Culture · Nature
Schloss Trautenfels – Universalmuseum Joanneum
2–3 hours · from 2 people, also for groups and families · from 13 €33 km
High above the Ennstal, Schloss Trautenfels stands like a sentinel before the mighty backdrop of the Grimming — and behind its thick walls waits a museum that will surprise you. As a branch of the Universalmuseum Joanneum, the landscape museum tells the story of the nature and culture of the Ennstal and Ausseerland across 13 rooms, with over 42,000 objects, baroque state rooms and interactive stations that delight children too. To round off your visit, climb the 142 steps up the lookout tower and let your gaze wander across the valley. Especially on rainy or foggy days, the castle makes a wonderful outing from Schladming — only around 25 minutes away by car.
What to expect
Schloss Trautenfels is a 'Joanneum in miniature': the landscape museum leads you through 13 rooms full of stories about life between the Ennstal and Ausseerland — from crafts and customs to alpine natural history, documented with over 42,000 objects. Add to that magnificent baroque state rooms with frescoes from the castle's history and changing special exhibitions: in 2026, 'Blume persönlich' runs from May to the end of October, an exhibition about the mythology, symbolism and scent of flowers. The finale belongs to the lookout tower — 142 steps up, and then the Ennstal lies at your feet, with the Grimming, Europe's highest free-standing mountain. Allow around 2–3 hours for your visit.
Prices & opening times
The castle is open seasonally: from 1 May to 31 October 2026, Tuesday to Sunday and on public holidays from 10 am to 5 pm — Monday is closing day. Admission costs 13 € for adults; children and young people aged 6 to 18 pay 3 €, and under-6s go free. The family ticket (2 adults with up to 2 children under 14) costs 26 €, seniors pay 11 € and students 6.50 €. A guided tour costs an additional 4 € per person (as of July 2026). If you'd like to visit several Joanneum sites, you can also use the 24- or 48-hour tickets.
Getting there from Schladming
From Schladming, you'll be there in around 25 minutes by car: simply head east on the B320 through the Ennstal to Stainach-Pürgg; the castle (address: Trautenfels 1) sits clearly visible on a hill right by the road — getting lost is practically impossible. You'll find parking directly at the castle. Alternatively, take the train to Stainach-Irdning; from there it's just a few minutes by bus or taxi. The outing combines beautifully with a detour to the nearby Ausseerland or the picturesque mountain village of Pürgg.
Insider tips
Keep the castle up your sleeve for rainy and foggy days — while the clouds hang low outside, you can immerse yourself in the valley's history inside. With children, the interactive stations that bring the museum to life through play are well worth it; for the youngest under 6, admission is free anyway. Important for planning: Monday is closing day, and from November to April the castle remains closed. If you want to dive deeper, book a guided tour (4 € p. p.) — and don't miss the climb up the tower shortly before closing time, when the afternoon light falls on the Grimming.
- Landscape museum with over 42,000 objects
- Special exhibition 'Blume persönlich' (May–Oct. 2026)
- Baroque state rooms
- Lookout tower with Grimming views
Tip: Open from May to the end of October, Tuesday to Sunday 10 am–5 pm – Monday is closing day, so bear that in mind when planning. The interactive stations delight children too.
Getting there: Approx. 25 min. by car heading east on the B320 to Stainach-Pürgg (Trautenfels 1).
Price: Adults 13 €, children & young people (6–18) 3 €, family ticket 26 €, children under 6 free, guided tour + 4 € p. p. As of July 2026
Last updated: July 22, 2026
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location & directions.
33 kmas the crow flies from winter.gartenGoogle Maps ↗
frequently asked questions.
How much does admission to Schloss Trautenfels cost?
Adults pay 13 €, children and young people aged 6 to 18 pay 3 €, and children under 6 go free. The family ticket for 2 adults with up to 2 children under 14 costs 26 €; a guided tour is an additional 4 € per person (as of July 2026).
How long does a visit to Schloss Trautenfels take?
Allow around 2–3 hours — enough time for the 13 rooms of the landscape museum, the baroque state rooms, the special exhibition and the climb up the lookout tower's 142 steps.
Is Schloss Trautenfels suitable for children?
Yes, the museum is decidedly family-friendly: interactive stations make the exhibition exciting for children too, there are educational programmes, and children under 6 have free admission.
Is the castle open in winter?
No, Schloss Trautenfels is open seasonally: from 1 May to 31 October, Tuesday to Sunday and on public holidays from 10 am to 5 pm. Monday is closing day, and from November to April the museum remains closed.
Do I need to book my visit in advance?
No booking is needed for a regular visit — simply come along during opening hours. For guided tours and group visits (discounted rate from 12 people), it's best to register in advance on +43 3682 222-33.
Is Schloss Trautenfels worth it in rainy weather?
Absolutely — the museum is one of the best bad-weather destinations around Schladming. The exhibitions are entirely inside the castle, so you'll have a fulfilling day out even in rain and fog.
