Thaur combines a distinctive local history with routes to religious sites and into Karwendel Nature Park. The castle, St. Ulrich’s Church and Palm Donkey procession tell different sides of its history; the Stations of the Cross and the ascent to Thaurer Rosskopf offer clearly distinct trail profiles. When planning, it is worth choosing cultural sites and mountain destinations according to their respective themes and routes.
Castle, Court and Church Architecture
Thaur Castle was first mentioned in a document in 1232 as belonging to the Counts of Tyrol; since 1284, it has been a sovereign castle. The dates mark different stages: 1232 is the first documented mention of it in their possession, while 1284 marks its status as a sovereign castle. As the seat of the regional court, the castle was also associated with the administration of justice. Its history therefore encompasses both its sovereign status and its judicial function.
From 2001, the ruins of Thaur Castle served as the backdrop for the Thaur Castle Plays. St. Ulrich’s Church is considered the oldest surviving church building in Tyrol. The castle and church offer different points of interest: one is associated with power and the administration of justice, the other with the history of sacred architecture. Those interested in the historic sites can thus explore Thaur’s history through more than just a single date or building.
Procession and Village History
During the Thaur Palm Donkey procession, an ensemble more than 240 years old, consisting of a palm donkey and a figure of Christ on a small cart, is pulled by altar servers. The procession travels from Thaur parish church to the pilgrimage church known as “Romedikirchl,” continues to Rum and returns to Thaur. The historic ensemble and the route go together: the procession follows a route between the churches and through Rum. Those interested in religious traditions can take in not only the group of figures but also the procession’s described course.
An exhibition on the upper floor of the Romediwirt is devoted to Thaur’s village history and documents 6,000 years of settlement history. It also features specimens, as well as eggs and pellets from four owl species. The exhibition brings together a broad sweep of history and specific natural history exhibits. It complements the historic buildings with another perspective on local history and wildlife.
Trails to the Romedius Chapel and Rosskopf
A steep Stations of the Cross trail leads from Thaur’s parish church of the Assumption of Mary to the Romedius Chapel at an elevation of 793 m, passing grottoes and a romantic archway. The chapel is located in Karwendel Nature Park. The grottoes and archway are distinctive features of the route, while the elevation indicates the destination’s location. The trail can be described by its starting point, steep character and notable features.
Thaurer Rosskopf offers a different trail profile: almost the entire ascent can be made on a forest road, with only the final five minutes to the summit cross following a narrow trail. By comparison, the Stations of the Cross is specifically described as steep. The choice between the destinations therefore comes down to different trail features: the Stations of the Cross with its grottoes and archway, or the ascent that mostly follows a forest road, with a narrow final section.
Kaisersäule and Getting to the Thaurer Alm Car Park
Kaisersäule is also located in Karwendel Nature Park and can be reached from Thaur via the “Thaurer Alm” car park. Trail conditions can vary; take this into account when planning. Bus routes 501 and 502 run to the Thaur Dorf stop. From there, it is about a further 30-minute uphill walk to the Thaurer Alm car park. Check the timetables before your trip. The approximate extra time needed to reach the car park is a separate planning consideration if Kaisersäule is part of your outing.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Oberhofen Im Inntal, Seefeld Im Inntal, Neustift Im Stubaital, Scharnitz, Birgitz, Fulpmes, Hall In Tirol, Matrei Am Brenner.
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