History of Mauterndorf Castle
As the southernmost region in the province of Salzburg, the Lungau region has a very special appeal to visitors. The extraordinary, pristine landscape also fascinated Salzburg's archbishops, who occasionally used Mauterndorf Castle as their summer residence.During the time of the Romans, a central trade route connecting north and south ran across the Hohe Tauern mountains past what is now the town of "Mauterndorf". During the 13th century, Salzburg's cathedral chapter had Mauterndorf Castle built at the former toll station to protect the market town. The cathedral dean, Burkhard von Weisspriach, and Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach enlarged the fortification during the 15th century.
Mauterndorf Castle remained in the possession of the cathedral chapter and served as its administrative center until 1806, when ownership passed to the government. Increasingly threatened by decay since the beginning of the 19th century, it was purchased by Dr. Hermann von Epenstein, a wealthy military doctor from Berlin, in 1892 and restored at great expense.
The Province of Salzburg purchased the fortification from the Republic of Austria in 1968. The historic building was rehabilitated from 1979 to 1982 at a total cost of some 20 million shillings.
Today Mauterndorf Castle is an impressive, historic structure with a rich, historical past. The halls, vaulted cellars and chambers house an adventure exhibit "In the Mood for the Middle Ages" (a journey back to the early 15th century), a regional museum for the Lungau region, a regional culture center and a restaurant.
Click on "Show on map" button to see location of the castle
