Burghausen Castle

Burghausen Castle in the Bavarian town of Burghausen, right on the Austrian border, is listed by Guinness World Records as the longest castle in the world, stretching 1,051 meters (about two-thirds of a mile) along a narrow ridge. Six courtyards, gate towers, chapels and battlements line up between the green Wöhrsee lake and the Salzach River. Walking its length is free, the views over the colorful old town are superb, and a state museum in the main castle shows late Gothic art.

A residence of the "rich dukes"

People settled on the ridge as early as the 1st century BC. The castle grew from the 11th century and passed to the Wittelsbach dynasty, Bavaria's long-ruling family, in 1168. Duke Henry XIII of Lower Bavaria began a major expansion in 1255; the Elisabeth Chapel from that year is considered the oldest early Gothic church in southern Bavaria.

The castle reached its present form in the 15th century under the dukes of Bavaria-Landshut, especially George the Rich. Burghausen served as their second residence and as the home of the duchesses. The most famous was the Polish princess Hedwig (Jadwiga), whose wedding to George in 1475 is still re-enacted today as the "Landshut Wedding." Around 10,000 guests attended the original celebration.

Things to do at Burghausen Castle

• Walk the whole castle. Start at the north entrance and stroll through the five outer courtyards to the main castle at the southern tip. Allow about an hour without museum stops.
• Visit the State Castle Museum. Inside the main castle, the Bavarian Palace Administration displays furnishings, weapons and late Gothic paintings, plus a state gallery. A special exhibition about the duchess's court runs until October 27, 2026.
• See the gates and chapels. The twin-towered St. George's Gate (1494) and the Hedwig Chapel, begun around 1489, are highlights of the outer courtyards.
• Enjoy the views. Look across the Salzach to Austria and down onto the pastel facades of the old town.
• Spot a rare bird. The castle's outer works are one of the few breeding sites of the endangered northern bald ibis.

Tickets and opening hours

As of October 2026, according to the Bavarian Palace Administration:

• Castle grounds: open at all times, free of charge (except during special events)
• State Castle Museum: March 28 through September, daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; October to March 27, daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Closed January 1, Shrove Tuesday, and December 24, 25 and 31

Museum admission is €6 (reduced €5); visitors under 18 get in free. A museum pass covering the State Castle Museum, the Town Museum and the House of Photography costs €10. Tickets are sold only at the visitor center, so no advance booking is needed. Guided "Secret Paths" tours run on weekends and require registration.

How to get to Burghausen

Burghausen lies in southeastern Bavaria, roughly 1.5 hours by car from Munich and about an hour from Salzburg. By train from Munich, change in Mühldorf for the regional line to Burghausen; the Deutschlandticket is valid on these regional trains. Local city buses stop near the castle.

Drivers can use the free parking lot at the Messehalle, a short walk from the castle entrance, or the Neustadt underground garage. Climbing up from the old town on stairs and steep lanes is the most scenic route, but there is no elevator.

Is Burghausen Castle worth visiting?

Definitely, especially if you like medieval history without the crowds of Neuschwanstein. The paved, mostly level path along the ridge is easy for strollers and wheelchair users, entry to the grounds is free, and you can combine the visit with lunch in the old town and a summer swim in the Wöhrsee. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult in the museum.

Nearby attractions

• Burghausen old town: The town square below the castle is lined with colorful Inn-Salzach style houses.
• Wöhrsee: A swimming lake with a historic wooden bathhouse at the foot of the castle walls.
• Altötting: Bavaria's most important pilgrimage site, about 30 minutes away.
• Salzburg: The Austrian city of Mozart is an easy day trip.