Weitmoser Castle

Weitmoser Castle, also known as Schloss Hundsdorf, is a striking landmark in the Gastein Valley, a popular tourist destination in the state of Salzburg, Austria. The castle, which dates back to the 16th century, has a rich history and a strong connection to the Weitmoser family, a prominent dynasty of miners and financiers in the region. Today, the castle serves as a restaurant and café, offering visitors a glimpse of its past glory and charm.

The castle is located on the outskirts of the district of Hundsdorf, in the municipality of Bad Hofgastein. It stands on a hill on the western side of the valley, overlooking the picturesque landscape of the Alps. The castle is easily accessible by car or public transport, and is only a few kilometers away from the spa town of Bad Gastein.

The castle consists of two main parts: the older northern wing, which was originally a separate building called the Goldeckhof, and the newer southern wing, which was added by the Weitmoser family in the 16th century. The two wings are connected by a central tower, which features a distinctive onion-shaped dome. The castle has a rectangular shape, with four corner towers and a courtyard in the middle. The facade of the castle is decorated with frescoes, coats of arms, and inscriptions, reflecting the various phases of its construction and renovation.

The Weitmoser Family and the Golden Age of Mining

The Weitmoser family was one of the most prominent and prosperous families in the Gastein Valley, thanks to their involvement in the mining industry. The Gastein Valley was rich in mineral resources, especially gold and silver, which attracted miners and merchants from all over Europe. The mining boom reached its peak in the 16th century, when the valley produced about 10% of the world’s gold and silver.

The founder of the Weitmoser dynasty was Hans Weitmoser, who acquired several properties and mines in the valley in the early 16th century. He was also a leader of the Salzburg peasant revolt, a rebellion against the oppressive rule of the archbishop of Salzburg, Matthäus Lang. Hans Weitmoser was pardoned by the archbishop after he apologized and pledged his loyalty. He then became a commissioner for the archbishop in mining disputes and affairs.

Hans Weitmoser’s son, Christoph Weitmoser, was the most successful and influential member of the family. He inherited his father’s fortune and expanded it by investing in more mines and lands. He was also a scholar and a patron of the arts and sciences. He enrolled at the University of Freiburg in 1522 and studied law, mathematics, astronomy, and alchemy. He also collected books, manuscripts, paintings, and instruments, and corresponded with famous humanists and scientists of his time, such as Erasmus of Rotterdam and Paracelsus.

Christoph Weitmoser was also a close friend and financier of Archduke Ferdinand of Tyrol, the brother of Emperor Charles V and the ruler of the Habsburg lands in Austria. He also supported Duke Ernst of Bavaria, who was the archbishop of Salzburg from 1540 to 1554. Christoph Weitmoser was rewarded for his services and loyalty with the title of Imperial Councilor and the elevation to the rank of knight. He was also granted the right to mint his own coins and to bear a coat of arms with a golden lion and a miner’s hammer.

Christoph Weitmoser was the builder of the castle that bears his name. He bought the old Goldeckhof, a wooden tower on a mound, in 1538 and transformed it into a stone castle with a courtyard and a moat. He also added a chapel, a library, a laboratory, and a gallery to the castle. The castle was his residence and his headquarters for his mining operations. He also hosted many distinguished guests at the castle, such as Archduke Ferdinand, Duke Ernst, and Paracelsus.

Christoph Weitmoser died in 1563, leaving behind a fortune of about 320,000 florins, which was equivalent to the annual income of the archbishop of Salzburg. He was buried in the parish church of Bad Hofgastein, where his tombstone can still be seen today. He had seven children from his marriage to Elisabeth Vötzl, who inherited his wealth and properties. However, the Weitmoser family soon declined, as the heirs squandered their inheritance and the mining industry in the valley declined due to wars, plagues, and floods. The last male descendant of the family, Johann Weitmoser, died in 1606, and the castle was sold to the Leykhofer family, who were also miners and nobles.

The Legend of the Weitmoser Wedding Veil

The history of the Weitmoser family is also intertwined with a legend that has been passed down for generations in the Gastein Valley. The legend tells of a wedding veil that belonged to Elisabeth Vötzl, the wife of Christoph Weitmoser, and how it brought fortune or misfortune to those who owned it.

According to the legend, Elisabeth Vötzl was a beautiful and virtuous maiden, who was the daughter of a rich merchant from Salzburg. She was betrothed to Christoph Weitmoser, who was already a wealthy and powerful miner and noble. On the day of their wedding, Elisabeth wore a magnificent veil that was made of the finest silk and embroidered with pearls and precious stones. The veil was a gift from her father, who had bought it from a mysterious merchant in Venice. The merchant had told him that the veil had a magical power: it could bring happiness and prosperity to the bride and her family, but only if she remained faithful and loyal to her husband. If she ever betrayed him, the veil would bring disaster and ruin to her and her descendants.

Elisabeth Vötzl and Christoph Weitmoser had a happy and successful marriage, and the veil seemed to fulfill its promise. They had seven children and amassed a great fortune from their mines and lands. They also enjoyed the respect and admiration of their peers and the favor of the rulers. The veil was kept in a chest in the castle, where it was guarded by a faithful servant.

However, after Christoph Weitmoser’s death, the veil’s curse began to manifest. One of his sons, Hans Weitmoser, who had inherited the castle and the mines, fell in love with a beautiful but wicked woman, who seduced him and persuaded him to marry her. She also convinced him to give her the veil as a wedding gift, claiming that it was a family heirloom. Hans Weitmoser, who was blinded by his passion, agreed and took the veil from the chest, despite the warnings of the servant. He gave the veil to his bride, who wore it on their wedding day.

However, as soon as she put on the veil, she felt a sudden pain in her head and her eyes. She screamed and tore off the veil, but it was too late. She had become blind and mad, and she ran away from the castle, never to be seen again. Hans Weitmoser was devastated and heartbroken, and he soon died of grief. The veil was lost, and the castle and the mines fell into decay.

The legend says that the veil was found by a poor peasant woman, who used it as a cloth to wrap her newborn baby. The baby grew up to be a handsome and clever boy, who became a successful merchant and a noble. He married a beautiful and virtuous lady, who wore the veil on their wedding day. They had many children and lived happily ever after. The veil was passed down from generation to generation, bringing fortune and happiness to those who wore it with love and fidelity.

The legend also says that the veil is still somewhere in the Gastein Valley, waiting for the next bride who will wear it with honor and grace. Some say that the veil is hidden in a cave, others say that it is buried in a grave, and others say that it is kept in a secret chamber in the castle. The legend also says that the veil will reveal itself to those who are worthy of it, and that it will bring back the glory and prosperity of the Weitmoser family.

The Castle Today

The castle changed hands several times over the years, until it was bought by the Scharfetter family in 1796. The Scharfetters were also involved in the mining business, and maintained the castle as their residence and office. They renovated the interior of the castle in the 19th century, and restored the frescoes in the chapel in the 20th century. They also opened a café and a restaurant in the castle, and welcomed guests and tourists to enjoy the historic atmosphere and the scenic views.

Today, the castle is still owned and run by the Scharfetter family, who have preserved its original character and charm. The castle is open to the public, and offers a variety of services and facilities. The restaurant and café serve traditional and international cuisine, and host various events and celebrations. The castle also has a museum, which displays the history and the artifacts of the castle and the Weitmoser family. The museum also organizes guided tours and exhibitions, and provides educational programs and workshops for schools and groups.

The castle is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike, who come to admire its beauty and learn about its history. The castle is also a cultural and social hub, and a symbol of the Gastein Valley and its heritage.

Bad Hofgastein, Austria
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