Do not be deceived by the external strictness of the castle. It looks like an administrative building, but in fact, it is a magnificent example of architecture, in the depths of which real treasures are hidden.

The castle is located on a hilltop near the Inn River. It can be considered one of the most beautiful Palace complexes in Tyrol.

It is assumed that the castle on this site was built in the X century. It was then the family seat of the Andechs family of Lower Bavaria. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in 1133.

The land with its ruins was purchased by Archduke Ferdinand II in 1563. He was a distinguished collector and hoped to turn the newly erected building into a cultural center, which would be based on his personal collection of weapons, art, and natural curiosities.

The Archduke chose the Upper castle as his permanent residence, leaving the Lower one as a museum and storage for the collection.

The lower castle was gradually expanded along with the collection, which could not fit into one room. Eventually, there were five adjacent halls where you could look at weapons, armor, and other interesting things. The lower castle became a full-fledged Museum and in 1601 an illustrated catalog with its exhibits was even published.

Ferdinand carefully kept and regularly added to his collection. There were many exotic exhibits from around the world in the Cabinet of curiosities and Wunderkammer. It was possible to see their woodwork, ivory, beautiful corals, Indian feather ornaments, and much more.

Unfortunately, after the death of the collector, the castle passed into the hands of his son, who did not share his father's hobbies. He did not hesitate to sell the castle to Rudolf II, who did not care much about the exhibition. That caused many of the exhibits to fall into disrepair.

In 1919, the castle finally became the property of the state. In the 70s, the Spanish Hall, the courtyard of the Upper Castle and the apartments were restored. Then the Kunstkamera was opened, and in 1976 – a gallery of portraits of the Habsburg dynasty. In 1981, an updated weapons museum has been re-opened in the Lower Castle. Today, the castle and the collection are carefully cared for, and tourists are waiting for exciting excursions.