Harburg Castle
Burg Harburg
A medieval castle on a rocky hill above the Wörnitz valley, with its walls, towers and defensive galleries well preserved.
Harburg Castle stands on a rocky hill above the town of Harburg in the Donau-Ries district of Swabia, overlooking the Wörnitz valley. It was first mentioned in 1150 and was originally an imperial castle of the Staufer dynasty. From 1299 it belonged to the Counts of Oettingen, and in 1731 it passed to the Oettingen-Wallerstein branch. Since 2000 it has been managed by the family's cultural foundation. The castle was never heavily damaged or rebuilt on a large scale. Its ring wall, wooden defensive galleries, towers, stables and castle chapel preserve its appearance from the Middle Ages through the early modern period, and it is considered one of the best-preserved castles in southern Germany. The courtyards can be explored independently, while the interior is accessible only with a guided tour. Tours are mostly in German and last about one hour, though English information is available. The former steward's house is now a restaurant and hotel. A footpath climbs up from the old town, and drivers can park in the castle car park. It suits a stop of 1.5 to 2 hours between Nördlingen and Donauwörth on the Romantic Road.
Opening hours
Open daily from about mid-March to early November; tours depart on the hour, check the official website for details
Nearby sights
- Nördlingen
- Mozart House Augsburg
- Augsburg Cathedral
- Dinkelsbühl
- St. Anne's Church
- Perlachturm
- Augustus Fountain
- Brecht House