Mittersill Castle - Mittersill+

The first documented reference to the castle was in 1150, when it was founded by the Dukes of Lechsgemünd. It had an economic purpose: to collect tolls and taxes at the crossroads of two trade routes - the Salzach valley and the Felbertauern. The trade goods were primarily salt, wine, spices, oil and fruit. They build the castle in a horseshoe form with the development of a defensive wall in the east and south.

In 1220 because of the death of the childless Henry from Mittersill the castle fell to the dukes of Bavaria back as feudal lords. In 1228 there was a territorial exchange. The upper Pinzgau became a part of the Archbishopric of Salzburg. Schloss Mittersill became the residence of the governor (the representative of the Archbishop).
In 1526 there was a peasants’ revolt. The castle, as a symbol of the hated oppression from the Archbishop, was destroyed. In 1528, the peasants were defeated by a mercenary army and were forced to build the castle again. In 1555 and 1594 fires destroyed parts of the building.

In 1645 there was another peasant revolt. Because of rumors of an advancing peasant army, preparations for defense were undertaken including: deforestation of the woods below the castle for better view, gun ports in the gangway, the well in the courtyard was newly dug to the valley floor. The peasant army never quite got there. From then on, the castle was not in danger anymore. There is a secret passage: one exit is still visible near the Volksbank. Witch trials were held at the castle in the 16th and 17th century. “Witches” were often unpopular women who were accused of causing natural disasters through witchcraft. They awaited trial in the dungeon. During the trial they had to sit in a large pot hung from the ceiling as it was said that witches only have their power when their feet are touching the ground.

More dungeons like the knives tower were bricked up in the 20 of century. The castle chapel was completed in 1533. It is marked with the crest of Archbishop Matthäus Lang of Wellenburg. The chapel has a late gothic character. Very attractive are the two lancet windows, their stained glass is mouth-blown, it is a very valuable glass and for the most part preserved.

In 1919 the castle was auctioned to a private owner, a painter from Munich Hugo von Grundherr zu Altenthann, who transformed the castle inside into a Neo-Romanesque Style. Ownership changed frequently for a time. At one point, the castle housed an orphanage for girls. Because of economy problems, the castle was auctioned to the lamer Bank at the 14th of October 1929.

In 1935, Baron Hubert von Pantz acquired the castle. This Baron was president of the International Sport and Shooting Club. The castle became home of this exclusive club which included as members many industrialists, members of the nobility, and film stars. Guests/members included names like King Faruk of Egypt, King Nubar Gulbenkian, Prince Aristoteles Onassis and Henry Ford. Film stars like Rita Hayworth, Gina Lollobrigida, Clark Gable or Curd Jürgens, Gunter Sachs and the Austrian ski star Toni Sailer;

In 1938 Baron von Pantz fled Schloss Mittersill. He emigrated to the USA. The castle was then occupied only by the housekeeper/manager (Frau Anneliese Oberndorfer).
Lightning struck in a summer storm in 1938, causing a great fire. Everything above the first floor burned. In 1939 until 1944 SS Officers occupied the castle and took care of some of the rebuilding which had become necessary as a result of the fire.
Around 1950 Baron von Pantz returned with the Club. Guests in those years included Queen Juliane of the Netherlands on her honeymoon.

In 1968 the Baron sold the castle because the great era of the club was over. A member of the Club, John Bolten Sr., Together they had the idea to convert Schloss Mittersill to a conference and retreat center, primarily for international student conferences.

In December 2010 the castle was sold to locals for the first time. After renovation works in summer 2010 the castle was opened as a restaurant with Café and can be visited by everyone from near and far. The result will be a gently restored 4* Hotel with style and comfort.

The renovations in the east-wing of the castle are in December 2011 finish and we cordially invite our guests stay in the new, elegant rooms with breathtaking views and exclusive interior furnishings.