Cross the heavy drawbridge and walk through the wooden doors to enter the Middle Ages. Allegedly Germany’s oldest and continuously (inhabited) castle, the original fortress in Meersburg traces its origins back to the 7th century Merovingian Dynasty under King Dagobert I. Perfectly preserved, this thick-walled behemoth was never stormed or destroyed by invaders�.
Visit 36 furnished rooms on a self-guided tour, including the knights’ hall, the great hall, castle kitchen, well-water chamber and guardsmen walkways
along the castle wall. There is an extensive collection of weapons and knights’ armour, as well as the bathhouse and castle bakery. Imagine how medieval justice was served in the torture cham- ber at the base of Dagobert’s Tower and deep inside the castle dungeon.
The tour also includes furnished rooms where famous German poetess Annette von Droste-Hülshoff lived intermittently, drawing inspiration from the lake and castle environs. Her bust figure stands at the main gate and although
unknown to most foreigners, she wrote prolifically at Meersburg Castle until her death in 1848. The castle is privately owned and the museum has been open to the public since 1878.
The castle’s quaint café with a panoramic terrace and adjoining rooms affording magnificent lake views are just the thing for a relaxing break.
Special theme tours are free from April – early November. Medieval culture comes to life in the “Animated Castle” series on weekends from April – October. Dates available on request.
April–October
daily, 9 am–6:30 pm, last entry 5:30 pm
November–March:
daily, 10 am–6 pm
One-time free admission with the Bodensee Card PLUS (no advance booking required)
Kids
Burg Meersburg GmbH
Schloßplatz 10
88709 Meersburg
Germany