High above Welsberg

Welsperg Castle in Welsberg

A landmark with over 800 years of history.

For centuries, Welsperg Castle has stood high above Welsberg, its distinctive keep shaping the village skyline. This medieval castle is one of the most important historic buildings in Gsiesertal Valley-Welsberg-Taisten, with a long and eventful history closely connected to the Lords of Welsperg.

As you make your way up to the castle, you'll discover a place where many traces of its past have survived to this day, ready to be explored.

From medieval fortress to Welsperg Castle

Around 1140, the brothers Schwikher and Otto von Welsperg had the castle built on a rocky outcrop above Welsberg. Its most distinctive feature is the unusually tall keep, believed to be the oldest part of the complex. Over the centuries, the castle was extended and altered several times. As the Lords of Welsperg grew in influence, they had Thurn Castle built opposite Welsperg Castle in the 13th century.

A major turning point came with the fire of 1765, which destroyed large parts of the castle. During the reconstruction that followed, it was never fully restored to its original form. Nevertheless, it remained closely connected to the von Welsperg family for centuries, and its distinctive keep still stands above the village today.

Detail of the historic interior of Welsperg Castle

Welsperg Castle today

Today, Welsperg Castle is a place where history and culture come together. During opening hours, you can explore the castle and discover more about its centuries-old past. Its historic walls also provide a setting for exhibitions, concerts and cultural events, bringing new life to the castle throughout the season.

Opening hours and admission prices

Historic room with arches inside Welsperg Castle

Opening hours

Winter closure

Welsperg Castle is closed during winter.
It will reopen in spring 2027.

The new opening hours will be published here
as soon as they are confirmed.

Detail of historic armour inside Welsperg Castle

Prices

Children aged 0-6
Free

Children aged 6-17 / Seniors aged 65+
€ 3

Adults
€ 5

Bridge leading to Welsperg Castle with part of the castle

How to reach Welsperg Castle

Welsperg Castle stands on a wooded rocky outcrop above Welsberg and cannot be reached directly by car. A visit is particularly enjoyable when combined with a walk along the short or long castle circular trail.

On foot
Walking and hiking trails lead up to the castle from Welsberg village centre. A circular route also continues to the ruins of Thurn Castle.

By bus and train
Welsberg is well connected by bus and train. From the station or village centre, take the Citybus to the middle school or continue on foot towards the castle.

By car
Welsperg Castle cannot be reached directly by car. The best option is to park at the middle school in Welsberg and walk the final uphill section to the castle.

Thurn Castle ruins

Directly opposite Welsperg Castle lie the remains of Thurn Castle. The Lords of Welsperg had it built in the 13th century, creating a second fortified residence close to their ancestral home. Today, only ruins remain of the original castle.

Together, Welsperg Castle and the ruins of Thurn Castle form a distinctive historic site above Welsberg. Both can be explored on foot and offer a glimpse into the village's medieval past.