Top 16 Castles around Bezirk Zell am See
Best castles around Bezirk Zell am See are situated in a region characterized by its alpine landscape, including valleys, mountains, and the Salzach River. This area in Austria is known for its historical significance, with many structures dating back centuries. The natural environment provides a backdrop for these historical sites, offering a blend of cultural heritage and outdoor exploration. The guide features 16 castles, ruins, and historical sites.
Best castles around Bezirk Zell am See
- The most popular castles is View of Kaprun Castle, a viewpoint that offers views over the Salzach Valley and the surrounding mountains. The castle itself stands above Kaprun and was built in the 12th century as a fortification.
- Another must-see spot is Ruins of Friedburg Castle, a historical castle ruin. Visitors can expect a great view after a mountain hike to the site.
- Visitors also love Hieburg Castle Ruins, a historical castle ruin. This site is a relic from the past, offering a glimpse into historical architecture.
- Bezirk Zell am See is known for its variety of castles, including historical sites, viewpoints, and castle ruins. The region offers a range of structures from well-preserved castles to ancient fortifications.
- The castles around Bezirk Zell am See are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 310 upvotes and over 120 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Prielau Castle
Highlight • Castle
More information: schloss-prielau.at
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Pass Strub Fortress
Highlight • Historical Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
View of Kaprun Castle
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Fischhorn Castle
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Schloss Kammer Country Inn
Highlight • Restaurant
schlosskammer.at/de
de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schloss_Kammer_(Maishofen)
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Museum Schloss Ritzen
Highlight • Historical Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Einödberg Castle
Highlight • Castle
In recent years attempts have been made to turn the castle, which had become a farmhouse, into a boarding house. This resulted in a change in the window sizes and the interior layout. The previously existing draw well with a large wooden wheel also had to be removed and was filled up in 1969. Inside the building, some simple coffered ceilings from the 16th and 17th centuries have been preserved.
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schloss_Ein%C3%B6dberg
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Lichtenau Castle (Stuhlfelden)
Highlight • Castle
In 1624, Christoph Khuen von Belasy brought the castle into its present form of a typical Salzburg residence. Until 1663 the manor remained in the possession of the Khuen von Belasy, then the Lichtenau manor, so freely Aigen, went to Georg Thomas Perger von Emslieb. At that time he was the caretaker of Mittersill and Urbarprobst of the Kellenamt (that was the administrator, tax collector and judge of the archbishopric) Stuhlfelden. In 1676 the castle was acquired by Johann Josef Graf zu Kuenburg and sold on to Archbishop Max Gandolf von Kuenburg in the same year. He lets apartments here, e.g. set up for the Unterwaldmeister of the Pinzgau so that the castle does not stand empty. Until 1811, the palace remained in the possession of the sovereign as an official and residential building, from 1811 to 1816 it was under the control of the royal Bavarian tax office, after which the k. u.k. Forest Service relocated here.
In 1902 the castle was acquired by Alfred Freiherr Plapart von Leenheer. After several changes of ownership, the Congregation of the Brothers of Christian Schools from Vienna acquired it in 1930 and set up a secondary school with boarding facilities here. The rear turret was removed during the necessary adaptation work. In 1959 the Evangelical Church of Stuhlfelden bought the building and set up a home and training center. In 1978 the castle was bought, renovated and revitalized by the Stuhlfelden municipality. Today there is a special education center and event rooms in the castle. The castle also serves cultural purposes.
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schloss_Lichtenau_(Stuhlfelden)
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Weyer Castle Ruins
Highlight • Castle
The outer walls of the tower are 16 m high. In the basement, the building is made of layered masonry with local stone ashlars. Inside, the beam holes for the wooden ceilings that used to exist can be seen. According to these, the building was seven storeys high. A protruding wooden battlement probably ran around the top floor, covered by a tent roof. The entrance was through a gate that was initially on the first floor, but this has now been bricked up and replaced by an entrance on the third floor. Small window openings can still be seen on the south side. On the west side, a round-arched door surrounded by four beam holes suggests the former bay window.
A Romanesque chapel extending over two floors can be seen on the east side of the tower; It still has a semicircular apse with an arched window facing the former courtyard. Remains of the old plaster with traces of simple painting are still preserved. Above the dilapidated chapel, two narrow flights of stairs from the fourth to the sixth floor have been preserved.
The tower ruins, on which trees were already growing, were secured and restored in 1992. The tower is freely accessible.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Ruins of Friedburg Castle
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more castles around Bezirk Zell am See.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Bezirk Zell am See
Beyond the pavement – explore Austria's wild nature on a gravel bike
Biking with kids in Salzburg's Saalach Valley
Cross-country skiing in the heart of the Austrian Alps – Saalfelden Leogang
The Tauernhöhenweg – Once across the Hohe Tauern
From Bavaria to the Adriatic - My Bikepacking Adventure to Croatia 2023
Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail – Face-to-face with 3000-metre peaks
Ruperti Trail – Hike from Austria's Bohemian Forest to the Carnic Alps
North Alpine Trail 01 – Hike across Austria in 49 days
Hiking the Saalach Valley Ridge Way in Austria – Wild nature and mighty peaks
The Grossglockner – Circumnavigate Austria's highest mountain
Other adventures around Bezirk Zell am See
Tips from the Community
Unfortunately on the other side of the road or the bike path...
