The last evidence of the medieval fortification is the Upper Tower, built in 1541, also known as the Bread House Tower because bread was once sold in the vault below the tower. Bakers used to have to sell their products at a central location in the town at set prices. This was done in the vault of the town hall until the town fire of 1851 and then for a few years in the Upper Tower. Local history researchers at the end of the 19th century therefore called it the "Bread House Tower". The neighbouring Zieglerwirtshaus shows the features of Inn-Salzach architecture that were also typical of Traunstein until 1851: arcades, bay windows and raised fire walls.
"Town and country, hand in hand, a Gau's hometown": This inscription on the west side of the tower clearly indicates the hometown house housed in both buildings, which houses a town and toy museum. It displays exhibits on bourgeois culture, sacred art and the history of the saltworks; An impressively detailed model depicts the old Traunstein in 1890. The museum also presents historical toys from 1870 to 1960.

Translated by Google •

🌿 Seit1984 ⚒️

October 19, 2025

The Bread House Tower in Traunstein is an impressive relic of the medieval city fortifications and, at the same time, a site steeped in social history – a tower that combines bread, civic spirit, and architectural art.

🕰️ History & Function
Built: 1541 as part of the upper city fortifications.

Name: The term "Bread House Tower" dates back to the 19th century, when local historians discovered that bread was sold in the vault below the tower.

Baker's Duty: In the past, bakers were required to offer their wares at fixed prices in a central location – initially in the Town Hall vault, and after the city fire of 1851, for a few years in the Bread House Tower.

🏛️ Architecture & Ensemble
The tower is now part of the local history museum, which, together with the neighboring Zieglerwirtshaus, forms an ensemble.

The Zieglerwirtshaus displays typical features of Inn-Salzach architecture: arcades, bay windows, and raised fire walls.

The inscription on the west side of the tower reads: "Town and country, hand in hand, a region's homeland" – a poetic motto for the interplay of region and history.

🖼️ Current Use
The Brothausturm houses parts of the Traunstein City Museum, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023.

Exhibitions showcase local history, crafts, art, and everyday culture – a place of remembrance and encounter.

📍 Location
Address: Stadtplatz 2–3, 83278 Traunstein

Visit: Museum admission is free, opening hours vary – often by appointment only.

Translated by Google •

Wernö

December 27, 2024

Traunstein market square is always beautiful

Translated by Google •

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Elevation 650 m

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Tuesday 28 October

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Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h

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Location: Chiemgau, Traunstein, Upper Bavaria, Bavaria, Germany

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