Location: Tyrol Map
Burg Lichtenwerth, also known as Schloss Lichtenwerth or by historical spellings such as Lichtwehr, Lichtwert, Lichtwerth, Lichtenwert, or Lichtenwörth, is a well-preserved medieval lowland water castle located in the municipality of Münster in the Kufstein district of Tyrol, Austria. Situated at 366 meters (1,201 feet) above sea level on a rocky elevation that was once an island surrounded by the Inn and Ziller rivers (now silted up), it represents the only authentic water castle in Tyrol. Coordinates are approximately 47°25′11″N 11°51′36″E. Constructed in the 12th to early 13th century, the castle features a rectangular layout with Romanesque elements and later Baroque additions, blending defensive functionality with residential comfort. It has been continuously inhabited and maintained, serving historically as a strategic fortification at the crossroads of Tyrolean, Bavarian, and Salzburg territories. Since 1879, it has been privately owned by the Inama-Sternegg family from South Tyrol, functioning as a residence rather than a public attraction. The castle is not open for interior visits, but its exterior can be admired from nearby paths, offering picturesque views over the Inn Valley. It appeals to history enthusiasts, hikers, and those exploring Tyrol's castle heritage, though its private status limits access compared to more touristic sites.
The origins of Burg Lichtenwerth trace back to the Roman era, when
its strategic location may have hosted early fortifications controlling
transalpine trade routes at the intersection of the provinces of Raetia
and Noricum. The current structure was likely built in the 12th century,
with some sources suggesting the early 13th century based on
architectural features like regular masonry and Romanesque windows. The
first documented mentions appear in charters from 1212 (referring to
Rudolfus de Liehtenwerde) and 1249, indicating it as a fortified house
on an Inn island near Brixlegg. The name "werth" or "wörth" derives from
Old High German for "island," reflecting its water-surrounded position,
protected by floodplains and a canal.
Initially associated with a
branch of the Helbling family around 1200, the castle soon became linked
to the powerful von Freundsberg family, who likely commissioned it as
vassals. By the late 13th century, it was under Freundsberg control as
"freies Eigen" (freehold property). Conflicts with the Archbishop of
Salzburg led to Bartholomäus von Lichtenwerth (a Freundsberg relative)
surrendering it in 1312 as punishment for unauthorized castle-building
elsewhere, receiving it back as a Salzburg fief. Thomas von Freundsberg
regained it in 1319 under Duke Heinrich VI of Carinthia. The Habsburg
takeover of Tyrol in 1365 saw Hans von Freundsberg enfeoffed in 1382.
During the 1410 Rottenburger Feud, the Freundsbergers supported Duke
Friedrich IV of Austria against Bavarian forces, resulting in a siege
that damaged walls but did not capture the castle. Compensation followed
in 1443, and Lichtenwerth became the center of the Hofmark Lichtenwerth
and Münster, a judicial district lasting into the 19th century. The
Freundsbergers managed it via stewards and sold it in 1468 to Matthias
Türndl, Duke Sigismund's chamberlain. Ownership changed frequently: to
Anton von Ross (1483), Hiltprand von Spaur (via marriage), Anton Ruml
von Lichtenau (1516), Hans Stöckl (1542), and Ambros Mornauer (1543),
who undertook significant renovations around 1545, making the eastern
tower habitable.
Subsequent inheritances involved female lines,
leading to owners like Martha von Spaur, Georg Ludwig Kirchmair, Franz
Sterzinger von Siegmundsried, Johann von Mersi, and eventually the
Inama-Sternegg family. In 1873, it was allodized (converted to
freehold), and Karl Theodor von Inama-Sternegg acquired full ownership
in 1879 by buying out fragmented shares. Notable events include a 1653
collapse of the western tower (rebuilt lower) and its role in WWII: in
1942–1943, it stored prehistoric artifacts and books from the Tiroler
Landesmuseum Ferdinandeum for safekeeping, returned post-war in 1945.
Ferdinand Sterzinger, a Theatine scholar and Bavarian Academy founder,
was born there in 1721.
