Burg Freundsberg, Medieval castle and museum in Schwaz, Austria
Burg Freundsberg is a medieval castle and museum in Schwaz that rises above the Inn Valley. The complex features a tall residential tower from the 13th century with original frescoes and a chapel-palace wing from the late Renaissance.
The fortress was founded in 1150 by the Lords of Freundsberg and later came under Archduke Sigismund in the 15th century. He added new structures, and about two centuries afterward a chapel-palace wing was built as the complex expanded.
The museum displays exhibits about silver mining traditions that shaped the region and its people over centuries. Visitors can explore this craft heritage through artifacts and historical records on display.
The castle is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 to 22:00, with shorter hours on Sunday and closed Mondays. Wear comfortable shoes since exploring the site involves navigating steep terrain and internal staircases throughout the complex.
The residential tower reaches at least 28 meters high and offers sweeping views of the Inn Valley from its top. This vantage point was historically crucial for controlling trade routes and surveying the surrounding lands.
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