Kufstein – October 28, 2026 -- Kufstein Fortress in Tyrol, named one of Austria's nine most beautiful places for 2026, offers a 21-station tour, a daily organ concert at noon and a concert arena for up to 4,200 people. The ORF programme "9 Plätze – 9 Schätze" gave the award. The fortress now ranks among Tyrol's most visited sights.
A border post that became a bridal gift
The fortress was first mentioned in documents in 1205. For centuries it was a contested border post between Bavaria and Tyrol. In the 14th century it became a wedding present for the Tyrolean duchess Margarete "Maultasch".
Emperor Maximilian I captured it in 1504 and had it expanded into a powerful fortification. The town of Kufstein has owned it since 1924, acquired in exchange for several hectares of forest.
Around 180,000 visitors explore 24,000 square meters a year
The fortress was revitalized in the early 1990s after a long period of neglect. The tour has 21 stations. It leads through fortifications, exhibitions and underground passages to a well about 60 meters deep. A panorama lift takes visitors up, with views over the old town, the Inn river and the surrounding mountains.
A retractable roof turns the arena into a concert stage
A mobile roof over the Josefsburg made the historic fortress arena largely weatherproof. It now holds up to 4,200 concertgoers. The programme covers rock, Austropop, electronic music, large musical productions and a medieval knights' festival. Corporate events and weddings are also held on site.
The Heldenorgel plays every day at 12:00 with 4,948 pipes. It is the world's second-largest open-air organ. It was built in 1931 as a memorial to the fallen of the First World War and now commemorates victims of war and violence. On some days its sound carries as far as the Bavarian border.
Over 300 fir trees dress the fortress for Advent
After the concert season, the Josefsburg and its historic casemates are decorated with more than 300 fir trees, hand-tied wreaths and garlands. Lanterns and real candles light the walls. Regional craftspeople show their work, children can join a Christmas workshop, and brass players and Anklöpfler perform traditional tunes. The Christmas event runs on all four Advent weekends.
Below the fortress, Kufstein's old town has lanes, cafés and shops.