Castles to Visit while Touring Bavaria

Bavaria has more castles than any other German state. If you are planning a trip to Germany, here is a list of castles you may want to visit while touring Bavaria. Some have been restored, while others are in ruins, but all are magnificent in their own way.

All of the castles are well worth planning a day trip for. Since they all lie within Bavaria's borders, you may be able to visit more than one castle in a single day. I have only listed castles that are open to the public.

Abenberg Castle was built around the year 1020. It was originally built of clay bricks and wood. In the beginning of the 12th century it was replaced with a castle made of stone. In the year 1296 the castle was extended and renovated. Abenberg castle now houses the "House of Frankish history" and the German Lace-Making Museum and is open to the public.

Altenburg Castle was built around 1109 and sits above the city of Bamburg. It was destroyed by fire in 1553 and later restored. In the 1950's and 1960's the castle was famous for the bear that lived within the castle walls. The bear is no longer there, and interior of the castle is not open to the public. However, the tower and grounds are open to the public, with a small restaurant located there as well.

Burghausen Castle is a castle that tourists simply must see. It dates from around 1025. It is a huge complex, stretching out over a narrow hilltop nearly half a mile. It is fully restored and open to the public, with much from the history of its medieval past remaining. Six courtyards divide the complex into sections. A cafe and two museums are located within the castle. Tours are also available. It may be the largest castle in all of Germany.

Coburg Castle is one of Germany's largest castles. It dates back to 1225. Today it is home to three museums. One is the Ducal Palace, with many furnished rooms of the Dukes of Coburg. It includes the apartment where Martin Luther lived in 1530. The second museum is the Armory, containing the largest collection of medieval armor and weaponry in Germany. The third is the Art Collections museum.

Colmberg Castle dates from the 11th century. As it was never conquered or suffered much damage from attack, the castle is in very good condition. It has been restored and offers both a hotel and a museum, and of course is open to the public. It is one of Germany's nicest castles.

Donaustauf Castle was built between the late 890's and early 900's. It was built to protect traffic on the Danube river as well as the town of Regensburg. It was burned to the ground within a few centuries and never rebuilt. Before it was destroyed it was the occupied by Henry the Lion in 1161. The castle is in ruins, but the public are free to explore the remaining structure.

Egloffstein Castle was probably built around 1179, but was first mentioned in official records in 1358. It is located in the heart of Franconia, in northern Bavaria. The castle was burned in 1632 and 1645 during the Thirty Years’ War. It has been beautifully restored and is open to the public. Guided tours are offered, as well as rooms for rent to the traveler. If you would love to spend the night in a castle, be sure to visit Egloffstein Castle.

Falkenberg Castle is quite impressive. It was built around 1154. The castle is built on a base of giant slabs of solid rock, right in the center of the town of Falkenberg. It is now a private residence, but does offer pre-arranged tours to small groups.

Falkenfels Castle was built in the late 1200's or early 1300's. It lies on the highest rise above the village of Falkenfels. The historic facade has been restored, but the interior is now home to seven restaurants and a hotel. The hotel offers single and double occupancy rooms for rent. The castle even offers a honeymoon suite to rent, located in the wedding tower in the castle courtyard.

Felsburg Castle sits high above the town of Felsberg. It may have been built as early as 1100. The castle is in ruins, although its souring white tower is still intact.

Freienfels Castle was built in 1283. It is a small castle which has been partially restored and is a private residence. It is closed to the public except for once a year. Each year, at the Freienfels castle ruins, knightly games are held around May 1st.

Giechburg Castle is still an impressive castle even though it is in ruins. It was built around 1125. The interior of the castle houses both a restaurant and a hotel. The ruins are open to the public to roam about as they please.

Gossweinstein Castle was built around the 11th century. It was destroyed twice during its early history. The castle was restored in 1767. It is now open to the public and has a museum and guided tours available.

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