Altfinstermuenz
Altfinstermuenz

Altfinstermünz Fortress

The Finstermünz Fortress, or Altfinstermünz, is located at the foot of the eponymous mountain pass in Nauders

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

Opening times

  • Tue 03 Oct closed
  • Wed 04 Oct closed
  • Thu 05 Oct closed
  • Fri 06 Oct closed
  • Sat 07 Oct closed
  • Sun 08 Oct closed
  • Mon 09 Oct closed

Despite careful control we cannot guarantee the correctness of the provided data.

Full timetables
Despite careful control we cannot guarantee the correctness of the provided data.

Summer 2023 (13/06/2023 - 10/09/2023)

  • Mon closed
  • Tue 11:00 - 16:30
  • Wed 11:00 - 16:30
  • Thu 11:00 - 16:30
  • Fri 11:00 - 16:30
  • Sat 11:00 - 16:30
  • Sun 11:00 - 16:30

Feast of the Assumption 2023 (15/08/2023) 11:00 - 16:30

Autumn 2023 (12/09/2023 - 01/10/2023)

  • Mon closed
  • Tue 11:00 - 16:30
  • Wed 11:00 - 16:30
  • Thu 11:00 - 16:30
  • Fri 11:00 - 16:30
  • Sat 11:00 - 16:30
  • Sun 11:00 - 16:30

Admission

€ 9.00 adults
€ 9.00 young people (15-18 years)
€ 2.00 students

free for children up to 14 years (accompanied by their parents)

free with the Oberland Summer Card GOLD
discount with the Oberland Summer Card

guided tour (8 and more persons):
€ 8.00 per person

More information

The Altfinstermünz Fortress stays open till the 1st of October 2023. Season closure in winter and spring (early October to mid-May) - during the winter months from the end of December to April, a guided cultural walk from the Kajetansbrücke bridge to the fortress is offered once a week.

Guided tours on reservation for groups of 8 and more persons.

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