Castles and palaces

Perched atop a rocky outcrop, the restored ruins of Thierstein Castle with its impressive tower offers wonderful views of the village of Thierstein and the Fichtel Mountains Nature Park.

Colmberg Castle is perched on top of a hill overlooking the village of the same name. It’s one of the best preserved medieval structures in Franconia. The castle has been in private hands since 1880.

The Regen Valley in the Upper Palatinate region is characterised by sprawling wetlands, mixed forests, lush green meadows and numerous castles and palaces.

Above the River Pfreimd in the Upper Palatinate town of Trausnitz is Castle Trausnitz im Tal, one of the prettiest in Bavaria and was once the home of numerous knights and aristocrats.

Perched high above the old town of Landshut is Trausnitz Castle. Its medieval buildings and ring of fortifications give the castle complex an impressive external appearance.

Wertheim Castle in the charming Tauber Valley rises high above the old town. Originally owned by the Hohenstaufen dynasty, today it’s one of the most impressive castle ruins in southern Germany.

The Rothenberg Fortress is Europe’s largest Baroque stronghold with walls and bastions in excess of 22-metres-high. It towers majestically over the Schnaittach Valley from a hill of the same name.

Marienberg Fortress is a prominent Würzburg landmark visible from almost everywhere in the city. Previously it was a substantial fortification and seat of the Würzburg prince bishops.

The impressive view of the Lichtenau Fortress is dominated by its mighty ramparts and corner towers. In what was formerly a fortification owned by the lords of Nuremberg, is today a branch office of the Nuremberg state archives.

The Fugger Castle in Kirchheim in Schwaben is a magnificent Renaissance building with over 500 years of history. It was built in 1578 and has been in the hands of the Fugger family ever since.

Fugger Castle in Babenhausen, in which the Fugger family still lives today, dominates the surrounding region. Built in 1538, visitors may tour the grounds as well as the castle interior.

A wonderful medieval ambience and delightful timber-frame houses await in Kronach, the birthplace of famous Renaissance artist Lucas Cranach. High above the old town is the Rosenberg Fortress.

Perched on a sandstone outcrop, the ruins of Hilpoltstein Castle tower over the town of Hilpoltstein and Lake Rothsee. The fortress was once one of the most important imperial castles in Middle Franconia.

Schesslitz presents a unique blend of architectural styles and architecture from different eras. The chapel on the rocky Gügel high above the surrounding forests is a feature of the Bamberg region.

Lengenfeld Castle with over 1000 years of history dominates the historic town of Burglengenfeld. Encircled by an 800-metre wall, it is the largest castle in the Upper Palatinate.