Photo: Mittersill Plus GmbH (c) Wolfgang Spekner

Felberturm Museum

Mittersill, Salzburg

ausstellungmuseumstour

The Felberturm, built in the first half of the 12th century, served the noble-free lords of Velm as a residential and defensive tower. In 1415, the tower fell to the Salzburg archbishops and was converted into a "Diensttroadkasten" in 1470. In 1812, the building, characterized by its herringbone brickwork, was auctioned by the Bavarian government, came into private ownership, and finally transferred to community ownership in 1936. The Felberturm was restored in 1963 to house a local history museum. Between 2019 and 2021, the Felberturm Museum was redesigned and extensively renovated. Since July 7, 2021, the newly designed museum has reopened to visitors. On the ground floor of the Felberturm, there is an exhibition on the topic "Saumhandel" (packhorse trade). Here, the various packhorse routes over the Tauern mountains and the fateful stories of the packhorsemen are brought to life and presented according to the latest museological pedagogical standards. The exhibition displays not only the basic equipment of the packhorsemen but also a special weather station that holds surprises for visitors. The first upper floor explains the history and development of Mittersill from a bann village to a town. Special emphasis is placed on jurisdiction and the relationship between the people and the authorities. The unique witch trial of Mittersill is presented through historical research and film. The exhibition also covers the special features of the Mittersill market as an early center of iron and leather crafts. Today, Mittersill is also known for its Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and its high density of hospitable inns and guesthouses. In the adjacent farmhouse, the everyday life of farmers, many of whom were also packhorsemen, is depicted. The former school building from 1609 serves as an educational space and play workshop.