Burghausen Castle — Attraction in Burghausen

Burghausen Castle in Burghausen, Upper Bavaria, is the longest castle complex in the world (1051 m), confirmed by the Guinness World Record company. The castle hill was settled as early as the Bronze Age. The castle (which was founded before 1025) was transferred to the Wittelsbachs after the death of the last count of Burghausen, Gebhard II, in 1168. In 1180 they were appointed dukes of Bavaria and the castle was extended under Duke Otto I of Wittelsbach.

With the first partition of Bavaria in 1255, Burghausen Castle became the second residence of the dukes of Lower Bavaria, the main residence being Landshut. The work on the main castle commenced in 1255 under Duke Henry XIII (1253–1290). In 1331 Burghausen and its castle passed to Otto IV, Duke of Lower Bavaria.

Under the dukes of Bavaria-Landshut (1392-1503), the fortifications were extended around the entire castle hill. Starting with Margarete of Austria, the deported wife of the despotic Duke Henry XVI (1393–1450), the castle became the residence of the Duke's consorts and widows, and also a stronghold for the ducal treasures. In 1447 Louis VII, Duke of Bavaria died in the castle as Henry's prisoner. Under Duke Georg of Bavaria (1479–1503) the work was completed and Burghausen Castle became the strongest fortress of the region.

After the reunification of Bavaria in 1505 with the Landshut War of Succession the castle had military importance, and due to the threat of the Ottoman Empire it was subsequently modernised. During the Thirty Years War Gustav Horn was kept imprisoned in the castle from 1634 to 1641. After the Treaty of Teschen in 1779 Burghausen Castle became a border castle. During the Napoleonic Wars the castle suffered some destruction. The 'Liebenwein tower' was occupied by the painter Maximilian Liebenwein from 1899 until his death. He decorated the interior in the Art...

I have spent 4 weeks over two trips in Burghausen, in February 20017 and March 2018. The castle is of course a highlight of the city. You can walk inside most of it at any time. Some people live in apartments within so there's some occasional car traffic but it's mainly pedestrian. There are several areas along the mile or so length where you can look out over either side and several benches to rest along the way if needed. There's a small cafe towards the end, it was closed in February 2017, but open when I was there in March 2018. There are also public bathrooms before the final bridge that takes you to the main castle. It was €4.50 to see the area of the castle where the royalty lived. There are 3 floors with some period spesific furniture, tapestries, and paintings, with descriptions in German and English. And at the top you can go outside for amazing views. On a clear day you can see the Alps. A stroller with good tires can make it everywhere except the end part of the castle that you pay to get inside. If you're in Burghausen I highly recommend walking through the castle, and if you have a bit if extra time, pay a few euros to see...

Burghausen Fortress is one of the largest and most impressive fortress complexes in Europe.The Castle has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. It was originally built in the 11th century and has undergone expansions and modifications over the centuries. The castle complex extends over a ridge between the Salzach River and the Wöhrsee Lake, creating a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The castle consists of several courtyards, walls, towers and buildings, creating a unique architectural ensemble. Notable features include six main courtyards, several imposing gates, and various residential and defensive structures.

Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the beauty of the...