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Castle · Meersburg, Baden-Württemberg
Burg Meersburg
Medieval castle atop Meersburg, presented as the oldest inhabited castle in Germany. It houses a museum with furnished halls, a dungeon, and the rooms of the poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Burg Meersburg
Burg Meersburg, also called Altes Schloss, dominates the town from the top of the cliff overlooking the lake. Tradition attributes the first construction to the Merovingian king Dagobert I in the 7th century, and for that reason the main tower is called Dagobertsturm; current research dates the tower to the 12th and 13th centuries. The castle is presented as the oldest still inhabited in Germany.
For centuries it was the property of the bishops of Constança. In 1837 it was bought by Joseph von Laßberg, a collector of medieval manuscripts, who lived there until 1855. His sister-in-law, the poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff, one of the most important writers in the German language, spent seasons at the castle and died there in 1848.
The visit goes through dozens of rooms: knights' hall, furnished chambers, kitchen, armory, chapel, well and the dungeon. Droste-Hülshoff's quarters are preserved. From the top of the walls you can see the lake and, on clear days, the Alps.
The castle remains inhabited by private residents and operates as a museum year-round, with a café and events such as wine tastings and themed visits during Advent.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 1.5 hours.
Best time
Right at opening time, before the groups arriving by boat. The castle is open year-round; check the hours before you go.
How to get there
It is in the Oberstadt, next to the Schlossplatz. From the harbor and ferry, walk up the Steigstraße in about 10 minutes.
Tip
In winter, some rooms are cold; bring warm clothing. Literature lovers can also visit the Fürstenhäusle, the vineyard house Droste-Hülshoff bought, which is open part of the year; check before going.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Burg Meersburg
Does Burg Meersburg open in winter?
Yes, the castle operates as a museum year-round. Check the opening hours before you go.
Who was Annette von Droste-Hülshoff?
One of the most important poets in the German language. She spent periods at the castle, where her sister lived, and died there in 1848.
Is the castle really the oldest in Germany?
It is presented as the oldest still inhabited. Tradition refers to the 7th century, but research dates the main tower to the 12th and 13th centuries.
Is the visit guided?
The route can be done on your own; there are guided and themed tours on certain dates. Check before you go.