Fortress Kufstein
The fortress of Kufstein was officially documented for the first time in a deed in 1205; for centuries it was a military base. Before it passed into Austrian possession in 1814, it had been owned by Bavarian and Tyrolean dukes. Today, we can offer you the opportunity to explore the landmark of Kufstein and its multi-faceted past.
The fortress is reached by means of the “Kaiser Maximilian” panorama cable car or by foot via the covered steps. This is exactly the place where the Bavarians invaded Tyrol in 1703. Your interactive tour of the area leads you to the “Deep Well”, that is approximately 60 m deep, the underground rock path, the herb and agricultural plant garden at the Anna battery, to the “Dancing Art in Bronze” sculptures of Meta Mettig von Ellenberger, the Elisabeth battery with the canons, the circular fortress with its wooden battlement parapet, and lots more.
Explore the former national prison in the Emperor’s Tower where an exhibition on “Jurisdiction under the Hapsburgs” is shown. Or visit the Folklore Museum and learn interesting details of Tyrolean history, or enjoy the special exhibition at the artillery laboratory on “The Role of Kufstein Fortress as Garrison in WW I and the Connections to Zona Monumentale.
The Citizens Tower houses an exhibition about the Tyrolean “Kaiserjäger” and “Schützen” troops and the largest outdoors organ, the “Heldenorgel”, or “heroes organ” as it is called. The inn at Kufstein fortress offers traditional cuisine in cosy guest rooms, the fortress’s chapel or in the fortress garden.
Source: festung.kufstein.at