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Book Presentation: Johann Putzer von Reibegg (1801–1892) – Nebelbilder by Dr Peter v. Grabmayr
Johann Putzer von Reibegg (1801–1892), born during the Napoleonic Wars and raised in the milieu of prominent Bolzano merchant families, received an excellent education and training. Together with his brother-in-law Peter von Mayrl, he travelled to the most important cities in the German-speaking lands and northern Italy. At the age of 21, he married Anna Ingram von Liebenrain and, together with Peter von Mayrl, took over the Holzhammer business.
In 1848, Johann Putzer volunteered to defend order and his homeland of Tyrol in accordance with the Landlibell, serving in Trieste and on Monte Baldo against irredentist volunteers. Through investments in five railway lines, two mills and an ironworks with mines between Budapest, Store, Trieste, Rome, Milan and Merano, he became one of Tyrol’s pioneering entrepreneurs.
In his autobiography “Nebelbilder”, Johann Putzer recounts selected episodes from his life in 82 scenes. Happy and difficult, family and political, successful and distressing events are juxtaposed. “Nebelbilder” thus provides a unique portrait of the life and work of an active Tyrolean businessman in the 19th century.
Following the book presentation, the South Tyrolean Castle Institute invites guests to a small aperitif in the garden.
Registration with the office of the South Tyrolean Castle Institute is required by 4 September.
Exhibition: Hunters and the Hunted – The History of Hunting
The special exhibition ““Hunters and the Hunted – The History of Hunting”, curated by Marie Rubner on behalf of the Südtiroler Burgeninstitut, opens on 3° April 2026 and will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until 1° November 2026 at the Castle of Taufers.
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Excursion to the Brenner Base Tunnel (BBT) construction site, followed by a visit to Welfenstein Castle.
Participants gained fascinating insights into one of Europe’s most important infrastructure projects. Of particular interest was the Franzensfeste–Waidbruck section, whose route passes beneath Trostburg Castle.
The excursion concluded on a convivial note at Welfenstein Castle, where Castle Institute member Martina Eicke invited the group to an aperitif. The South Tyrolean Castle Institute would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to Martina Eicke for her generous hospitality and for providing such a delightful conclusion to an interesting day of exploration.
Concert Evening with the Bläserensemble Philomousia at Trostburg Castle
The ensemble Philomousia delighted audiences at Trostburg Castle with an atmospheric summer concert, bringing the fascinating sound world of historical Harmoniemusik to life. The programme featured works ranging from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to Friedrich Gulda.
Founded in 2005, the ensemble is dedicated to preserving and promoting the tradition of classical Harmoniemusik and has been under the artistic direction of Manfred Egger since 2023.
Registration with the office is required.
Excursion to Historic Residences in the Puster Valley – Welsperg Castle and Sonnenburg Castle (Hotel Castel Badia)
On 24 July 2026, the South Tyrolean Castles Institute organised an excursion to the Puster Valley for its members. The programme included visits to Welsperg Castle in Monguelfo (Welsberg) and Sonnenburg (Hotel Castel Badia) near Brunico (Bruneck).
Following a guided tour of Welsperg Castle led by Dr. Brunhilde Rossi-Agostini, the group enjoyed lunch together at Sonnenburg. In the afternoon, Dr. Gunther Knötig guided the participants through the complex, offering fascinating insights into its history, architecture and the most recent restoration work.
Patronal Feast at Taufers Castle
On Monday, 29 June, the South Tyrolean Castles Institute celebrated the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul together with numerous members at Taufers Castle.
Following the festive Mass, the traditional dumpling lunch was held at the castle tavern, providing an opportunity for convivial gathering. Afterwards, participants joined curator Marie Rubner for a guided tour of the new exhibition on the history of hunting, gaining fascinating insights into the exhibition's concept and its historical background.
Collect stickers and discover South Tyrol’s museums
With the new sticker album “Three Friends and Their Adventures in South Tyrol’s Museums,” the South Tyrol Museums Association invites children and families to discover South Tyrol’s diverse museum landscape in a fun and playful way.
At each museum visit, visitors receive a unique sticker to collect and place in the album. Stickers are also available at our castles – Trostburg Castle and Taufers Castle – and can be added to the collection.
The sticker album is available free of charge and turns museum visits into an exciting adventure for young explorers.
Visit to the Museum Zeitreise Mensch in Kurtatsch
On Thursday, May 7, 2026, the South Tyrolean Castles Institute visited the Museum Zeitreise Mensch in Kurtatsch. During a personal guided tour led by Siegmund Schweiggl, the participants received fascinating insights into human development and the history of South Tyrol from the Stone Age to the present day.
The visit was especially meaningful as the museum celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The afternoon concluded with a convivial snack together at Restaurant Terzer.
53rd General Assembly of the South Tyrolean Castles Institute at Castel Pergine on April 11, 2026
On Saturday, April 11, 2026, the 53rd General Assembly of the South Tyrolean Castles Institute took place at Castel Pergine in Trentino. Numerous members attended this year’s assembly and took the opportunity to exchange ideas in a unique historic setting.
Following the official meeting and the presentation of the 2025 annual reports, the participants enjoyed a shared lunch at Castel Pergine. Afterwards, a guided tour offered interesting insights into the history and architecture of the impressive castle complex, which is considered one of the most significant historic sites in Trentino.
The day concluded with a joint walk through Pergine Valsugana, including insights into the architecture of the historic town palaces, followed by a convivial gathering at Palazzo Wolkenstein.
Two-Day Excursion to Leogang, Rattenberg and Tratzberg
On March 13 and 14, 2026, the South Tyrolean Castles Institute organized a two-day excursion to Austria. One of the main destinations was the Mining and Gothic Museum Leogang, which offered fascinating insights into the region’s thousands of years of mining and artistic tradition. Particularly appreciated was the personal guided tour by Prof. Hermann Mayrhofer and Andreas Herzog.
As part of the excursion, the participants also visited the medieval town of Rattenberg and Schloss Tratzberg, where they received interesting insights into the history and architecture of the impressive castle during a guided tour led by Count Ulrich Goëss-Enzenberg.
Patronal Feast of St. Anthony the Abbot at Trostburg Castle
