Austria has many beautiful castles. One that you should not miss when visiting Tyrol with your children is Tratzberg Castle. The first written record of this late Gothic castle dates back to the 13th century. In those difficult years it served as a fortress, a kind of outpost protecting the northern borders of Tyrol from the raids of the neighbours — the Bavarians. Later, in the 15th century, Emperor Maximilian I turned it into his hunting lodge.
After the building was destroyed by fire (fires were not uncommon in those days) and later rebuilt, the real history of the castle begins. Each new owner rebuilt it according to his own taste, bringing something new to the interior and the facades. It is thanks to them — the various owners of the castle — that today we can enjoy the formal Habsburg Hall in the German Renaissance style, stroll through the Hunters' Hall (a tribute to the castle's past), pause in awe in the beautiful chapel and look with interest at the contents of the armoury.
For children, a visit to Tyrol's famous castle is one of the most exciting parts of a holiday in Austria. Not only do they have the opportunity to walk on the castle's old slabs and stairs, which recall the footsteps of its first owners, but they can do so in the form of a fascinating, playful excursion. The mice Adele and the ghost Tratzi, the symbols of Tratzberg Castle, will give the children a little quiz. The most attentive guests will have the chance to win a prize. The audio tours for children from the age of 4, which run parallel to the adult tours, are available in four languages: English, Dutch, German and Italian.
The interior of the castle leaves no one indifferent. Curious tourists see the unique interior of the past in all its splendour: a huge number of antique furniture, furnishings and accessories in rooms decorated with beamed ceilings. The castle is full of paintings and sculptures, the halls are filled with melodious music, the walls are lined with expensive panelling and the visitors speak in an almost sacred whisper. In the courtyard of the castle, travellers are greeted by actors dressed as lords and ladies. They also guide visitors through the halls.
You'll be particularly lucky if you can attend a wedding ceremony. The beautiful ancient ceremony is still sometimes performed according to medieval rules in the shadow of the ancient chapel in the castle courtyard.
Almost every visitor to the castle marvels at the unique mural painting, which stretches over 40 metres. All the members of Emperor Maximilian I's dynasty are depicted. There are 148 of them! It is safe to say that you will be completely immersed in history.
Are you hungry? Pop into the local restaurant "Schlosswirth Tratzberg". Guests are treated to an authentic four-course knight's meal.
Young castle buffs can enjoy a hearty meal and then relax in the restaurant's playground. If you're planning a visit to Tratzberg Castle, remember that it's still privately owned.
