Top 11 Castles around Zirl

Closed to visitors from November

Paradise and Medicinal Garden "The Scent of Spicy Herbs" As you make your way from the Spanish Hall up a spiral staircase to the High Castle, the scent of spicy herbs wafts toward you in the warmer months. Plants for medicinal purposes were once cultivated in the Paradise and Medicinal Garden. Archduke Ferdinand II had a particular interest in medicine, as documented by his considerable collection of classical and contemporary medical literature in the Ambras Library. The basis for today's selection of medicinal plants is Philippine Welser's pharmacopoeia from 1560/70, preserved in the Ambras Collection. Text / Source: Ambras Castle Innsbruck, Schlossstraße 20, 6020 Innsbruck https://www.schlossambras-innsbruck.at/das-schloss-entdecken/orte-im-schloss/paradies-und-arzneimittelgarten

Palace Park - Ambras Castle, Innsbruck During the lifetime of Archduke Ferdinand II, Ambras Castle included a large forest area. The grounds, which slope steeply to the east and today, with their cliffs, ravines, bridges, and an artificial waterfall, are reminiscent of their original state, served as a game park. The palace also boasted a richly landscaped park, completed in 1574, with fish ponds, bird aviaries, and private garden houses in the pleasure gardens. Remaining features from this period include the spacious Bacchus Grotto, carved into the rock, where the Archduke's guests were once welcomed with the famous Ambras drinking games, as well as a stair tower in the Keuchengarten, the former structure of which has been partially reconstructed. The hydroelectric "circulating table" and the ball game house south of the Spanish Hall are no longer preserved. Under Archduke Karl Ludwig, who used Ambras Castle as a summer residence, the western part of the park was transformed into a landscaped garden starting in 1855, and the Keuchengarten received a swimming pool. Text / Source: Ambras Castle Innsbruck, Schlossstraße 20, 6020 Innsbruck https://www.schlossambras-innsbruck.at/das-schloss-entdecken/orte-im-schloss/schlosspark

The World's First Museum / The History of Ambras Castle Ambras Castle is located on the southern outskirts of Innsbruck, the Tyrolean capital. Records of Ambras date back to the 10th century, spelled "Amras" or "Omras." In the High Middle Ages, it was the seat of the Upper Bavarian Counts of Andechs. The property then passed into the possession of the Tyrolean sovereigns through inheritance. The medieval character of the castle is still clearly evident in the structure of the upper castle. In 1564, Ambras Castle became the residence of the Tyrolean sovereign, Archduke Ferdinand II, who moved there with his young family, his wife Philippine, and their two sons, Andreas and Karl. The so-called upper castle was converted and expanded into a residential building in the Renaissance style. The impressive Spanish Hall and extensive gardens were created below the residential building as new buildings. Text / Source: Ambras Castle Innsbruck, Schlossstraße 20, 6020 Innsbruck https://www.schlossambras-innsbruck.at/das-schloss-entdecken/das-schloss#:~:text=Schloss%20Ambras%20liegt%20am%20s%C3%BCdlichen%20Stadtrand%20der%20Tiroler

Great hike .. definitely sturdy shoes

Innsbruck's Hofburg, often referred to as the Tyrolean sister of Vienna's magnificent House of Habsburg, is a fascinating piece of history. The era of Maria Theresa, in particular, left its mark here and should not be ignored by anyone interested. Those familiar with the history of the dynasty can better understand the significance of this place. Admittedly, there are palaces in Austria that exude more glamour. But the Hofburg has its own special charm. The magnificent halls, large-format paintings, and breathtaking frescoes tell stories from times long past and invite you to immerse yourself deeply in history. The private chambers of Empress Elisabeth and Emperor Franz Joseph are particularly fascinating. Although the Empress rarely stayed here, her name still attracts many visitors. And the Hofburg's location is simply impressive – located in the heart of Innsbruck, it blends harmoniously into the cityscape. The exhibition can be explored at a leisurely pace without a guided tour, offering the opportunity to linger in the historic setting and absorb the atmosphere. A visit that brings history to life!

There's a nice animation on YouTube showing what the castle once looked like: https://youtu.be/uoZ6R732W_Q?si=jnkCu17-k__vppUf

The World's First Museum / The History of Ambras Castle Ambras Castle is located on the southern outskirts of Innsbruck, the Tyrolean capital. Records of Ambras date back to the 10th century, spelled "Amras" or "Omras." In the High Middle Ages, it was the seat of the Upper Bavarian Counts of Andechs. The property then passed into the possession of the Tyrolean sovereigns through inheritance. The medieval character of the castle is still clearly evident today in the fabric of the upper castle. In 1564, Ambras Castle became the residence of the Tyrolean sovereign, Archduke Ferdinand II, who moved in with his young family, his wife Philippine, and their two sons, Andreas and Karl. The so-called upper castle was converted and expanded in the Renaissance style to create a residential area. The impressive Spanish Hall and extensive gardens were created below the residential building as new buildings. Text / Source: Ambras Castle Innsbruck, Schlossstraße 20, 6020 Innsbruck https://www.schlossambras-innsbruck.at/das-schloss-entdecken/das-schloss#:~:text=Ambras Castle is located on the southern outskirts of the Tyrolean town, and is the seat of the Upper Bavarian Counts of Andechs.