Exhibitions at Mauterndorf Castle
The defense tower
A particular highlight of Mauterndorf Castle is the 44-meter-high defense tower. It once served as a place of refuge for castle residents in the event of a siege. It is worth a visit to the defense tower for its breathtaking view over the Lungau region. Life-size figures offer an exciting insight into everyday life in the Middle Ages and bring the past back to life.
The visit to the defense tower is included in your ticket to Mauterndorf Castle.
Toll station
The first documented mention of a toll station dates back to the year 1002. It was located along the Tauern trade road, once a route of immense importance. The majority of trade between Salzburg and Italy travelled down this road. All merchants transporting goods had to pay the toll here, wine being the most commonly traded article. Every year over 10000 consignments of wine travelled up through the Tauern range.
Exhibition in the main building
The display in the main building presents an accurate reflection of life in the Middle Ages. Visitors find out about the importance of the castle’s defensive role and hear all about the historical arms kept down in the cavern cellar. They also enjoy the opportunity to explore the representative halls and rooms that once played a key role in life at the castle, above all the knights’ hall and the residential suite and bed chambers of Prince-Bishop Leonard von Keutschach.
Chapel
The castle chapel was consecrated in the name of Mary and is home to one of Salzburg Province’s most outstanding, high gothic frescoes – dating back to the period around 1350. The chapel is housed in a rectangular hall with a flat roof and a gallery that has been accessible to visitors again since 2018. The images featured on the choir wall are a combination of Old and New Testament figures and motifs, and combine the resurrection of Mary with the idea of a truly christian regime.
Epenstein
The special exhibition informs visitors about a Berlin doctor, Dr. Hermann Epenstein, who saved the castle from ruin. He purchased the castle in 1894, had exemplary renovation work carried out, and used it as his summer residence until the outbreak of the first world war. The market village subsequently made him an honorary citizen, and he also acquired Austrian citizenship. Epenstein’s relationship to Göring is also dealt with in this special exhibition.
