Weissenstein Castle

Castel Matrey was built in the 12th century above the basin Matrei, along the Felbertauernstraße. At the time, it was in the hands of the Lords of Lechsgemünde, who also owned other castles throughout East Tyrol, including Kienburg and Schloss Lengberg.

Two centuries later, the castle's name was changed to Weißenstein (white stone), because of the white dolomite rock it stands on. Over the centuries it gradually decayed, but was, however, still used as a hospice. In the 19th century, it underwent extensive restoration works, modelled on English castles of the historicist period. Its wonderful park, which was added during these works, definitely contributed to its increasing popularity.

Soon after the castle was restored according to the achitectural principles of the castles in the Rhineland and turned into a renowned luxury hotel. The St. Laurentius chapel is a true gem: although the objects it houses were stolen in the 17th century, the stunning frescoes by Simon Taisten on its external wall are still visible today. In 1921 the castle became a private property.