Burg Lichtenwerth exemplifies a Romanesque water castle adapted to
lowland terrain, with a rectangular ground plan measuring about 175
meters long and 12 meters high on a rocky hill. Originally surrounded by
the Inn River for natural defense, it features two massive bergfrieds
(defensive towers) in Staufer style, connected by high walls. The
eastern bergfried, approximately 20 meters tall with 1.5-meter-thick
walls, guards the attack side over an 8-meter-deep rock moat; renovated
in 1545, it includes old beamed ceilings and served as a courtroom. The
western bergfried, slightly younger and shortened in the 17th century
after a 1653 collapse, protects the inner gate and houses a 1720 clock
with dual dials framed by coats of arms.
The core castle between the
towers has unplastered walls of high-quality Kramsacher marble in
regular Romanesque blocks, with bossage-reinforced corners. South and
north sides once had large arched windows (now bricked up for defense),
while the east and west feature narrow slits. The three-story palace
(palas), renewed in the 18th century, integrates with the southern ring
wall. Notable interiors include a well-preserved vaulted kitchen with
original furnishings, a battlement walk, a Baroque castle theater built
in 1765, and a Rococo-style castle chapel from 1766, adorned with stucco
and serving as the easternmost outpost of the Diocese of Innsbruck in
North Tyrol. The spacious outer bailey (west) includes 13th-century
walls built in phases, with a 14th-century "Stöckl" addition for
economic buildings. Minimal later modifications preserve its medieval
character, though 18th-century renovations added residential comforts.
As a private residence, Burg Lichtenwerth does not host public exhibits or collections. However, its historical ties to the Tiroler Landesmuseum Ferdinandeum are notable: the Inama-Sternegg family donated items in the 19th century, and the castle temporarily housed the museum's prehistoric artifacts and books during WWII for protection. The preserved interiors, like the vaulted kitchen and courtroom, could be seen as informal "exhibits" of medieval life, but they are inaccessible to visitors. No formal museum or guided displays exist.
Burg Lichtenwerth holds significant cultural and historical value as Tyrol's sole authentic water castle, symbolizing medieval border dynamics in the "Dreiländereck" (tri-border area) of Tyrol, Bavaria, and Salzburg. Its strategic position controlled key Inn River crossings and trade routes, reflecting power struggles among noble families, dukes, and archbishops. Associated with influential dynasties like the Freundsbergers (loyal Habsburg allies) and later the Inama-Sterneggs (museum patrons), it exemplifies the evolution from defensive stronghold to noble residence. The castle's role in WWII artifact preservation underscores its contribution to Tyrolean cultural heritage. As a continuously inhabited site, it preserves Romanesque architecture amid alpine scenery, contributing to regional identity and tourism, though its privacy maintains an air of exclusivity. It also marks historical judicial districts like the Hofmark, influencing local governance into the 19th century.
Location: Lichtwerth 1, 6232 Münster, Tyrol, Austria. Situated off
the B171 between Schwaz and Wörgl, midway between St. Gertraudi and
Brixlegg, near the Inn River. Easily accessible by car (parking nearby),
public transport (bus to Münster), or foot from surrounding trails.
Opening Hours (as of 2025): Exterior viewing available year-round, 24/7,
as it's visible from public paths. Interior not open to the public at
any time.
Admission Fees: Free for exterior viewing; no tickets
required. Respect private property boundaries.
Accessibility:
Limited; the site involves uneven terrain and steps, unsuitable for
wheelchairs or strollers. Paths are dog-friendly on leashes, but
interior inaccessibility applies. Family-friendly for external
admiration, with supervision for children near the river.
Tours and
Features: No guided tours, audio guides, or events. Self-guided exterior
exploration only, focusing on architecture and valley views. Photography
allowed from outside.
Tips for Visitors: Allow 15–30 minutes to view
from afar; combine with nearby attractions like Matzen Castle (1 km NE),
Reither See lake (1.3 km E), or Rattenberg town for a full day. Respect
owners' privacy—do not enter grounds. Best visited in good weather for
views; check for river flooding. No on-site facilities (restrooms,
cafe); use Münster amenities. For history buffs, download apps or guides
on Tyrolean castles. Confirm status via local tourism (alpbachtal.at) as
private sites may restrict access unexpectedly.