The Starkenberger BierMythos features a 700-metre circular tour through 18 rooms of the castle. In Tarrenz, brewing history, rural life and crafts sit alongside hiking and seasonal activities. When planning your trip, the type of experience matters as much as the subject: a museum visit, a valley hike between two places or a circular route each shape your days differently.
Beer History at Starkenberg Castle
The Schloss Starkenberg brewery has been operating since 1810 and still brews beer in the historic rooms of the more than 700-year-old castle. Together with the tour, this offers a tangible way to explore two time spans: the castle’s long history and the brewing history that began in 1810 and continues to this day. If you are interested in brewing culture, the tour lets you consider both together: the historic building and the ongoing production of beer.
Hiking Routes with Different Character
The valley hike through the Gurgltal runs for 17 kilometres from Tarrenz to Nassereith, through forests and meadows and partly along the old Roman road Via Claudia Augusta. Trixi’s Witches’ Nature Trail follows a different format: this 2.70-kilometre themed route is a circular hike with 16 riddles hidden in the Salvesenschlucht gorge.
The two routes therefore differ not only in length, but also in their course and theme. The valley hike leads between two places through varied landscapes; the themed route combines a circular walk with riddles. You can make your choice based on these specific differences. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out. The Gurgltal cycle path is also connected to the area: it passes through Strad, a district of Tarrenz.
Museum, Crafts and Historic Rooms
The Tarrenz local history museum is housed in a farmhouse built in 1734 and offers insights into rural life and crafts in the Gurgltal. Visitors can see original rooms, including the smoke kitchen, parlour and bedroom. These rooms provide a tangible setting for exploring everyday life and the valley’s crafts.
During the summer months, the museum gallery in the former stable building of the local history museum serves as an exhibition space for works by local artists. The seasonal programme may vary; if you plan to include it in your stay, take the summer months and the current offering into account. At Knappendorf, medieval techniques are presented alongside those of the Early Modern period. This juxtaposition brings two historical periods together and adds another perspective on crafts and technology to the picture of rural life.
Seasonal Highlights and Practical Information
Tarrenz’s Fasnacht carnival includes the traditional rivalry between the Roller and Scheller, with witches playing a prominent role. As Fasnacht dates vary from year to year, check the event dates when planning a specific trip. Another seasonal activity is ice climbing in the Salvesenklamm gorge, which is possible in winter. Seasonal conditions and safety requirements should be taken into account.
The Frauenbrunnen Kneipp facility is supplied by radon-rich water, which feeds the fountain and pools. There is also a specific route to the Knappenwelt from the Gemeindeamt Tarrenz bus stop: the attraction is a 15-minute walk from the stop. When planning, you can therefore consider cultural visits, routes and seasonal activities as different focal points.
Discover more destinations: Silz, Obergurgl, Sölden, Köfles, Stams, Nassereith, Sautens and Oetz.
View the broader travel overview: Imst.
