Churburg Castle: An Experience for All Ages

An absolute must-see and, above all, an experience that inspires! Churburg Castle is open from late March to early November and can only be visited on an exclusive guided tour. For this reason, we highly recommend booking in advance. Please also note that the castle is closed on Mondays.

The last time I visited Churburg Castle, I was still a child. Yet, I could clearly remember how thrilled I was even back then. An absolute highlight, of course, was the armory with the knight's armor and the gift shop – they sell wooden swords and other great toys that spark children's imaginations.

This time, we went back with no major expectations but plenty of anticipation. As an adult, you naturally find yourself much more interested in the history behind this impressive castle; you enjoy the beautiful views and imagine what life was like back then compared to today.

"Churburg Castle near Schluderns in South Tyrol's Vinschgau Valley was built around 1250 by the prince-bishops of Chur. In the 16th century, it passed into the possession of the Trapp family, who still own it today. The castle was converted into a magnificent Renaissance residential castle. Thanks to its excellent state of preservation and numerous original furnishings, it is considered one of the best-preserved castles in South Tyrol."

The guided tour started right on time and was very engaging. Because you move through the entire castle, the route is highly varied and never gets boring. The frescoes in the inner courtyard, which depict the family tree, were particularly impressive, as was, of course, the large collection of armor. It is actually the largest private armory in Europe.

As you walk through Churburg Castle, you can enjoy the wonderful view from every single window, no matter how small; you can see the Vinschgau mountains and look down onto Schluderns. I especially love that children enjoy the tour as well – making it ideal for a multi-generational family trip.

I would always combine this excursion with a detour to Glurns, the smallest town in South Tyrol. Leaving the magnificent armories of the castle behind, the narrow alleys of the town offer the perfect continuation of a journey back in time. Enclosed by a completely intact ring wall with its three imposing gate towers, Glurns breathes history at every corner. The romantic arcades, in particular, invite you to linger and tell tales of the era when the city was a major hub for the salt trade. Despite this historical significance, Glurns today feels wonderfully laid-back and authentic. A stroll through the town provides the ideal contrast to the stately power of the castle and truly brings out the unique charm of the Vinschgau Valley.

For food and drinks, we can highly recommend a visit to the Flurin restaurant.

Event Highlights in Glurns

If you visit in late summer, you shouldn't miss the Pala Pear Days (Palabiratage) in September. Dedicated to the ancient Vinschgau "Pala pear", these days offer a wonderful mix of culinary delights and local craftsmanship under the historic arcades. It is the perfect time to enjoy the town's autumnal atmosphere after a castle tour.

A real spectacle is the “Sealamorkt” (a large traditional market with local specialties and shopping opportunities)on November 2nd. As one of the largest markets in the Alpine region, it attracts visitors from near and far. Where livestock and winter provisions used to be traded, today there is a colorful, authentic market bustle that transforms the medieval alleys into a vibrant stage.

Things get more contemplative during the Glurns Advent in December. Far away from the usual commercial Christmas, the people of Glurns focus on "light, scents, and sounds". When torches illuminate the town wall and handmade goods are offered beneath the arches, you truly feel transported back to another time.

Spread throughout the year, various arcade markets (Laubenmärkte) also complement the calendar, inviting visitors to discover regional specialties directly from the producers.