Fantastic Castles in Bavaria
Hohenaschau Castle in Upper Bavaria
In Aschau in Chiemgau, situated on the idyllic Prien river, time seems to stand still. Flanked by the majestic Kampenwand in the Chiemgau Alps and surrounded by lush greenery and wild nature, it's a wonderful place to switch off and recharge your batteries. It is therefore no great surprise that the majority of the castle, which is now owned by the German government, is used as a holiday and recreation centre.
For this reason, access to the castle grounds is restricted for the public: a tour within the castle walls is only possible with a guided tour! An overview with all information on opening times and prices can be found here (external link, opens in a new window).
A car park (free for one hour ) is available for visitors at the festival hall, directly below the castle. The ascent can then start directly from here. Be careful, this route on the north side is very steep, but only takes a short time. It takes about 15 minutes to complete and you will be rewarded with a marvellous view of the Priental valley.
Our tip: After the tour, visit the small but beautiful Priental Museum. In addition to various original exhibits, you will also find background information on the Cramer-Klett industrial family, the former owners of this prominent domicile. In addition, the Burgladerl invites you to linger, albeit only with a small snack bar, but with a large terrace.
Aschach Castle in Lower Franconia
Behind the walls of this fairytale castle idyll is a real art treasure - the painting Judith with the Head of Holofernes by Lucas Cranach the Elder. The masterpiece is the highlight of the exhibition, thanks to Count Friedrich and his son's passion for collecting. Both were also passionate about Asian antiquities, so that in addition to Gothic and Renaissance panel paintings, East Asian art such as high-calibre porcelain, bronzes and ivory works can also be admired in today's museum.
But it is the former living quarters of this stately home in particular that make every heart beat faster. The total of 36 rooms with their dozens of smaller and larger furnishings create an astonishingly authentic impression. Just as if the count and his family were still present. The table is laid, glasses and cutlery are polished to a shine and here and there you will find a handbag or other high-quality utensils. It's easy to switch off from everyday life and the journey back in time can begin...
Our tip: In addition to the Graf-Luxburg-Museum (Count Luxburg Museum), a detour to the Volkskundemuseum auf Schloss Aschach (Folklore Museum at Aschach Castle) and the Schulmuseum auf Schloss Aschach (School Museum at Aschach Castle) is also worthwhile.
3. Neues Schloss Bayreuth (New Bayreuth Castle) in Upper Franconia
A jewel that is second to none - the Neues Schloss Bayreuth (New Bayreuth Castle) is a prime example of 18th century German architecture. After a fire largely destroyed the previous residence, the court architect Joseph Saint-Pierre was commissioned to build the New Palace. As the opulent opera house had only recently been completed, he was faced with the particular challenge of realising the New Palace within a very short space of time and with limited resources.
One special feature is certainly the fact that the shell of a church was integrated. Out of necessity and due to the structural suitability of the original sacred building, the centre wing with entrance hall, staircase and banqueting hall was created.
Our tip: savour the summer to the full and stroll through the green area of the Hofgarten (external link, opens in a new window), which is directly adjacent to the palace. The artificial canal and the trees lining it ensure a pleasant temperature even in hot weather!
4. Egg Castle in Lower Bavaria
It's easy to start dreaming, isn't it? This paradisiacal place looks like a picture! Yet the castle walls have witnessed deeds that would be considered crimes today. The former resident, Knight Peter I von Eckh, is responsible for this dark part of the castle's history. In the 14th century, he became deputy to the dukes of Straubing and carried out the death penalty as the supreme judge. The former dungeon and the torture chamber can be visited in the 45 metre high castle tower.
It is precisely the chequered history of this mystical castle that gives this place its special charm. During the Thirty Years' War, the castle was at the mercy of plundering and arson by the Swedes. On 26 April 1945, Elisabeth Hartl, the lady of the castle at the time, hoisted a white sheet from the castle tower in a daring rescue operation, thus saving the castle from possible destruction by American troops.
Today, this adventurous past has given way to a peaceful and romantic atmosphere. This is probably also the reason why many couples have celebrated the most beautiful day of their lives here. But you don't have to go all out right away. The paradisiacal little castle is also perfect for a summer day trip!
Our tip: why not combine a visit to the castle with a short hike and discover the beautiful countryside around Egg? Or just take a short walk to the nearby estate pond and dip your feet in the cool water!