A private residence, Schloss Montfort stands before us. But it is a monument with a compelling story. The history of Schloss Montfort dates back to 1334. Back then, it was just a humble land holding. It was known as “Gols dua Praedia.” By 1382, it was called “hueb ze gols.” The noble Golser family owned it from 1412 to 1528.
Fast forward to 1699. Maria Anna, Countess of Montfort, acquired the Golserhof. She was the sister of Archbishop Johann Ernst Graf Thun. Ten years later, she added Schloss Lüftenegg and surrounding lands to her estate. This expanded property became known as Schloss Thunegg. It was also called Tumeggerhof after her family name.
Anton III Graf von Montfort faced a large coin counterfeiting scandal. In 1727, he passed some governing duties to his son Ernst. In 1728, Anton and his wife Maria Anna moved from the Lake Constance region to Salzburg. They lived here at the Montforter Hof. Both died here in 1733. Countess Maria Anna bequeathed the estate to her grandson Josef Graf Lodron. The ownership was conditional. If Josef had no male heirs, the property would pass to the Lodron or Montfort descendants. Anton Graf von Montfort followed in 1746. He was the last of his line. In 1791, Hieronymus Graf von Lodron purchased the estate.
In 1791, Prince Archbishop Colloredo acquired Schloss Montfort. He removed the Nonnberg monastery’s manorial rights. Colloredo used the estate for hunting trips. The royal hunting grounds included Morzger Hill, Hellbrunn, and Eichet Forest. Colloredo built a gloriette on the Hinterer Golserberg. From there, he enjoyed views of Hohensalzburg Fortress and the Old Town.
In 1816, Salzburg fell under Habsburg rule. Schloss Montfort became property of the Austrian monarchy. It was assigned to the regional governors for their use. Karl Überreiter acquired Schloss Montfort in 1875.
Alois Graf von Arco-Stepperg bought the Montforterhof and its surroundings in 1884. His daughter Sophie Gräfin Moy de Sons inherited it in 1893. The art historian Johannes Graf von Moy inherited the Montforter Hof. He also owned Wasserschloss Anif and Villa Swoboda. His adopted son Johannes Graf von Moy became the next owner. His descendants kept the Schloss, renting it out to people like Friedrich Karl Flick. Gert-Rudolf Flick, his nephew, finally bought it in 2003.
The Schloss Montfort is a hook-shaped structure. The two wings stand at right angles to each other. The upper floor has uniform window plaster frames. The eastern part of the Schloss dates from the 15th century. The west wing dates from the 18th century. Around 1790, it got its current facade as a hunting lodge.
Historically, Schloss Montfort included farm buildings. Friedrich Graf Spaur praised the farm’s modernity during Colloredo’s time. It had livestock water supply and a feeding system. It also had lighting. Before 1995, the old stable housed a carpentry shop. Plans to create a private vehicle museum never materialized. The wooden part of the stable, built after 1800, was later connected to the main stable. This created a single building with a uniform roof.
Schloss Montfort once had a baroque garden. It measured 150 by 50 meters. Before 1900, this garden and the surrounding landscape garden were gradually dissolved. The building underwent extensive renovation in 2006. Today, Schloss Montfort remains private property. While not open to the public, a hiking trail passes by. Its rich history and beautiful surroundings make it a unique landmark.