Kniepass Fortress

Kniepass Fortress is located at Kniepass in Pinzgau between Lofer and Unken. For centuries, the old path between the Reichenhall basin and Pinzgau led "over" Kniepass, past Kniepass Fortress. This small barrier system was first mentioned in documents around 1350.

Due to the narrow valley and the elevated position of the fortress, it was easy to repel unwanted intruders and to control the flow of goods, as well as to collect the associated road tolls.

Today, this small fortress, which has not been rebuilt since the Thirty Years' War, lies somewhat off the now developed road that runs through the Kniepass gorge. It is also accessible via a shady footpath that leads up from the parking lot at the foot of the fortress.

Through the gate tower, one enters the small fortress area surrounded by a massive stone wall. From here, there is a view of the Unken basin and Oberrain Castle. The main building, where the guard once lived, also stands here. During the French Wars from 1800 to 1809, Tyrolean and Pinzgau defenders occupied this barrier fort. However, sources regarding the exact use of the fortifications during the Napoleonic Wars are missing.

In the last days of April and the first days of May 1945, tank barriers were erected on the road below the fortress. They were not used against the US Army's 101st Airborne Division, which was already in Reichenhall, due to the prior surrender of Army Group V of the German Wehrmacht. Later, the main building of the fortress served as accommodation for forest workers. In 1965, the last residents, an elderly couple, moved out due to old age.