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Castle Rodenegg
A stone giant guarding the Eisacktal valley
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For a Medieval twist to your holiday – Castle Rodenegg in Rodeneck

Here’s a foretaste

The mighty walls of Castle Rodenegg rise above the Rienz gorge, in an area located between the localities of Schabs and Mühlbach. Built for Friedrich I von Rodank in 1140, to this day it is one of the largest fortified castles in South Tyrol. In the 16th century, the castle was acquired by the family of the renowned minnesinger Oswald von Wolkenstein, who had it expanded and renovated. The castle is still in his descendants’ possession. Some of the rooms have been converted into a museum, with much of the furniture dating back to the late Renaissance period.

1
The Iwein frescoes

These frescoes are the first example of secular wall painting in the German-speaking world.

2
The Lauterfresserloch

This dungeon is where local man Matthias Perger was held captive before being executed for witchcraft in the 17th century.

3
The castle

The castle is the private residence of the descendants of minnesinger Oswald von Wolkenstein.

Castle Rodenegg in detail

Castle Rodenegg owes part of its fame to the Iwein frescoes that decorate one of its parlours. Dating from the early 13th century but discovered only in 1972, the frescoes were inspired by Hartmann von Aue’s homonymous Arthurian novel, and represent the oldest secular wall paintings in the German-speaking area.

Hidden in the bowels of the castle is another attraction: the Lauterfresserloch (literally: “the broth-eater’s hole”), a dungeon in which Matthias Perger, a man accused of witchcraft, was imprisoned before meeting his end at the stake in the 17th century. The dungeon’s curious name comes from the fact that, apparently, Perger’s favourite food was broth, which was called Lauter in the local dialect.

 

 

 

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Other noteworthy parts of the castle are the chapel of St. Michael, the ancient kitchen, the armoury and the draw well. Guided tours of the castle are offered Sunday to Friday at 11.30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. - plus an additional tour at 4.00 p.m. in July and August. The tour lasts about one hour. Almencard card holders enjoy free admission to the castle.

Note: The castle reopens on 01.05.2023!

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How to get there

Castle Rodenegg is situated between the localities of Schabs and Mühlbach, and within easy reach of the Pustertal state road. You can leave your car in the parking area opposite the Maria Himmelfahrt parish church in Vill/Rodeneck, and walk the short distance to the castle from there.

The picture shows an old castle on a green hill, surrounded by trees and a stone wall. A church and a rural landscape can be seen in the background.
The picture shows a detailed wall fresco in a historical room depicting religious and aristocratic figures as well as coats of arms. The scenes are colorful and richly decorated.
The picture shows a magnificent room with elaborately painted walls depicting scenes of angels, coats of arms and landscapes. The room has a wooden beamed ceiling, two large windows that let in light and is furnished with antique furniture.
The picture shows an old, partially damaged mural. It depicts a scene with a knight in armor, a tree and a mythological figure with red hair. The colors are faded and some parts of the painting are missing.
The picture shows a church and a building on a hill, surrounded by green meadows and dense forests. Blurred grass can be seen in the foreground.
The picture shows an old castle on a green hill, surrounded by trees and a stone wall. A church and a rural landscape can be seen in the background.
The picture shows a detailed wall fresco in a historical room depicting religious and aristocratic figures as well as coats of arms. The scenes are colorful and richly decorated.
The picture shows a magnificent room with elaborately painted walls depicting scenes of angels, coats of arms and landscapes. The room has a wooden beamed ceiling, two large windows that let in light and is furnished with antique furniture.
The picture shows an old, partially damaged mural. It depicts a scene with a knight in armor, a tree and a mythological figure with red hair. The colors are faded and some parts of the painting are missing.
The picture shows a church and a building on a hill, surrounded by green meadows and dense forests. Blurred grass can be seen in the foreground.
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A mighty landmark: Castle Rodenegg in Rodeneck
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Castle Rodenegg
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