Blutenburg Castle

Blutenburg Castle in Munich's Obermenzing district is a late medieval moated castle on the Würm river and one of the few medieval castle complexes near the city center. A small lake, a manor house, defensive walkways and a late Gothic chapel make up the ensemble, which now houses the International Youth Library. If you are looking for a quiet, green day trip within Munich, it is a rewarding stop.

History

The site began as a 13th-century moated castle and was first mentioned in writing in 1432. Duke Albrecht III expanded it into a country residence between 1431 and 1440, and legend links this to Agnes Bernauer. Duke Sigismund had the Holy Trinity chapel built, and a Throne of Grace dated 1491 comes from the workshop of the painter Jan Polack. From 1508 the castle served as a hunting lodge for the ducal game reserve of Menzing.

Sisters of religious orders used it in the 20th century, a citizens' association formed in 1974 to save it, and renovation began in 1980. The International Youth Library has been based here since 1983.

What to see

• The castle chapel: A late Gothic interior with net vaulting and winged altars.
• The courtyard and lake: Walk around the pond for the best views of the manor house, tower and walkway.
• The Michael Ende Museum: Open on weekends from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• The memorial: A sculpture by Hubertus von Pilgrim recalls Dachau prisoners who passed the castle on a death march in April 1945.

Hours and admission (as of October 2026)

• Chapel: October 1 to March 31, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; April to September, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Michael Ende Museum: Saturday and Sunday, 2 to 5 p.m.
• Combined ticket for the exhibitions and museums: 3 EUR (2 EUR reduced), free under 18. We could not confirm an official price for the chapel.

Plan one to two hours. On October 17 and 18, 2026, a potters' market takes place in the courtyard, and an exhibition on Ali Mitgutsch runs until March 21, 2027.

How to get there

The address is Seldweg 15, 81247 Munich. Take the S2 suburban train from central Munich to Obermenzing, then walk about 15 minutes or take a bus such as line 143, according to travel guides. The Deutschlandticket covers local transit. Nymphenburg Palace is also in western Munich, and a sight line once linked it with Blutenburg.