Above the eponymous village in the Upper Val Pusteria valley Heinfels Castle, “the Queen of the Val Pusteria”, rises
Image gallery: Heinfels Castle
The mighty Heinfels Castle (Burg Heinfels) is located in the Upper Val Pusteria at 1,130 m a.s.l. In 1243, the castle and Knight Otto von Heunvels were first mentioned in a document but it is expected that the castle is much older. Until the 16th century, it was known as "Huonenfels", because its origins are presumed to date back to the Huns in the 5th century AD. But presumably it were the Avars who built the castle complex in East Tyrol.
The castle is conveniently located and offers a beautiful panoramic view until the Gailtal valley. Due to its position, Heinfels Castle is visible from afar, one reason why it is called "Queen of the Val Pusteria". Through the centuries, it had numerous owners - in the 16th century, the area was known as ideal for the chamois and lynx hunt. In 1613, a fire destroyed big parts of the castle.
After years of planning works and renovation, Heinfels was reopened to the public in 2020: It includes a museum of 1,000 sqm, a shop, and a castle tavern. 38 arrow slits and so-called storm piles, which prevented that the walls could have been climbed up at the outside, characterize the castle still today. It can be reached on several paths, already the gorgeous view is worth the ascent!
Contact info
- Panzendorf 1 - 9919 - Heinfels
- +43 664 1677078
- info@burg-heinfels.com
Opening times
Despite careful control we cannot guarantee the correctness of the provided data.
Admission
guided castle tour (interiors with castle chapel and museum):
€ 15.90 adults
€ 15.90 young people (15-18 years)
€ 9.50 children (7-14 years)
free for children up to 6 years
panoramic tour (outdoor areas of the castle, without guide):
€ 9.50 adults
€ 9.50 young people (15-18 years)
€ 6.50 children (7-14 years)
More information
Heinfels Castle stays open till October 29, 2023, season closure in winter and spring (November to the end of April). For groups of 10 and more persons on request accessible all year round.
The interiors of Heinfels Castle are accessible only during a guided tour (approx. 90 minutes): ticket reservation on burg-heinfels.com/ticket-en.html needed, dogs are not allowed. Evening tour every Thursday in summer (early July to mid-September) till 8 pm.
The outdoor areas of the castle are accessible during the so-called panoramic tour (without guide), tickets are available on-site. The shop and the castle tavern are freely accessible. Special exhibition from June 17, 2023, on "East Tyrol - The Road to Modernity. 1870/71 to 1970."
