Burgruine Rattenberg, Medieval castle ruin in Rattenberg, Austria.

Burgruine Rattenberg is a castle ruin sitting on a plateau above the town, with remaining walls and a well-preserved Biener tower. The site commands views over the Inn Valley and the mountains surrounding the area.

Rattenberg Castle was first documented in 1254, but probably built around 1000 by a Rato of the Rapotonen family. It was a border fortress of the Duchy of Bavaria and seat of the Rattenberg district court. Emperor Maximilian I had his architect Michael Zeller expand it into a strong fortress with rondels and gateways. After Joseph II abandoned Tyrol's fortresses in 1782, it was sold, quarried and left to decay; the town took over the ruins in 1905.

Since 1951, open-air plays have been staged in the castle courtyard, including "Der Kanzler von Tirol" about Chancellor Wilhelm Biener, who was executed in 1651, and plays about Saint Notburga, born in Rattenberg. The performances use the ruin as a backdrop.

The site can be reached via multiple paths, including a walk from the P1 car park or by lift near the Malerwinkel restaurant. Comfortable shoes are recommended as the terrain involves some climbing and uneven ground.

The Biener tower takes its name from Chancellor Biener, whose tragic fate unfolded at this location centuries ago. This dark chapter remains woven into the tower's identity today.