Current status of the project

Heinfels Castle’s main redevelopment should be complete and open once again to the general public within five years. An ambitious goal if you were to take a peek inside the imposing castle, as the last centuries haven’t been kind to the halls and chambers, leaving them to dilapidate. Things are about to change. Everyone is pulling out all stops both in the region and across its border to ensure one of the most important cultural and historic projects yet can be successfully completed.

Current status of the project

Nov. 2015 Presentation of the concept regarding the use of the building (district councils of the Planning group 35 - East Tyrolean Oberland)
Sept. 2015 Workshop organised by the Austrian Federal Monuments Office at Heinfels Castle focussing on ruins/construction, the castle chapel, and public opening
June - July 2015 Excursions to castles in North and South Tyrol (Altfinstermünz, Haderburg, Trostburg, Burg Taufers)
May 2015 Start of the working groups and the Steering Group
April 2015 Registration of the Museumsverein Burg Heinfels at the Austrian Registry of Associations
April 2015 Choice of Management of the Museumsverein Burg Heinfels, Administration: local authority of Heinfels
April 2015 Application to register as a non-profit association at the Austrian Federal Chancellor’s Office and Tax and Revenue Office.
April 2015 Decision regarding the CI (Corporate Identity) of the Museumsverein Burg Heinfels, logo development and website creation
March 2015 Creation of the Steering Group of the Museumsverein Burg Heinfels, publication of the statutes.
Sept. 2014 Foundation of the Museumsverein Burg Heinfels (Saturday 6 September 2014)



2015 goals

  • Agreement regarding the use of the castle reached between the Museumsverein Burg Heinfels and the owner of the castle, A. Loacker Tourismus GmbH
  • Drafting and approval of a concept regarding the use of Heinfels Castle for public and private events.
  • Finalising the financing of the main redevelopment of Heinfels Castle.
  • Development of a financially sustainable concept for the main redevelopment based on the building’s long-term use.

At present, all efforts and preparations aim to redevelop the castle as quickly as possible. This challenging building project will be implemented between 2016 and 2019 and include the following:

  • Reconstruction of fallen walls (reconstruction of the palas, regardless of available financial means)
  • Maintenance of all ceilings, floors, and indoor plaster.
  • Completion of the ceilings
  • Restoration of the façades
  • Laying of the main installation to ensure no changes are required to the structure when the whole project is completed
  • Restoration of existing windows and doors; alternatively, fitting new ones
  • Simple but thorough setting up of the still preserved historic features such as ceiling and wall panelling
  • Transformation of the chapel into a dedicated museum

The main redevelopment will guarantee the open use of the building to the general public. The concept regarding the use of the building will only be implemented in a second phase; this will be considered when carrying out the main redevelopment.

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We start the new museum season with motivation on May 2, 2024. In winter, we will continue to open the castle to groups of 10 people or more by prior arrangement, but we are also happy to open it to fewer people at a fixed price.

This year was characterized by a lively museum, concerts, exhibitions and exciting activities at Heinfels Castle. The castle remains an important cultural hotspot in East Tyrol and beyond.

"The Runway Quartet" brought Broadway to Tyrol on July 8: Dragan Trajkovski, Robert Gmachl-Pammer, Craig Hansford and Florian Bramböck provided enthusiasm and many encores in front of a sold-out venue.

On May 4, Heinfels Castle starts again into a new museum and event season. A colorful and varied program should attract many visitors. For the first time, a special exhibition will be shown in the rooms of the future castle tavern together with the Tyrolean Photo Archive (TAP).

The kestrels at Heinfels Castle have had their nesting place for many years in a niche in the wall of the kitchen tower built in the 14th century. Every year four to five young falcons hatch and start their first flight attempts. For the first time, the falcons can be observed live via a newly installed "falcon cam."

We are officially on winter break since November 6 and will start motivated on May 4, 2023 in the new museum season. In winter we continue to open the castle for groups of 10 people or more by appointment!

After last year's launch, the "Heinfelser Burgweihnacht" (Christmas at Heinfels Castle) will take place for the second time in a historical setting: The local associations invite you to Heinfels Castle on 17 and 18 December for an enjoyable day of festivities.

We are pleased with architect Gerhard Mitterberger about the "Award of the Province of Tyrol for New Building 2022", which was awarded on November 10 in Innsbruck.

Little concerts by outstanding ensembles in a historical setting - this is the motto of the performances during the Heinfels Castle Summer 2022. The inner courtyard and the "Langer Saal" serve as venues for a special musical treat in the largest castle complex in the Puster Valley.

Every Thursday evening is the "Long Night" at Heinfels Castle. A special experience for all who want to enjoy the medieval castle at a late hour.

After two successful events, the third edition of the spectacular running event "Count of Castle 2022" will take place on 1 July 2022. The start is at the historic "Punbrugge", the finish again the last level of the keep. The sprinters have to cover a distance of 1.1 km, 140 metres in altitude and 265 steps to get there.

The 25th edition of the International Choir Festival brings some choirs for the first time to Heinfels Castle! On Saturday, 18. 6., choirs from Italy will give a guest performance in the impressive historical scenery, starting at 1 pm. Free entry, welcome!