The Finstermünz or Altfinstermünz Fortress, a world of experience, is located at the foot of the eponymous mountain pass in Nauders
Image gallery: Altfinstermünz Castle
The Altfinstermünz Fortress is located at the Via Claudia Augusta, in the Finstermünz Gorge at the foot of the 1,186 m high Finstermünz Pass. The fortress always had a strategic importance both as border and customs village, and as connection between the Inntal and the Val Venosta valleys and the Swiss Engadine. Already the Romans had built a wooden bridge at this place to cross the Inn river. Then in medieval times, the Finstermünz Fortress was built, first mentioned in 1263 as "Castrum Lvechin der Vinstminze". From 1300 AD, custom was collected here.
In 1472 Sigismund, Archduke of Austria, built the first fortifications. Until the 19th century, the entire movement of goods and people over the Resia Pass proceeded past there. When the new road over the mountain pass was built, the fortress finally lost its importance - Finstermünz became "Altfinstermünz" (Old Finstermünz). The path down to the fortress leads past a cave castle and through a gate tower. Until the mid of the 19th century, this tower housed the tavern "Zur goldenen Krone", where the waggoners could take a rest.
In 2002, the Altfinstermünz Association bought the fortress and made it accessible to the public as a "Historical World of Experience" featuring a new visitor centre made of steel and glass. Guided tours through the fortifications are offered in summer and winter, furthermore it is an inspiring location for a range of events such as the traditional fair and a Medieval festival.
Contact info
- Altfinstermünz 180 - 6543 - Nauders
- +43 660 5642 538
- verein.altfinstermuenz@aon.at
Opening times
Despite careful control we cannot guarantee the correctness of the provided data.
Admission
€ 9.00 adults
€ 9.00 young people (15-18 years)
€ 6.00 with the Tiroler Oberland Summercard
€ 2.00 school classes
free for children up to 14 years (accompanied by their parents)
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guided tour (8 and more persons):
€ 9.00 per person
More information
Guided tours are offered during opening hours upon request for groups of 8 and more persons.
The Altfinstermünz Fortress stays open every year from the end of May to early October, Monday rest day. From May 27 to September 30, 2025, every Tuesday from 10 am to 1 pm a cultur hike from Pfunds to Altfinstermünz is organised: reservation needed by calling +43 50 225 300, fee on request (free with the Summercard), meeting point: Kajetansbrücke campsite at 10 am.
The fortress remains closed in spring (mid-April to the end of May) and in autumn (October to the end of December). In winter it is accessible only for the winter hike Pfunds-Finstermünz, offered on Wednesdays. Audio guides available in English, German, Italian, Dutch, and Rhaeto-Romanic.
Summer season start 2025 with festival on May 29, winter season start 2025/2026 in December.
