Top 20 Castles around Backnang
Best castles around Backnang are found in a region defined by the Murr Valley and the Swabian-Franconian Forest. This area combines historical towns with diverse natural landscapes. Backnang itself features Schloss Backnang, a 17th-century palace that now serves as the local district court. The surrounding countryside offers numerous historical sites and viewpoints, making it a notable destination for exploring castles near Backnang.
Best castles around Backnang
- The most popular castles include Beilstein Castle, a historical site with origins dating…
Last updated: August 16, 2026
View of Burg Lichtenberg
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Lichtenberg Castle
Highlight • Castle
Lichtenberg Castle Castle from the Staufer period
Barons from and to Weiler Burgherren since 1483
(1) Lichtenberg Castle is located on a …
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Hohenbeilstein Castle
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Reichenberg Castle
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
View of Reichenberg Castle
Highlight • Viewpoint
The history of the castle is multifaceted: built as an Amtmannenburg, it passed into Württemberg hands around 1300. …
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more castles around Backnang.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Backnang
The Stromberg Murrtal Bike Path – 7 stages of nature and culture
Winter.Gravel.Sweat – gravel and sauna fun in Germany’s Swabia
Bicycle service stations in Rems-Murr-Kreis
The Stromberg Murrtal Bike Path – 7 stages of nature and culture
On your bike and out of the cauldron – racing bike fun around Stuttgart
Cycling around Backnang
Hiking around Backnang
Road Cycling Routes around Backnang
MTB Trails around Backnang
Running Trails around Backnang
Other adventures around Backnang
Tips from the Community
The castle is not open to the public. Guided tours are occasionally available on Sundays (€10). Dates are published in the press. Registration is required by phone.
1
0
The hilltop castle was built between 1230 and 1231 by Margrave Hermann V of Baden, who, like his brother, was a loyal supporter of the Hohenstaufen Emperor Frederick II. It is said to have been closely related to Ebersberg Castle, built at the same time in what is now the Auenwald forest, and the upper castle in Besigheim. The dimensions, furnishings, and existing stonemasonry marks of the three castles are identical. In the Middle Ages, administrative centers were usually located in castles. Reichenberg Castle, for example, was also a so-called ministerial castle. The knights Wolfram and Berthold von Reichenberg are mentioned as early as 1230. Reichenberg was therefore the official seat and thus also the administrative center of the surrounding areas. From 1293 onwards, the Sturmfeder von Oppenweiler family resided in the castle as ministerials. In the 19th century, the castle was the seat of the forestry office of the Kingdom of Württemberg, among others. Karl von Schiller, a son of Friedrich Schiller, worked there as a district forester from 1822 to 1833. In 1888, the castle was leased to the Samaritan Foundation, which operated a social facility there to care for people with disabilities. In 1929, the Samaritan Foundation acquired Grafeneck Castle near Gomadingen and relocated the home there. In 1930, the castle was leased to the Evangelical Society of Stuttgart, which operated a shelter for Stuttgart prostitutes there until the 1950s, as prostitution had increased sharply in Stuttgart due to the general hardship after the First World War. The Evangelical Society of Stuttgart subsequently converted the castle back into a residential home for people with disabilities.
0
0
Beautiful castle, in the middle of the vineyards, great view, nice for a walk....
4
1
Access to the interior of the castle restaurant is free. However, an entrance fee may be charged to visit the garden restaurant. This is always the case when the falconry housed in the castle is giving a flight demonstration. These take place regularly at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
5
0
This effort is rewarded with a wonderful view
0
0
Good bike path up to the castle. Route through the vineyards, little to no traffic. Steep approach, which is worthwhile. Once at the top, there is a great view. By the way, you can watch great sunsets from there!
4
0
The view from the castle into the valley is great, the people who built it in the 12th century already knew where it was nice, respect, here, in the rural area, you just feel good, here you have to take a deep breath, first when you're back in the big city, you know what you're missing, the fresh air.
1
0
A castle with an ornithological station and demonstration
6
1
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of castles can I explore around Backnang?
The Backnang region is rich in history, featuring a variety of castles including Romanesque castles, moated castles, and Hohenstaufen-era fortresses. You'll find everything from well-preserved medieval structures to 17th-century palaces.
Which castles offer the best panoramic views?
For breathtaking views, consider visiting Hohenbeilstein Castle. You can climb its pentagonal tower, 'Langhans,' for a fantastic panorama of the Bottwartal valley. Additionally, the View of Burg Lichtenberg offers excellent perspectives of Lichtenberg Castle from a well-developed path.
Are there any family-friendly castles or activities for children?
Hohenbeilstein Castle is a great option for families, as it hosts a falconry that regularly stages flight demonstrations, usually starting in March. Oppenweiler Castle, with its beautiful moated setting and well-maintained park, also offers a pleasant environment for a family stroll.
What is the history of Schloss Backnang?
Schloss Backnang is a 17th-century palace built on the site of a former castle and Augustinian canonry. Originally intended as a dowager's residence, it was later repurposed as a granary and then became the seat of the Backnang district administration. Today, it serves as the local district court (Amtsgericht), making it a significant historical landmark in the town.
Can I visit Reichenberg Castle?
Reichenberg Castle is considered the best-preserved Romanesque castle in the Rems-Murr district. While its history is rich, tours have been temporarily unavailable due to the 'Corona crisis.' The castle now houses a facility for people with disabilities and mental illness. You can still appreciate its well-preserved Romanesque architecture from the exterior.
Are there hiking trails near the castles around Backnang?
Yes, the region offers numerous hiking opportunities. You can find various routes, including mountain hikes, that pass by or offer views of these historical sites. For detailed trails and difficulties, explore the Mountain Hikes around Backnang guide.
What other outdoor activities can I do near Backnang's castles?
Beyond hiking, the area around Backnang is excellent for cycling. You can find dedicated routes for both road cycling and mountain biking that take you through scenic landscapes and past historical landmarks. Check out the Road Cycling Routes around Backnang and MTB Trails around Backnang guides for more information.
When is the best time to visit the falconry at Hohenbeilstein Castle?
The falconry at Hohenbeilstein Castle typically starts its season for flight demonstrations in March. It's advisable to check their official website for specific dates and times before planning your visit.
Is Schloss Backnang open for public tours?
Schloss Backnang currently serves as the local district court (Amtsgericht). While it is a significant historical landmark, it does not offer traditional public tours of its historical interiors. You can appreciate its architecture and historical significance from the exterior.
Which castle is known for its moated setting?
Oppenweiler Castle is a beautiful moated castle, admired for its picturesque architecture and the well-maintained small park that surrounds it. It offers a very idyllic setting for a visit.
Are there any castles with very old origins in the region?
Yes, Beilstein Castle has origins dating back to the High Middle Ages. Excavation finds suggest that the first Romanesque fortifications were built around 1070–1080, making it one of the oldest historical sites in the area.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Backnang?
Visitors frequently praise the combination of historical architecture with stunning natural views, especially from vantage points like the tower at Hohenbeilstein Castle. The well-preserved Romanesque structures and the peaceful settings, such as the park around Oppenweiler Castle, are also highly appreciated.
Most popular routes around Backnang
Most popular attractions around Backnang
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Backnang:
