This imposing hillside fortress is without a doubt the most visited attraction in Kufstein and it is easy to see why.Looming over the small town, the castle is hard to miss and has been an important site in the region of Tyrol for hundreds of years.Conquered by the Emperor Maximillian II in the 1500’s the fortress saw much expansion with the inclusion of its outer walls and the huge iconic round tower.The amazing location of the castle, its outstanding design and striking white walls, plus the views it offers over Kufstein make it a brilliant tourist attraction.The history of Kufstein Fortress begins in 1205 , when it was first documented as " Castrum Caofstein ." At that time, the fortress belonged to the Bishops of Regensburg , who used it as a strategic point to secure their power and monitor the trade routes in the Inn Valley. The fortress's location on a steep rock above the town made it a natural bulwark, protecting not only the surrounding area but also serving as a symbol of authority and control. The earliest structures were likely simple wooden buildings, which were replaced over the centuries by massive stone structures, transforming the fortress into an imposing defensive fortification.