High visitor numbers in the second year of the museum

The team at Heinfels Castle is delighted about the enormous interest.

The museum opened as early as May, but it was not until July that the travel restrictions fell. By the end of the season on 7 November, 12,372 visitors had been counted at Heinfels Castle.

The museum, which tells the story of the castle over several centuries, officially opened for visitors on 15 July last year. "In the first season in 2020, 5,508 visitors came. It was a difficult year because bus travellers and international guests in particular were absent," says museum director Monika Reindl. In 2021, too, there were still many restrictions due to Corona. Reindl is therefore all the more pleased about the strong increase in visitor numbers: "We were able to show guests this exciting building in 870 guided tours with our motivated team." Up to 15 guides were on duty during the peak season. With the so-called "panorama tour", which makes it possible to visit the core castle in the outdoor areas even without a guided tour, additional visitors could be attracted. Next year, special programmes for children and schools are planned to arouse the interest of young visitors.

Events are the second important element of what Heinfels Castle has to offer. Chamber concerts, a reading or events such as the "Count of Castle" attracted culture and sports enthusiasts to the castle. Twelve couples tied the knot in the Laurentius Chapel. Bishop Hermann Glettler consecrated the new guardian angel bell in May and celebrated a rock mass with the young people on the festival square in July. In September, in imperial weather, the "Queen of the Pustertal" could finally be handed over to its intended purpose, also with a lot of VIPs. A total of 1,190 guests came to the various events - in addition to the museum activities.

The first "Heinfels Castle Christmas" on 11 and 12 December is currently being planned. It will be organised in a historical setting by the Musikkapelle Heinfels and the Panzendorf Young Farmers' Association.

A short while ago, A. Loacker Tourismus GmbH also set the timetable for the completion of the gastronomy in the west wing. Together with the tenant, who is currently being sought, the concept and planning is to be worked on in 2022, so that the structural renovation of the west wing can then be tackled in the following years.

Josef Steinringer, president of the museum association, is pleased about the positive development: "It is nice to see that after decades of standstill, life is coming back to the old walls. Many people have worked towards this with enormous diligence and commitment over the last few years.

 

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Heinfels Castle once again offered a colourful programme of events in 2024, combining culture, history and sport in a unique way. From the 'Osttiroler Museumstage' in May to the musical and sporty castle summer and exciting autumn events, the castle attracted numerous visitors.

The year of events at Heinfels Castle has already begun unofficially with the impressive laser show ‘The castle awakens’. On 2 May, the castle opens its doors again as planned.

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.