Mentelberg Castle

As early as 1305, a manor farm of Wilten Monastery on the Gallwiese is mentioned at the site of the present castle. The manor farm was sold by the monastery. The most famous owners were the Mentlbergers, who gave the later residence its name. Under Emperor Maximilian I, Heinrich von Mentlberger, imperial councillor, city judge and mayor of Innsbruck, was ennobled. The farm on the Gallwiese was subsequently elevated to a noble residence and expanded in 1497. After the Mentlbergers, there were several owners. In the 17th century, the residence passed into the possession of Wilten Monastery. In 1770, the castle was expanded. In 1861, Countess Therese Spaur bought the property and had it renovated. In 1884, the owner changed again, who opened a modern hotel pension in the castle.

In 1890, the French Prince Ferdinand of Bourbon-Orleans acquired the property. In 1905, he had the castle rebuilt in the style of the Loire castles. With his wife Sophie, the sister of the Austrian Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), the Duke enjoyed staying in Mentlberg. Emperors, kings and princes were often guests.

During World War I, the castle housed a hospital for soldiers with lung diseases. After the war, the castle was alternately used as an apprentice home, an inn with 110 hotel rooms, and a barracks. Today, the castle belongs to the State of Tyrol and has been a student and apprentice home since 1948.