7
0
Very nice cycle path with a great panorama.
2
1
Very nice cycle path with good signage and a great panorama. Different towns and always the opportunity to take a break.
3
0
Everything you need to know about it can be found at https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pass_Strub
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly castles to visit in Bezirk Zell am See?
Yes, several castles and historical sites in Bezirk Zell am See are suitable for families. For instance, View of Kaprun Castle offers a great viewpoint that families can enjoy. Museum Schloss Ritzen is another family-friendly option, providing a cultural experience within a castle setting. Additionally, Schloss Kammer Country Inn is listed as family-friendly and includes facilities like a playground.
How accessible are the castles around Bezirk Zell am See by public transport or car?
Accessibility varies by location. Many castles and ruins are situated in the alpine landscape, some requiring hikes to reach, like the Ruins of Friedburg Castle. For sites like View of Kaprun Castle or Fischhorn Castle, road access is generally available, but it's advisable to check specific public transport routes or parking options for each individual site before your visit.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles in Bezirk Zell am See?
The region's alpine landscape makes spring, summer, and early autumn ideal for visiting castles and ruins. During these seasons, the weather is generally pleasant for outdoor exploration and hiking to sites like the Ruins of Friedburg Castle. Winter visits are possible for some sites, but access to ruins or viewpoints requiring hikes might be limited by snow and ice.
Can I visit castles in Bezirk Zell am See during winter?
While some castles, particularly those with museums or active inns like Schloss Kammer Country Inn or Museum Schloss Ritzen, may be open year-round, access to castle ruins and viewpoints in higher elevations can be challenging or closed due to snow and ice. Always check the specific opening hours and accessibility for each site during the winter months.
What should I wear when visiting castles and ruins in Bezirk Zell am See?
Given the region's alpine setting and the nature of visiting historical sites, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended, especially if you plan to explore ruins or viewpoints that involve hiking, such as the path to Ruins of Friedburg Castle. Layered clothing is also advisable to adapt to changing weather conditions, particularly in mountainous areas.
Are there dining options near the castles in Bezirk Zell am See?
Yes, some castles offer dining facilities directly or have options nearby. For example, Schloss Kammer Country Inn is a restaurant located within a historical castle. For other sites, you'll find cafes and restaurants in the nearby towns and villages within Bezirk Zell am See.
Which castles offer the best views in Bezirk Zell am See?
Several castles and ruins in the region are known for their scenic views. View of Kaprun Castle provides a wonderful panorama over the Salzach Valley and surrounding mountains. The Ruins of Friedburg Castle and Hieburg Castle Ruins also offer great views after a hike.
Are there any less crowded or 'hidden gem' castles to explore?
While popular sites like Kaprun Castle attract many visitors, exploring lesser-known ruins such as Einödberg Castle or Weyer Castle Ruins can offer a more tranquil experience. These sites often provide a deeper sense of history and solitude away from the main tourist paths.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The Bezirk Zell am See region is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the 'Krimml Waterfall Way' or the 'Klammsee loop', which are great for exploring the natural surroundings. Cycling is also popular, with routes like the 'Lake Zell Cycling Loop' or sections of the 'Tauern cycle path'. For more adventurous options, there are gravel biking routes like 'To Lake Zell via the Spielberghaus'. You can find more details on these activities in the Hiking around Bezirk Zell am See, Cycling around Bezirk Zell am See, and Gravel biking around Bezirk Zell am See guides.
Are there castles that offer a glimpse into local history?
Absolutely. Many castles in Bezirk Zell am See are significant historical sites. Pass Strub Fortress, for instance, is a historic place where the border region was defended. View of Kaprun Castle overlooks a 12th-century fortification. Museum Schloss Ritzen offers a direct insight into the region's past through its exhibits.
How much time should I allocate for visiting a castle in Bezirk Zell am See?
The time required varies greatly depending on the castle. A quick stop at a viewpoint like View of Kaprun Castle might take 30 minutes. Exploring ruins like Ruins of Friedburg Castle, especially if it involves a hike, could take 1-2 hours. For museums or larger sites like Museum Schloss Ritzen, you might want to allocate 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the exhibits.
Can I bring my dog to the castles in Bezirk Zell am See?
Policies regarding dogs vary by castle and site. While outdoor areas around ruins or viewpoints might be dog-friendly, access to indoor museum sections or private castle grounds is often restricted. It's best to check the specific rules for each castle you plan to visit beforehand.
Most popular routes around Bezirk Zell am See
Most popular attractions around Bezirk Zell am See
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Explore Bezirk Zell am See’s best castles region by region:
Explore more
Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Bezirk Zell am See:
