Built in the 13th or 14th century, Jaufenburg Castle became the ancestral seat of the Lords of Passeier, a family whose influence extended far into the valley. In 1385, it passed through marriage into the possession of the Fuchs von Fuchsberg family, a family that not only sought power but also evoked the muses. Minstrels and artists congregated here, poetry echoed through the rooms, and the castle tower was not only a defensive structure but also a poetic beacon amidst the Tyrolean mountains.
But Jaufenburg Castle was not only a place of the muses, but also a strategic outpost. It secured access to the Jaufen Pass – the pass over which French troops set out to conquer Tyrol in 1809. However, their advance into the Passeier Valley was halted by local resistance. On November 22, the French, under Major Dorell, were forced to surrender. Three cannonballs fired during this attack on the castle still rest in the main portal today – silent witnesses to a time when courage and patriotism made history.
From decay to museum rediscovery
After 1738, the castle lost its importance—and with it its splendor. The ravages of time eroded the walls, the roof gave way to clouds, and nature began to reclaim the structure. But the keep, the five-story heart of the castle, remains. And what a heart it is!
A surprise awaits inside: Renaissance frescoes by Bartlmä Dill Riemenschneider from 1538 adorn the walls – artistic scenes that tell stories of power and myth, of bravery and the spirit of the times. Even today, these paintings can be admired during the summer months – a journey into a world of colors that have endured for centuries.
The tower itself bears the coats of arms of the Lords of Passeier and the fox of Fuchsberg, worn by wind and weather, but still proud and unfazed. And from the top floor, there's a view that takes even the most eloquent hikers' breath away: a sweeping view over the Passeier Valley, over forests, paths, and the silver ribbon of the Passer River, which winds its way through the valley down to the Merano basin.
History to explore
Jaufenburg Castle is part of the Museum Passeier and is located about three kilometers away. Those who want to experience the place in a special way can take the steep hiking trail from the village center (approx. 30 minutes). The trail isn't long, but it's steeped in history – past ancient walls, through quiet hillsides, with the valley at their feet. Those who prefer a more leisurely approach can also take the narrow access road, but even then, the feeling of embarking on a journey remains – not just through space, but through time.
Along the tour, information boards provide information about the castle's eventful history, the shield farms of the region and the people who lived, fought, loved and wrote poetry here.
Jaufenburg Castle is no ordinary tourist destination. It is a monument of stone and soul, a place where history becomes tangible. Echoes of past centuries reverberate within its walls, and those who make the effort to climb it will be richly rewarded – with stories, views, and a sense of eternity.
Visiting information:
🔹 Location: Above St. Leonhard in Passeier
🔹 Accessibility: On foot from the village center (approx. 30 min, steep) or by car via narrow access road
🔹 Opening hours: Summer months (fresco viewing possible)
🔹 Part of: MuseumPasseier
Where time stands still and the wind whispers stories – that is where Jaufenburg Castle lies.