The Rio Pusteria Fortress, a former fortress and customs station, is situated at the entrance to the Val Pusteria
Image gallery: Rio Pusteria Fortress
PLEASE NOTE: THE RIO PUSTERIA FORTRESS REOPENS IN JUNE 2026.
The Rio Pusteria Fortress between Rio Pusteria (Mühlbach) and Vandoies (Vintl) at the entrance to the Val Pusteria lies along the state road where also the Pusterbike Cycle Route passes by. The history of this fortress begins in 1271 when Meinhard II commissioned its construction to better mark the border between the counties of Görz and Tyrol.
The original construction stood about 600 metres further west than the current building and consisted of a defensive wall and two towers. The old fortress was erected according to the principles of mediaeval architecture and very simple materials, such as minimally modified fluvial rocks, were used. The monument was last mentioned in written documents in 1340.
The new monument has been preserved to this day and was commissioned by Sigismund of Austria, also known as the wealthy. The new monument was equipped with four round corner towers and a defensive wall along a forested slope. The fortress of Rio Pusteria was not only a customs station but also served as a residence and defensive structure. Today this attraction hosts several open air spectacles and events and is illuminated by night. It can be visited with a guide.
Contact info
- Strada della Val Pusteria / Pustertaler Strasse - 39037 - Rio Pusteria / Mühlbach
- +39 389 5121 328
- info@muehlbacherklause.it
Opening times
Despite careful control we cannot guarantee the correctness of the provided data.
Admission
€ 4.00 adults
€ 4.00 young people (12-18 years)
to pay in cash on site
free for children under 12 years
free with the Almencard
More information
The Rio Pusteria Fortress is open to visitors every Thursday from late May/early June to early October with guided tours from 9:30 am to 12 pm and from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Meeting point in front of the fortress at the lower entrance portal.
No reservation is required. For larger groups, the Rio Pusteria Fortress is accessible on request also outside the opening hours: +39 0472 886048. The planned tours are cancelled in case of bad weather. Any cancellations and variations are posted at the entrance of the Chiusa.
