Mauterndorf Castle in the Salzburg Lungau region

Mauterndorf Castle is an impressive historical gem in Salzburg’s Lungau region, bringing history to life for all age groups.

History of Mauterndorf Castle

The origins of the castle date back to Roman times, as it is located on the important trade route over the Radstädter Tauern (Via Imperialis).

• Middle Ages: The current castle was built starting in the 13th century (first mentioned in 1253) by the Salzburg Cathedral Chapter to protect the toll station and the market.
• Summer Residence: In the 15th century, the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg, particularly Leonhard von Keutschach, grandly expanded the complex and used it as a preferred summer residence.
• Rescue from Decay: After it fell into ruin in the 19th century, the Prussian staff physician Dr. Hermann von Epenstein acquired the castle in 1894 and restored it extensively. Since 1968, it has been owned by the State of Salzburg.

Location

The castle is picturesquely perched on a rocky outcrop directly in the historical center of the market town of Mauterndorf (Markt 27, 5570 Mauterndorf), about 100 kilometers south of the city of Salzburg. It is located in the Lungau, a region known as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its untouched nature.

Activities

• “Desire for the Middle Ages” Experience Exhibition: An interactive journey through time with audio guides, where you meet life-sized figures such as the Archbishop or merchants.
• The Defense Tower: The 44-meter high, over 700-year-old keep can be climbed. On six floors, you can see the armory, a dungeon, and the watchman’s room with a spectacular panoramic view.
• Lungau Landscape Museum: It showcases the regional cultural history, customs, and minerals of the surrounding area.
• For Children: There is a large knight’s playground integrated directly into the old castle walls.
• Events: Particularly popular are the annual Medieval Festival (usually in July), atmospheric evening tours, and the traditional Easter and Advent markets.
• Gastronomy: The “Burgschenke” (Castle Tavern) offers regional delicacies on a sun terrace overlooking the town.

Accommodations near Mauterndorf Castle

In Mauterndorf, there are excellent accommodations, often in historical buildings:

• • • Hotel Binggl: A charming 4-star hotel directly on the marketplace, just a few minutes’ walk from the castle. It is known for its own bakery and confectionery (↱ Hotel Binggl).
    • Hotel Neuwirt: A traditional, family-run house with excellent cuisine and a cozy atmosphere.
    • Hotel Steffner-Wallner: Offers rustic rooms, a wellness area, and is also very centrally located ( Hotel Steffner-Wallner).
    • Aktiv Hotel Karla: Ideal for wellness seekers with a spacious spa area and indoor pool.
    • (more ↱ Hotels near Mauterndorf Castle)

A visit to Mauterndorf Castle can also be wonderfully combined with a ride on the Taurachbahn (a historical steam train) or an excursion to the Grosseck-Speiereck Adventure Mountain.

Taurachbahn Railway

A ride on the Taurachbahn is the perfect complement to a visit to Mauterndorf Castle. It is considered the highest narrow-gauge railway in Austria (gauge 760 mm) and offers a nostalgic journey through time through the Lungau.

Route & Stations

• The train operates on an approximately 11 km long section of the historical Murtalbahn.
• Start: Mauterndorf Station (near the castle).
• Stations: Mauterndorf – Gröbendorf – Mariapfarr – Lintsching – St. Andrä/Andlwirt (terminus for passenger traffic).
• Duration: A one-way trip takes about 35–40 minutes.

Schedule & Season

The season is expected to start at the beginning of May and usually ends at the end of October.

• Regular Operating Days: Usually on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) from June to September. In the pre- and post-season (May/October), there are often special trips.
• Departure Times from Mauterndorf: Usually at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
• Return from St. Andrä: Usually at 11:40 AM and 3:40 PM.

Prices (Estimated for 2026)

• Adults: approx. € 15 (one way) / € 20 (return).
• Children (up to 15 years): Usually at half price.
• SalzburgerLand Card: A one-time free ride is generally included with this card.

Highlights of the Trip

• True Steam Nostalgia: The trains are usually pulled by historical steam locomotives (such as the “Mariapfarr”). The smell of coal and the rhythmic pounding are part of the experience.
• Open Wagons: In good weather, there are often open observation cars (“cabrio feeling”) that offer an unobstructed view of the Taurach Valley.
• Volunteering with Heart: The railway is operated by Club 760 – railway enthusiasts who maintain the track and locomotives in their spare time.
• The “Adventurous Three“: The Taurachbahn forms a popular excursion trio along with Mauterndorf Castle and the Grosseck-Speiereck Adventure Mountain.

Grosseck-Speiereck Adventure Mountain

The Grosseck-Speiereck Adventure Mountain is the third highlight of the “Adventurous Three” and connects the towns of Mauterndorf and St. Michael. Since we are currently (February 2026) in the middle of the winter season, the mountain is currently a paradise for skiers, but it also offers a completely different, equally exciting program in summer.

Winter 2026 (Current Season until April 2026)

• The ski area is considered particularly snow-sure and family-friendly.
• Skiing & Snowboarding: About 50 kilometers of slopes in all difficulty levels await you (26 km blue, 17 km red, 7 km black).
• The legendary Valley Run: A highlight is the 8.5 km long south descent to St. Michael – one of the longest descents in the Niedere Tauern.
• Winter Hiking: Between the mountain stations of the Grosseckbahn and the Sonnenbahn, there is an approx. 3 km long, groomed winter hiking trail at 2,000 m altitude with a magnificent panorama.
• Ski Touring Evenings: Every Wednesday (in Mauterndorf) and Friday (in St. Michael), the slopes are open for ski tourers in the evening until 8:30 PM.
• Prices: The day pass for adults costs approx. € 60,-, for children approx. € 30,-.

Summer 2026 (from June 2026)

In summer, the mountain transforms into a hiking and play paradise.

• Hiking for Everyone: Many paths are suitable for strollers and are barrier-free, such as the “Natur-Pur-Weg” (Pure Nature Path) with display boards about flora and fauna.
• Play & Adventure:
• • Mountain Playground: Directly at the mountain station, there are jumping cushions, a double zip line, go-karts, and a marble run.
  • Smarty Land: A huge adventure park at the valley station in Mauterndorf with a bungee trampoline, climbing mountain, and more.
• Summit Experience: The summit cross on the Speiereck (2,411 m) can be reached from the mountain station in a moderate hike and offers a 360-degree view over the Lungau.
• Prices: An ascent and descent costs approx. € 27,- for adults (it is usually free once with the LungauCard).

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