Eschenlohe Castle

High above the confluence of Rio Fratta and Rio Valsura in Val d'Ultimo, a ruin soars at the top of a forested hill, which is Castel Eschenlohe, also called Eschenloch. Exactly this appearance of the landscape is considered to be one of the most impressive of the alpine landscape in South Tyrol. The castle is situated 2 km from the village of San Pancrazio in Val d'Ultimo.

Eschenlohe Castle has been documented for the first time in 1164, referred to as "Castel d'Ultimo". For a long period of time it was in possession of the territorial lords of Val d'Ultimo. In 1492 there was a change in possession to the counts Georg and Jakob von Trapp. Nowadays, however, the family Pof. Schinzel from Zurich is the owner of the building.

Remains of the circular wall, parts of an outbuilding as well as the massive donjon are still preserved. Today the ruin cannot be visited from inside, but it is a popular photo motif. Furthermore, the Eschenlohe Nature Trail (Ultner Naturlehrpfad Eschenlohe) takes you to this place. This walk of 6 km starts in the centre of S. Pancrazio and boasts 16 interesting information panels.