fortress
Landmark
Kufstein Fortress
Once ‘hotly contested and fiercely disputed’, Kufstein Fortress lies at the heart of the town. For a long time, Kufstein Fortress was an important stronghold at the entrance to the Alps. Powerful and visible from afar, the landmark of the town of Kufstein rises on an elongated dolomite rock running north to south. The history of the fortifications is part of military history and reflects the evolution of weapon technology.
The earliest existence of the castle, as a relatively small complex, from around 1000 to the middle of the 13th century, can no longer be reliably reconstructed due to a lack of written records. However, the first documented mention of it as ‘castrum choufstain’ in 1205 can be verified in an agreement between Bishop Konrad of Regensburg and Duke Ludwig of Bavaria.
Margarethe von Tirol-Görz, better known by her nickname ‘Maultasch’, received the complex as a morning gift in 1342. This was followed by Bavarian invasions and wars of succession. Two lords are irrevocably linked to the history of Kufstein Fortress. Hans von Pienzenau, who was appointed caretaker and castle captain around 1500. Emperor Maximilian I, who ordered his artillery to bombard the fortress in 1504 with iron cannonballs from heavy guns, completely destroying not only the city walls and fortification towers within a few days, but also conquering Kufstein Fortress itself.
This resulted in a flurry of construction activity, the most significant of which was Maximilian's Kaiserturm tower. Maximilian I did not live to see its completion in 1522. It is worth noting that this tower transformed the castle into a fortress. Between 1703 and 1813, there followed years of sieges and conquests. It was a back and forth between Bavaria and Austria until Kufstein and Tyrol were awarded to Austria in 1814. From the end of the 18th century and especially in the 19th century, Kufstein Fortress was used as a prison. With the acquisition of the fortress by the city of Kufstein in 1924, it became its property.
Various high-calibre events, such as concerts and theatre performances, take place at Kufstein Fortress throughout the year. Below you will find an event calendar with the most important events for 2026.
Events at Kufstein Fortress in 2026
Kufstein Fortress encompasses the entire historic fortress grounds. In the upper area, the fortress arena serves as a large open-air stage that regularly hosts concerts and musicals. Directly after the visitor centre, you will find the covered Festungsneuhof courtyard. Special events such as Hugo von Hofmannsthal's famous ‘Jedermann’ are staged here in a spectacular open-air theatre setting.
Herbert Pixner Projekt – Tour 2026
When: 29 May 2026 and 30 May 2026
Where: Festungsarena
Description: In 2026, the Herbert Pixner Project will present a new concert programme in the most prestigious concert halls in the German-speaking world. Over the years, South Tyrolean multi-instrumentalist Herbert Pixner has developed a distinctive musical style that has earned him comparisons with Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, Piazzola and Paganini. The band will perform with an expanded line-up that includes Herbert Pixner, Manuel Randi on guitars, Werner Unterlercher on bass, Ysaline Lentze on harp and Alessandro Trebo on grand piano. For almost two decades, the project has been one of the most successful representatives of progressive folk music, thrilling audiences with a mixture of playful gentleness, powerful rock and blues riffs, and influences from tango, flamenco and jazz.
Sportfreunde Stiller
When: 18 June 2026 | 6:30 p.m. doors open | 8:00 p.m. musical start
Where: Fortress Arena
Description: The band ‘Sportfreunde Stiller’ is celebrating its 30th anniversary with the tour ‘30 wonderful years’. The anniversary marks a long history that began in 1996. The group wants to celebrate this milestone extensively by thrilling their audience with new songs and a selection of their best songs. The band's career ranges from performances in dark basement rooms to packed halls with tens of thousands of visitors.
folkshilfe + AUT of ORDA
When: 19 June 2026
Where: Festungsarena
Description: Pop trio folkshilfe presents its fifth studio album, ‘bunt’, which deals with the highs and lows of recent years. For over ten years, the band has been thrilling people of all ages with its unique mix of accordion, synthesizer and dialect. Following their Amadeus nomination for the successful album ‘Vire’ with hits such as ‘Schena Mensch’ and ‘Hau di her’, folkshilfe fills concert halls to capacity in German-speaking countries. AUT of ORDA will be performing as the support act with their debut album ‘Das Empörium schlägt zurück’, proving that dialect music works in any genre.
Jedermann – das Spiel vom Sterben einer reichen Frau
When: 19 June 2026 to 19 July 2026
Where: Festungsneuhof
Description: In 2026, the Kufstein Municipal Theatre will once again present its successful production of ‘Jedermann – das Spiel vom Sterben einer reichen Frau’ (Everyman – The Play of the Death of a Rich Woman), loosely based on Hugo von Hofmannsthal's play. Following its great success in the summer of 2018, this extraordinary interpretation of the classic returns to Kufstein Fortress. The production remains faithful to the beautiful sound of Hofmannsthal's artistic language, but integrates modern elements. The spectacular open-air theatre takes place in the historic setting of the Festungsneuhof, where a covered wooden grandstand protects the audience even when it rains. The premiere will take place on 19 June 2026, with a total of twelve performances until 19 July.
JOSH.RIAN – in einer Tour
When: 21 June 2026
Where: Kufstein Fortress
Description: Austrian superstars RIAN and JOSH are going on an open-air tour together in 2026 under the motto ‘In einer Tour’ (On Tour). This musical summit promises a hit parade in a class of its own with songs such as ‘Verwandtschaftstreffen’ (Family Reunion), ‘Hausparty’ (House Party), ‘Schwarzes Schaf’ (Black Sheep), ‘Expresso & Tschianti’, ‘Cordula Grün’ and ‘Ich tanze meinen Namen’ (I Dance My Name). The joint tour combines the most successful titles of both artists into a special event that, according to the two, is set to be a summer like no other.
