Castle Lichtenberg

Castle Lichtenberg is a medieval fortress ruin located at 915 meters elevation near Stilfserjoch National Park. The stone remains overlook Val Venosta valley and display the typical architecture of an Alpine defensive structure from the Middle Ages.

This fortress dates to the 12th century and served as a guard post for the Adige River bend between upper and lower Val Venosta. The Counts of Tyrol controlled it as part of their strategic territorial holdings in the region.

The chapel here displays medieval frescoes that reflect religious art from centuries past. You can still see the painted decorations on the walls, though time and weather have faded them considerably.

The ruins are open year-round for visitors to explore freely. Guided art-historical tours are available from May through October if you want more detailed information about the site and its features.

The site preserves one of the few remaining secular fresco cycles from medieval South Tyrol. These non-religious artworks are quite rare among the region's defensive structures.