Meersburg Castle

Meersburg Castle on Lake Constance is often called the oldest inhabited castle in Germany. Its stocky Dagobert Tower rises above the old town of Meersburg, and inside, more than 35 furnished rooms trace castle life from the dungeon to the princes' hall. The castle is still a family home, yet open daily as a museum, which makes it one of the most atmospheric things to do on Lake Constance, Germany's largest lake, shared with Switzerland and Austria.

History in brief

Legend says the Merovingian king Dagobert I built a first tower here around 630, though most historians date the existing masonry to the 12th–13th centuries. The castle is first documented in 1147 and later belonged to the Prince-Bishops of Constance. In 1838 the scholar Joseph von Lassberg bought it and saved it from demolition. His sister-in-law, the poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff, one of Germany's most celebrated 19th-century writers, lived here from 1841 and died at the castle in 1848. A museum was set up in 1877, and the castle has stayed in private hands ever since.

What to see

• The dungeon and a room on medieval justice
• The armory with halberds, swords and firearms
• The vaulted Princes' Hall
• The kitchen, bakery and bathhouse, showing servants' daily life
• Droste-Hülshoff's study
• Lake views from the windows and terraces

The tour is self-guided and needs no reservation. Scan QR codes along the way for a mobile guide in English or German; a printed short guide in several languages costs €1.

Tickets and opening hours

As of October 2026, according to the castle:

• Hours: daily 10 am–6:30 pm; in winter (November to mid-March, starting after the Baden-Württemberg fall school holidays) 10 am–6 pm; last entry 30 minutes before closing
• Adults €12.80, reduced €11.50, ages 14–18 €10, children 6–13 €8, under 6 free
• Family rates per person: adults €9.60, teens €7.50, children €6

Guided tours in English can be arranged on request.

How to get there

Meersburg sits on the northern shore of Lake Constance in Baden-Württemberg. There is no train station in town: take a train to Friedrichshafen or Überlingen and continue by bus, or arrive the scenic way by boat. The car ferry from Konstanz crosses the lake to Meersburg in a short hop. Zurich is the nearest major international airport, while Friedrichshafen has a smaller regional airport. By car, use the signposted lots on the edge of the old town.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you are touring Lake Constance with kids or love medieval history. Plan one to two hours for the castle, then wander down through the half-timbered streets to the lakefront promenade. Kids can pick up a quiz sheet at the ticket office, and on selected summer weekends costumed performers bring the castle to life with blacksmithing and cooking demonstrations.