Rainhard Fendrich – „Nur ein Wimpernschlag"
When: 4 July 2026
Where: Festungsarena
Description: Rainhard Fendrich celebrates his 45th anniversary on stage with the tour ‘Nur ein Wimpernschlag’ (Just the blink of an eye) and the studio album of the same name. The extensive tour takes in 47 cities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, taking audiences on a musical journey through four decades. The album combines catchy melodies with profound lyrics and personal retrospectives. Throughout his career, Fendrich has released countless number one albums and created evergreens. At his concerts, he will present new songs as well as classics such as ‘Tango Korrupti’ and ‘Weus'd a Herz hast wie a Bergwerk’.
SEILER UND SPEER – „HÖDN Tour"
When: 10 July 2026 and 11 July 2026
Where: Festungsarena
Description: Seiler und Speer are going on a major concert tour of Austria in 2026 with their ‘HÖDN Tour’. The tour is named after their new album, which entered the Austrian charts at number 1 after a six-year wait. The cult duo will visit some of the country's most beautiful and largest open-air arenas and halls, from Oberwart to Graz, Klam and Salzburg to Kufstein. The concerts will focus on their new hits, without neglecting their great classics.
Musicalsummer 2026 – „Saturday Night Fever"
When: 29 July 2026 to 16 August 2026
Where: Fortress Arena
Description: From 29 July to 16 August 2026, Kufstein Fortress will be transformed into a glittering dance floor with the exclusive production ‘Saturday Night Fever – The Musical’. The hit musical, based on the legendary film starring John Travolta, revives the magical disco era of the 1970s and blends with the unique atmosphere of the medieval walls to create a spectacular contrast. The Bee Gees' timeless hits such as ‘Stayin' Alive’, ‘Night Fever’, ‘How Deep Is Your Love’ and ‘You Should Be Dancing’ form the pulsating soundtrack for a show full of energy, passion and the joy of dancing. The premiere will take place on 31 July 2026, with a total of eleven performances. The musical promises an unforgettable journey through time full of rhythm, emotion and glittering disco magic.
IN EXTREMO
When: 4 September 2026 | 5:30 p.m. doors open | 7:30 p.m. performance by medieval folk rock band Schandmaul | 8:50 p.m. IN EXTREMO
Where: Fortress Arena
Description: IN EXTREMO will return in the summer of 2026 with their legendary castle tour, bringing their impressive live shows to eight selected castles and historical locations. The band is one of the great innovators of modern music history and was the first group to fuse medieval instruments, archaic power and powerful rock energy. The castle tour promises a spectacular open-air experience of fire, history and powerful sound that goes far beyond an ordinary concert. The programme includes iconic hits, songs that haven't been played in a long time and the unmistakable stage presence of a band that has been setting standards for 30 years. The medieval folk rock band ‘Schandmaul’ will be performing as support.
Christina Stürmer „Es wird wieder laut!"
When: 11 September 2026
Where: Fortress Arena
Description: Christina Stürmer will take the historic Kufstein Fortress by storm on 11 September 2026. Following her intimate unplugged tour, the exceptional artist returns with her unmistakable sound, crisp beats and powerful guitars. The show is entitled ‘Es wird wieder laut’ (It's getting loud again) and presents songs full of energy, emotion and heart. Christina spans the spectrum from familiar classics to fresh new tracks and shows herself to be stronger, more versatile and more rousing than ever. The evening combines passion and enthusiasm with one of the most atmospheric open-air locations in the Alpine region.
The XL Schlager Show from Watz Entertainment
When: 12 September 2026
Where: Fortress Arena
Description: Watz Entertainment's XL Schlager Show will be stopping off at the historic Kufstein Fortress on 12 September 2026, presenting a top-class line-up of stars. The headliner for the evening is Beatrice Egli, who will be providing pure energy with her unmistakable voice and infectious zest for life. Matthias Reim will give you goosebumps with classics such as ‘Verdammt, ich lieb' Dich’ (Damn, I love you), while Vanessa Mai will thrill you with her mix of modern pop sounds and classic Schlager. Nik P. delivers romantic ballads and danceable earworms, while Die Draufgänger create a party atmosphere with their cheeky mix of folk music and pop. Hannah adds a rock touch to the evening, and newcomer Natalie Holzner rounds off the line-up. The open-air spectacle is hosted by Daniel Düsenflitz, who guides the audience through the evening with humour and energy.
Christmas Magic at Kufstein Fortress
When: 21 November to 20 December 2026, every Saturday and Sunday from 11.00 am to 7.00 pm
Where: Kufstein Fortress
Description: Christmas Magic 2026 at Kufstein Fortress invites visitors to a charming family experience across four Advent weekends. Taking place every Saturday and Sunday from 21 November to 20 December, the event offers a varied programme for visitors of all ages. Guests can discover traditional craftsmanship and leave their wishes at the Angel Post Office. Musical accompaniment is provided by brass ensembles and traditional carol singers. Culinary delights include mulled wine, children’s punch and traditional Tyrolean Christmas specialities. As part of the initiative “Advent in Tyrol”, the event represents authentic local traditions and meets the highest quality standards defined by the umbrella brand.