From a toll station to a living museum
The Roman road over the Alps has been traced back to as far as the 4th century AD in the area where Mauterndorf castle stands today. It went over the Obertauern mountain chain and on to the old Roman city Juvavum (Salzburg). A document traced back to Emperor Heinrich II from 1002 stated that a toll station had been set up to levy money. The first documentary recording of the existence of the castle itself dates back to 1253. In the 13th century, in order to protect the market village the Salzburg Domkapitel ordered the construction of castle fortifications at Mauterndorf. The provost of the cathedral, Burkhard von Weißpriach, and later Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach, expanded the fortifications in the 15th century; the latter being so enamoured by the castle that he used it as a summer residence.
Until 1806 Mauterndorf Castle had been owned by the cathedral chapter and used as an administrative centre, after which it was handed over to the state. From the beginning of the 19th century onwards the largest threat it faced was from decay and disrepair. In 1894 the castle was taken over by a Prussian military doctor, Dr. Hermann von Epenstein, and restored at great effort and expense. After changing hands on several occasions the government of the province of Salzburg acquired the castle in 1968. From 1979 to 1982 this historically significant building was renovated and restored to the tune of around 20 million Austrian shillings or approximately 1.45 million Euros.
Mauterndorf Castle: An impressive piece of building history
Today, Mauterndorf Castle is an impressive monument to the building achievements of the past housing a very rich history within its walls. The halls, chambers, vaults and private rooms, have been developed in such a way as to make history tangible and also house the Lungau Landschaftsmuseum. The castle is now a regional centre of cultural interest and offers excellent catering and restaurant facilities.