Harburg Castle

Harburg, Germany

Harburg Castle is one of the jewels of the German Romantic Road. Wonderfully preserved, the castle sits high on a hill and overlooks the town for which it's named. It is unclear when the first structure was erected, but the castle was first mentioned in a document in 1150. Harburg was built by the former Hohenstaufen emperors of Germany in the 11th or 12th century.

In 1295, the castle was transferred to the Count of Oettingen and it has belonged to the Oettingen, and later the Oettingen-Wallerstein, families ever since.

The castle complex, including the castle house, chapel, sentry walk, prison tower, dungeon, and various buildings used to support the inhabitants, is surrounded by a wall supporting six towers. The castle ballroom is pictured at left. In the center of the complex is a large courtyard with a well.

The present-day fortifications mainly date from the 18th century and can be visited in summer from Tuesday to Sunday. There is also a small hotel-restaurant in the castle.

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Address

B25, Harburg, Germany
See all sites in Harburg

Details

Founded: 11th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Salian Dynasty (Germany)

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Ihor Zeiger (5 months ago)
Harburg Castle is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Bavaria that truly captures the essence of medieval history. Visiting this remarkable fortress is like stepping back in time, with its beautifully preserved walls, towers, and courtyards offering a rare glimpse into centuries past. The panoramic views from the castle, overlooking the lush Danube River Valley, are breathtaking. The guided tours are both informative and engaging, bringing the castle’s rich history and its role in protecting the region to life. I want to emphasise especially our guide Jakob, who is definely loving his work, explaining every detail and making this tour perfect. Well done!
Ghislain Savoie (5 months ago)
During our tour, we stopped at Harburg Castle and had the chance to explore this impressive medieval fortress. The experience was fantastic! Our tour guide was excellent, providing us with rich details about the castle’s history. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in medieval architecture and history.
Haley Krebs (6 months ago)
Loved it, we didn't have time to wait for the English tour and did the German one which we didn't understand, but they gave us pamphlets in English that told us the jist of everything, so it was good regardless. The guide Tonya was wonderful, even if we didn't know what she was saying most of the time. The castle is really interesting and the church is beautiful. The art gallery at the end was a nice addition to walk through as well. Plus we noticed a few little ghosts hidden around the castle, and the Rapunzel's hair on the tower just outside, which were adorable. We loved it!
david antoun (6 months ago)
a medieval fortress dated to the 11th century but its present form is from 18th century. large complex of museums, beer gardens, and vast yards. the small entrance allows you only to see the castle yard and the viewing platform. you have to get the guided tour to see the different rooms, halls, antiquities, life in the fortress back then and a collection of paintings. amazing experience and family friendly. shop for souvenirs is available.
corporate hippie Raj (6 months ago)
Nestled amidst picturesque surroundings, this beautifully restored 1,100-year-old castle offers a unique blend of history and luxury. Inside, you'll find a renowned, upscale restaurant, known for its exquisite cuisine and elegant ambiance. While dining here is a memorable experience, be aware that it comes with a high price tag. The castle is situated in a quaint, traditional village where the locals cherish their peace and quiet. Visitors are advised to respect their privacy and avoid asking too many questions. The castle is wheelchair-friendly, though the path leading up to it is somewhat steep. An electric wheelchair is recommended for ease of access. Admission is reasonably priced at around €3 for those in wheelchairs and €4 for others. Paid parking is conveniently located within walking distance.
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