! This looks like an experience of a lifetime!
My jaw just kept dropping all through this post… every one of these castles is amazing and I can’t believe how many there!
Thanks so much! We barely scratched the surface of all the castles in South Tyrol. Keep an eye out for more.
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!
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. =)
Thank you for writing such a detailed overview of castles in South Tyrol. They are all absolutely spectacular. I want to visit them all!
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 ;)!
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. ??
These pictures are amazing!
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!
Wow! All of these castles are breath taking! Your photography is impeccable!
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!
What a lovely list of castles! So fairytale like!
I love castle Taufers the most 😛
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!
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.
I can’t get over how many there are! And those pictures are incredibly stunning!!
I love chasing castles. These are so much coming on my list!
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.
Wow! Some of them have such incredible backdrops against the castles, I’m in love with the photos!
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. 🙂
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
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.
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
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.
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!
What an amazing post and pictures – didn’t know about this region and now I can’t wait to visit! Thank you!