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Schloss Ritzen Museum
One of the four remaining palaces in Saalfelden is home to the
The Schloss Ritzen Museum in Saalfelden is one of the four remaining palaces in Saalfelden. Saalfelden is surrounded by a number of old noble residences, namely the palaces of Lichtenberg, Dorfheim, Farmach and Ritzen (which used to go by the name of “Grub”!). The Ramseider Turm tower and the moated palace at Rettenwörth have been lost to the ages. The earliest mention of “Grub” near Saalfelden dates back to the year 1339. In 1964, the complex was acquired by the municipality of Saalfelden and handed over to the museum association.
Crib collection
The Schloss Ritzen Museum in Saalfelden is home to one of the largest collections of cribs in Austria – and one of the most significant in terms of folklore. An instrumental figure in establishing and shaping the collection was the local crib builder Alexander “Xandi” Schläffer (Saalfelden, 1899–1984), whose reputation extended far beyond the borders of Austria. His efforts to build up the collection helped ensure that unique box cribs and decorations, some of which date back to the 18th century, were preserved. This uniquely rich and varied collection documents the crib traditions of this region through the centuries.
