Haderburg Castle

The two rock pinnacles rise steeply on the slope of the Geierberg above the Salurner Klause. Perched on top, unassailable like an eagle's nest, is the Haderburg. Already in the year 1053, a "castellum salurnum" is mentioned in a travel report, but what is still preserved of the castle ruins today is likely to date back to the 12th or 13th century due to the construction. Around 1200, the Haderburg came into the possession of the Counts of Tyrol, who conquered the lower lands from here. In 1222, it is mentioned as a fief of the lords of Salurn in documents.

The Haderburg, also called Schloss Salurn, is not particularly large, but because of its impressive location, it is uniquely charming. The oldest core consists of the keep, a palace, and a defensive wall, with several extensions over time to the second rock pinnacle, which were connected by walkways and a drawbridge.

The Haderburg was rather unsuitable for living, and so the owners changed frequently, but its strategic importance on one of the most important north-south routes was enormous until modern times. Even Emperor Maximilian had the fortress expanded and reinforced in 1504 to adapt it to the requirements of modern warfare with firearms. The corner roundels on the castle and the fortifications on the access road date from this time. However, half a century later, castles like this were finally obsolete, marking the beginning of the decay of the complex.

Since 1648, the Haderburg has belonged to the Venetian family of the Counts Zenobio, whose direct descendants are still the owners of the castle today. In the 20th century, the ruins were temporarily restored several times, but extensive restoration work in 2003 saved the wildly romantic castle from decay.

Since ancient times, the Haderburg has marked the language border between German- and Italian-speaking Tyroleans. Its fame is also due to the legend "The old wine cellar near Salurn," which the Brothers Grimm included in their collection "German Legends." Last but not least, the castle has hosted illustrious guests throughout its history, such as Philipp Melanchthon, the German philosopher and colleague of Martin Luther, or Albrecht Dürer, who made a stop here during his trip to Italy.

The Haderburg is accessible from mid-April to the end of October and can be reached via a well-developed, partly steep hiking trail. A castle tavern offers food and drink for refreshment, and several events take place in the ruins throughout the year.