Burg Freundsberg: A Silver City Landmark

4.6 (646)

Explore medieval history, panoramic views, and Tyrolean culture at Burg Freundsberg, Schwaz's iconic castle and home to the fascinating Schwaz Town Museum.

Home
Austria
Zillertal
Burg Freundsberg

Perched high above Schwaz, Burg Freundsberg is a well-preserved medieval castle offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the region's silver mining history. The castle houses the Schwaz Town Museum, a restaurant, and a chapel, making it a multifaceted destination for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and casual visitors alike.

A brief summary to Burg Freundsberg

Burggasse 55, Schwaz, 6130, AT
Click to display
Click to display

Tuesday 10 am-10 pm
Wednesday 10 am-10 pm
Thursday 10 am-10 pm
Friday 10 am-10 pm
Saturday 10 am-10 pm
Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

Combine your visit with a hike on one of the many trails that start near the castle for stunning views of the Inn Valley.
Enjoy a traditional Tyrolean meal at the castle's tavern while taking in the panoramic views from the terrace.
Check the opening hours of the Schwaz Town Museum, as it is only open from mid-April to the end of October.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Schwaz Altstadt

Schwaz Altstadt: A Silver Mining Gem

YOUR DOME Tirol

YOUR DOME Tirol: An Immersive Entertainment Experience

Schloss Sigmundslust

Schloss Sigmundslust: A Baroque Jewel in the Austrian Alps

Getting There

Walking

From the Schwaz town center, such as near the Stadtplatz, Burg Freundsberg is a steep uphill walk of approximately 15-20 minutes. Follow signs towards 'Burg Freundsberg' or 'Burggasse'. The path winds through residential streets before ascending the hill leading directly to the castle entrance. Note that the final section is a cobblestone path.
Public Transport

The Regio Schwaz bus line stops near Burg Freundsberg. Take bus line 2 to the 'Schwaz Druckmüllerbrücke' stop. From there, it's approximately a 10-minute uphill walk to the castle following signs for 'Burg Freundsberg'. A single bus fare within Schwaz is approximately €2-3.
Driving

From Schwaz, follow signs for 'Burg Freundsberg'. The route leads through narrow, winding streets up the hill to the castle. Limited parking is available directly at the castle. If the parking is full, there are parking garages in Schwaz, such as 'Parkgarage Schwimmbad' or 'Tiefgarage EKZ Stadtgalerien', from which you can walk or take a bus. Parking fees at the garages are approximately €1.50-€2.50 per hour. Free parking may be available at Burg Freundsberg.

Discover more about Burg Freundsberg

Burg Freundsberg, a prominent landmark of the Silver City of Schwaz in Tyrol, Austria, boasts a rich history dating back to 1150. Originally constructed by the Lords of Freundsberg, the castle served as their imposing family seat. Its strategic location on a steep hill, 675 meters above sea level, provided a natural defense and asserted their dominance over the surrounding lands. The castle's original structure consisted of a formidable residential tower, the keep, which remains remarkably intact. The chapel was added later, around 1177. In 1467, Archduke Sigismund of Austria acquired Burg Freundsberg and transformed the aging fortress into a lavish hunting lodge, briefly renaming it Sigismundruh. Between 1634 and 1637, the castle was adapted as a "castle church" or Schlosskirche. In 1812, Burg Freundsberg became the property of the municipality of Schwaz. Recognizing its historical and cultural significance, the town council undertook extensive restoration efforts. Since 1948, the castle's keep has housed the Schwaz Town Museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's past, with exhibits showcasing the cultural and economic development of the Silver City. The museum delves into the history of silver mining, a pivotal industry that shaped Schwaz's fortunes. Visitors can explore artifacts and documents related to the Freundsberg knights and Archduke Sigismund. The museum is open from mid-April to the end of October, Tuesday to Sunday. Beyond its historical and cultural attractions, Burg Freundsberg offers a delightful culinary experience. The castle houses a traditional tavern, or 'Hofschänke,' which provides a knightly ambiance for celebrations and gatherings. Guests can savor regional specialties while enjoying panoramic views of Schwaz and the surrounding Inn Valley. For those seeking outdoor adventures, Burg Freundsberg serves as a gateway to numerous hiking trails.