Top 2 Castles in the Tennen Mountains

Hohenwerfen Castle is a majestic medieval rock castle perched on a 155-meter rock pillar, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Salzach valley. It's renowned for its historic Falconry Centre, which hosts daily flight demonstrations featuring various birds of prey, a tradition protected by UNESCO. The castle also functions as a museum, with guided tours exploring its extensive weapons collection and historical rooms. It has even served as a filming location for movies like "Where Eagles Dare".

Burg Golling is a well-preserved Gothic fortress that now houses the Golling Castle Museum. This museum showcases regional history and natural heritage, with collections ranging from the Neolithic era to the Middle Ages, including prehistoric artifacts and historical timepieces. The castle also serves as a vibrant cultural event venue, hosting festivals, concerts, and an annual medieval fair.

Yes, both major castles offer family-friendly experiences. Hohenwerfen Castle's falconry shows are particularly engaging for all ages, and the castle itself is accessible via a passenger lift. Burg Golling, with its museum and cultural events, provides an educational and entertaining outing for families interested in history and nature. Additionally, several viewpoints like the View of Hohenwerfen Castle are marked as family-friendly.

The castles in the Tennen Mountains offer spectacular views. Hohenwerfen Castle itself provides panoramic vistas of the Salzach valley and the surrounding Berchtesgaden Alps and Tennen Mountains. You can also find dedicated viewpoints such as the Salzach Gorge and View of Hohenwerfen Castle, which offers a stunning perspective of the castle and the dramatic gorge. Another great spot is the View of Hohenwerfen Castle and the Salzach River from Salzach Bridge.

Hohenwerfen Castle is located near the market town of Werfen. Visitors can reach the castle via a steep footpath or a convenient passenger lift, making it accessible for various fitness levels.

The Tennen Mountains region offers a variety of outdoor activities. Near the castles, you can enjoy cycling along the Salzach River, with routes like the "Tauglbach Rock Formations – Roman or Devil’s Bridge loop" from Golling an der Salzach. For hiking enthusiasts, there are trails such as the "Lammerklamm and Mühlenrundweg Trail." You can explore more options in the Traffic-free bike rides in the Tennen Mountains and Hiking in the Tennen Mountains guides.

Yes, the region is rich in natural beauty. Near Hohenwerfen Castle, you'll find the spectacular Salzach Gorge, where the Salzach River has carved deep into the rock. This area offers dramatic scenery and is a popular spot for cycling. The castles are also surrounded by the impressive Berchtesgaden Alps and the Tennen Mountains themselves.

The area around Pfarrwerfen has a rich history dating back to Celtic settlements in the 5th century BC, later becoming part of the Roman Empire. Pfarrwerfen itself was first mentioned in 1074 and belonged to the Prince-Archbishopric of Salzburg. The region has seen significant historical events, including periods under Austrian and Bavarian rule, as detailed in the tips for Pfarrwerfen Castle and Salzach River Viewpoint.

Absolutely. The Salzach River offers beautiful cycle paths that pass by or near the castles. For instance, the path along the Salzach is described as a "real racing bike highlight" that allows you to enjoy the spectacular gorge and views of Hohenwerfen Castle. You can find more cycling routes in the Traffic-free bike rides in the Tennen Mountains guide.

Hohenwerfen Castle showcases a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements, having evolved from wooden fortifications to a vast stone structure by the 15th century. Burg Golling is a well-preserved example of Gothic fortress architecture, adapted to its prominent rocky hill location, reflecting medieval defensive design.