Festung Kufstein

Festung Kufstein Review

Kufstein is dominated by a magnificent fortress right out of a Dürer etching, Festung Kufstein, originally built as a "castle for contemplation" in 1200. But Maximilian decided it was better suited for merrymaking and expanded and strengthened it in 1504, rechristening it Lustschloss, or "pleasure palace." The considerably renovated fortress contains a small museum, a panoramic windowed funicular, and an organ concert daily at noon, showcasing the famed "Heroes' Organ" (said to burst into sound when a national hero dies). With sumptuous rooms and terraced gardens, Festung Kufstein ranks among the finest of the 1,001 Tyrolean castles.