Best castles around Höchst, a historic district of Frankfurt am Main, offer a journey through centuries of history. Situated strategically on the Main River, Höchst was an important outpost of the Archbishopric of Mainz, controlling trade routes and levying tolls. The area features a charming old town with half-timbered facades, providing a village-like atmosphere within the city. The castle complex itself showcases a blend of medieval and Renaissance architectural styles.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
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The Deuringschlössle (also Deuringschlößle) is a former residence in the upper town of Bregenz. The core of the three-story manor house dates back to the 14th/15th century and is located in the southwest corner of Bregenz's upper town, a short distance from the city wall. In 1539, the small manor house belonged to Hans von Wolfurt. In 1647, it was damaged by the Swedes during the capture of Bregenz. Johann Albert von Deuring acquired the manor house in 1660 and had it significantly enlarged by 1702, building up the open space between the manor house and the city wall. The gun tower at the southwest corner of the city wall was raised, given an onion dome, and incorporated into the building. An extension was added to the southeast side in 1698, and the "Torkel" (wine cellar) was built to the east in 1702. Michael and Johann Georg Kuen may have significantly influenced this structural redesign. The Deuring family were wealthy timber merchants from Bregenz who were raised to the knightly nobility in 1621. The Deuringschlössle remained in the family's possession until 1801. The next owners were the governor and district captain Johann Jakob von Vicari, and twenty years later, the Imperial and Royal Rent Master Christoph Anton Kayser, who established the Rent Office here. After his death, the building was inherited by the Swiss architect Johann Anton von Tscharner-Merhart, who commissioned an interior renovation in the historicist style in 1915. In 1927, the upper floor of the former wine press was converted into an artist's studio, the so-called Knight's Hall. From 1989 to 2015, the Deuringschlössle was used as a gourmet hotel.
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Around 1100, the Count of Bregenz built the castle on a rocky outcrop of the Gebhardsberg, high above the city. "Sunken in holy enthusiasm..." begins a poem inspired by Hohen Bregenz Castle. In 1143, the castle passed to the Counts of Pulllendorf, and shortly thereafter, around 1170, to Count Palatine Hugo II of Tübingen (father of Hugo I, Count of Montfort). The upper part of the castle was sold to the Habsburgs in 1451, and the lower part in 1523, and the castle became the seat of Austrian bailiffs. Converted into a fortress at the beginning of the 17th century, the Swedes blew up large sections of the castle during the Thirty Years' War. The circular wall and parts of the palace survived. The attached church became a popular place of pilgrimage in honor of Saint Gebhard. The old sacristan's house, which has since been converted into a restaurant, looks forward to your visit. Even today, the fantastic view over the Rhine Valley and Lake Constance attracts numerous visitors.
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A manor house was built here between the 14th and 15th centuries. Around 1700, the gaps between the house and the city wall were closed.
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Well-preserved old buildings, the likes of which are no longer found in the lower town.
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The Deuringschlössle and the Martinsturm dominate the silhouette of Bregenz's upper town. The mighty bastions of the city wall and the round corner tower still show the original defensive strength. The former gun tower was extended to an octagonal shape in the 17th century and given a slightly oversized onion dome, in keeping with the spirit of the Baroque era.
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Beautiful castle in the old town, very nicely located. Beautiful old houses 👍
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History of Hohenbregenz Castle. The castle was built in the last quarter of the 11th century (before 1097) by the Counts of Bregenz (Ulriche). The castle was first mentioned in a document in 1209. In 1143 the castle passed to the Counts of Pfullendorf, but only remained in their possession for a short time. Just a few years later (1170) it came to Count Palatine Hugo of Tübingen (father of Hugo I, Count of Montfort). The upper part of the castle was sold in 1451 and the lower part of the castle in 1523 to the Habsburgs, who made the castle the seat of Austrian bailiffs. At the beginning of the 17th century the castle was expanded into a fortress. In 1647, towards the end of the Thirty Years' War, they were able to capture Swedish troops without a fight. They blew up the fortress in the same year by setting off five mines (see Naval War on Lake Constance 1632–1648). Source: Wikipedia
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The Deuringschlössle is a former residence in the upper town of Bregenz. The building is a listed building.
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The most prominent castle in Höchst is the Höchster Schloß, a significant architectural complex that served as a residence for officials of the Mainz Archbishopric. It comprises the Altes Schloss (Old Castle), built between the 14th and 16th centuries, featuring a tall former keep and medieval origins, and the Neues Schloss (New Castle), dating to the late 16th century. The complex showcases a beautiful blend of medieval and Renaissance architectural styles.
Höchster Schloß is a cultural hub, hosting the annual Höchst Castle Festival and regular jazz concerts in the cellar of the Old Palace. Visitors can enjoy scenic views over the Main River from the castle courtyard, terrace, and park. It offers a captivating glimpse into Frankfurt's past and is an integral part of Höchst's charming old town with its half-timbered facades.
Yes, several spots are family-friendly. For instance, the View of Schloss Montfort, Lake Constance, and the Alps from Langenargen is a viewpoint offering beautiful scenery and is suitable for families. Montfort Castle also features a very nice park, perfect for a family break.
Höchster Schloß was crucial as a customs castle for the Archbishop of Mainz, levying duties on goods transported on the Main River. Its strategic location on the river and a long-distance trade route to Frankfurt made it an important outpost of the Archbishopric of Mainz from at least the 8th century, playing a vital role in controlling trade routes.
The Höchster Schloß beautifully showcases an architectural blend of medieval and Renaissance styles. The Altes Schloss retains visible medieval origins, while expansions after 1582 introduced Renaissance elements. The Neues Schloss also dates to the late 16th century, contributing to this rich historical tapestry.
Beyond Höchster Schloß, you can explore Montfort Castle, known for its park and Kavalierhaus restaurant. Another significant site is Deuringschlössle, a former residence in Bregenz that dominates the upper town's silhouette with its original defensive strength and Baroque architecture. Also, consider St. Anna Castle, a privately owned 12th-century castle with visible walls showing its defiant history.
Yes, the Gebhardsberg Castle Ruins offer a glimpse into the past. While only looped castle walls remain, they provide an approximate impression of the complex. Today, it's also a gastronomic spot on the Känzele hike, offering a blend of history and leisure.
The area around Höchst offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous MTB trails, including routes like the 'View of the Rhine Valley – View of the Alpstein loop'. There are also many hiking trails, such as the 'Eselschwanz Forest Nature Trail loop'. For runners, running trails like the 'Rohrspitz Marina – Polderdamm Path in the Rhine Delta loop' are available.
Visitors appreciate the beautiful views, especially from viewpoints like the View of Schloss Montfort, which offers glimpses of Lake Constance and the Alps. The charming old town of Höchst, with its half-timbered facades and village-like flair, is also a highlight. Many enjoy the historical exploration and the unique atmosphere of the castle complex and its surroundings.
To best experience the history of Höchst, wander through the historic courtyard of Höchster Schloß and admire its blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture. The castle's role as a customs castle and its strategic location on the Main River are central to understanding its past. The surrounding old town, with its preserved structures, further immerses visitors in the region's rich history.
Yes, the Höchster Schloß and its surrounding square are the heart of the annual Höchst Castle Festival, which is one of Frankfurt's largest festivals. Additionally, jazz concerts are regularly held in the cellar of the Old Palace, offering cultural entertainment within a historic setting.


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