kufstein fortress

We were lucky to have arrived just in time for the daily playing of the "largest organ in the world" at noon. We purchased our tickets €8 and got the glass elevator right to the top... Following out map we visited all areas steeped with history. We also came across the torture museum which was disturbing.We spent 2hrs at the fort which was plenty.

The castle is cool to look at and take in the views from but the best part is the Organ which is played daily around noon. There are seats at the bottom of the hill where you can watch the organ up in the fortress be played.

You will see it from any direction coming to Kufstein. to go up to the main place you have the choice to use the cable railway, in an case you have to pay for the entrance. The old organ itself is a marvel. Many other rooms are used for exibitions about Austrian history. Exiting to visit the underground of this fortress is it like a cheese with all this holes? Anyway at any time during the year it is a very nice place to visit , in summer time I imagine to spend half a day is to to much.It is so good place to visit that it is worth a pleasure trip. Will do it again to have more time to enjoy.

Visited on a cold damp December morning which did not distract from our overall enjoyment of looking around the fortress.The battlements give great views over Kufstein and the river Inn below providing great photo opportunities in conditions that made the river appear turquoise in colour.Pathways were mainly over cobbles which could be slippy when wet but in places there were handrails.There were a number of interesting exhibits one in particular being an unusual pipe organ spread over two floors which is regularly played at noon daily.If one is energetic you can walk up or down to and from the fortress or take the lift included in the entry fee.Would recommend a visit for the views alone.

This is a stunning building that has a fascinating history. The views of the town, river and mountains are stunning. You are free to roam through long tunnels cut through the rock that this fortress is build on and visit the prison cells and the remains of the watch room that the Bavarians broke into to get in the castle. So, you get a good feel for what life here, was like rather than being in a staged museum. Most of the exhibits have German text next to them. There is an app to help and I think it's available in English but my phone couldn't connect.

This was open on Xmas day and we walked up and got the lift back down again. There is so much to see here, tunnels and battlements and cannons. Great for a walk before Christmas day lunch is served at our hotel.

The castle complex was restored from 1998 onwards and the felling of trees and clearing of undergrowth caused a storm of protest. The castle can be clearly seen from the train or the motorway by all those entering Austria from Bavaria.There is a lift (replacing the former hoist)which takes you(max of 5 people) up to one of the courtyrards below the highest tower where during the Austrian Empire many of the subugated peoples like the Hungarians, Serbs, Moravians, Transylvanians were imprisoned who wished to gain their independence from the despotic Austrians. the upper Barracks date from the 12th cent and is the oldest part of the castle. A restaurant is found in the former prison of the upper baracks.Many times the Bavarians invaded Tyrol, sacked the town and burnt down the castle.In the City tower there is an organ with one console beside it and another console beside the lower point of the lift and the organ is played at midday for 15 - 20 mins.There is much to be seen in the castle including interesting Artefacts from the winter time and the mediaeval waysof torture still practiced by the American Republicans of the CIA & which Obama has now banned. Kufstein also has a connection with the spread of Silent Night, Holy Night from Oberndorf near Salzburg to the whole world by a group of musicians from ther nearby Zllertal.The whole Fuchs(Fox) Tower is used for this display. The tower is named after the Von Fuchsberg family!It is important to walk down rather than taking the lift as there are many displays to be seen. An interesting alpine and herb garden has been cultivated below the central tower on a former Anna gunner battery with more than 100 different plants.the most westerly of the fortifications in not open to the public as it is used for special events complete with roof which can be dismantled. There is an app which can be downloaded onto smart phones smarter than their owners.Kufstein is also the birthplace of the sewing machine and there is a separate seming machine museum in the town.

The fortress overlooks the whole town of Kufstein as its situated high on a hill. Huge history and fascinating to wander the underground tunnels and imagine the fortress in full flight a squill ion years ago. We arrived just as the organ began a show (the pipes are outdoor) and the music was like church bells sounding out across the town. Worth a visit. Young kids would like too (& perhaps yr teenagers, depending on their interest).

An enjoyable, self guided tour with both German and English signage. It cost me 11 euros and it included the glass elevator ride to the top and all the exhibits. You can also walk up to the castle but it is the same price. The castle it's self is over 800 years old. There is a museum of torture devices well explained and a bit graphic. Very interesting. Another smaller museum with knight's armor and some misc pieces such as coins and dishes. There is another area with cannons. The fortress now houses the City Museum of Kufstein. Part of it is also used for concerts and meetings. They have a nice set up for wedding receptions that can accommodate a large number of people or a smaller room for a smaller event the is very beautiful. There is also a small cafe there to get refreshments while touring the castle. The views from the castle are spectacular with the Alps and the Inn River. We stayed at the hotel that is at the base of the castle so I just walked. There is parking in the area that is within a easy walkable distance. I believe it is close to a bus stop also.

We spent a couple of hours exploring this Fortress. Great views across Kufstein. Not a fancy castle like some in Austria, it was, as its name suggests, a military fortressand is very interesting to wander around at your own pace. Don't miss the underground passageway and, of course, there is the organ playing in entrance courtyard.

We were staying in Kitzbuhl and the weather was miserable, so we looked for places to visit. Kufstein was suggested, so away we went. We found a nice parking station very close by and went to visit. We did not know about the organ and thought all the people were waiting for funicular to go up. Only after the concert was finished did we know about it. The castle was fantastic from dungeon to the tower. Lots to see about so many aspects of the castle history as well as great views. We ate in courtyard which was pleasant and reasonably priced. If you are near by, go visit.

The Kufstein Fortress or as it is called in German "Festung" is in my opinion not to be missed.My husband and I have been to Kufstein for numerous visits over the years. The glorious daily Heldenorgel (which translates to Heroes' Organ) concert never seized to amaze us - it is absolutely beautiful and very moving and unique! It can be heard at midday and during July and August also at 6pm.The Fortress is easy to find as it towers over this charming town. It is situated at Oberer Stadtplatz. The surrounding area is also breathtaking and not to be missed (Auracher Lochl). We thoroughly enjoyed the Fortress itself with all the interesting history that lies within it's walls. (According to locals the Fortress was never concurred by enemy forces throughout the history)It was in our experience very romantic to wander about and enjoy the magnificent views of the Alps and the River Inn!Not to be missed!!

Agree with other reviewers about organ concert. We were able to catch it at midday whilst having a coffee in the town center and it was fantastic. Entry to fortress is blocked during the 30min concert but grab a seat and enjoy it. The fortress itself is much cheaper than any similar British attraction and comes with an audio guide. Plenty to see inside and out with a couple of museums within the fortress and a restaurant.

Great fortress - well worth the visit, with great views from the top. Don;t miss the organ concert every day at the base of the funicular. At mid-day there is a 20 minute concert where the console is at the base of the fortress and the actual organ pipes way up above you in the tower. Amazing sound and a real surprise!

one of the nicer, well-kept castles I have visited, would definitely recommend as the number one thing to see in Kufstein (in addition to the daily performances on the Heldenorgel).