Hasegg Castle

Hasegg Castle in Hall in Tirol fuses medieval fortification with one of Europe's most important monetary histories. Its landmark is the twelve-sided Mint Tower, built in 1486 when Archduke Sigmund the Wealthy moved coin production here from Meran. The first large silver thaler, the Guldiner from which the word dollar evolved, was struck at Hall in 1486. Silver from the nearby Schwaz mines bankrolled Habsburg European policy for generations. Today the Mint Hall museum demonstrates coin striking in the original workshops with interactive stations. The climb up the 45-meter tower rewards visitors with views across the old town and along the Inn valley.