Guttenberg Castle

Guttenberg Castle (Burg Guttenberg) rises above the Neckar valley near Haßmersheim, between Heidelberg and Heilbronn. It is one of the few castles in Germany that was never destroyed and has been lived in for almost 800 years. The main attraction beyond the walls and 40-meter keep is the German Raptor Center, where birds of prey and owls fly daily. It makes an easy day trip for families, castle fans and anyone cycling the Neckar valley.

Where it is and how to get there

The castle stands above the village of Neckarmühlbach, opposite Gundelsheim and its Horneck Castle. The nearest station is Gundelsheim (Neckar) on Deutsche Bahn, then a 30 to 45 minute walk or a short bus ride to Neckarmühlbach and a 15 minute climb; a Deutschlandticket works on regional trains and buses. A boat trip on the Neckar between Heilbronn and Gundelsheim is a scenic alternative. By car, take the A6 (exit Bad Rappenau) or the B27 and follow brown signs. Coaches use a forest parking lot about a ten minute walk from the castle.

Why it matters

Archaeology dates the castle to the first half of the 13th century, and it was first mentioned in 1393. In 1449 Hans von Gemmingen bought it for 6,000 Rhenish guilds and founded the Gemmingen-Guttenberg line, whose family still lives here, now in the 16th and 17th generations. The castle was spared in the Thirty Years' War and the later wars of the 17th century. In 1825 the Romantic writer Wilhelm Hauff stayed here, and the castle appears in his novella "The Emperor's Picture". The raptor center moved in in 1971.

What to see

• German Raptor Center: About 60 large birds of prey and owls, some with wingspans of more than two meters, and flight demonstrations every day.
• Keep and curtain wall: Climb the 40-meter keep for a view over the Neckar valley.
• Castle museum: Housed in the Renaissance building, it shows life in a knight's castle.
• Tavern and beer garden: Regional food with a focus on local dishes.

Tickets and opening hours (as of October 2026)

According to the castle website, the raptor center, museum and tower are open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. since late March, with flight demonstrations at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Current prices are in a price list on the website, and holders of a same-day bwtarif ticket get a discount. In winter the schedule is reduced and the museum and tower may close for the season, so check before a winter trip. Online tickets are recommended for the flight shows.

Practical tips

Plan two to four hours. Dogs are welcome outdoors but not in the museum or in the raptor center beyond the castle bridge barrier. There are accessible restrooms and a barrier-free entrance to the flight show, but the tour through the outer ward and the Renaissance museum are not barrier-free. The tavern and terrace are accessible.