Best castles around Schellenberger Forst offers a diverse range of historical sites, from ancient ruins to grand palaces, primarily located in the broader surrounding region of Germany's Berchtesgadener Land and nearby Austria. This area is characterized by its expansive forest landscapes and proximity to significant cultural centers like Salzburg. While the Schellenberger Forst itself is a large forest area, the nearby castles provide insights into medieval and Renaissance architecture and history. Visitors can explore well-preserved fortresses, former royal residences, and…
Last updated: June 22, 2026
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Wild gorges in southern Germany and northern Switzerland
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Mirabell Palace, Salzburg The Baroque Mirabell Palace was originally built as "Altenau Palace" under the reign of Prince Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau in 1606. The palace was created as a gift for Salome Alt, the archbishop's concubine and mother of his children. Mirabell Palace is known for its gardens, which are discussed in a separate article. Wolf Dietrich's successor and adversary, Prince Archbishop Markus Sittikus, renamed the building Mirabell Palace. Prince Archbishop Franz Anton Harrach had large sections of the building demolished and rebuilt between 1721 and 1727 according to plans by Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt. Mirabell Palace was severely damaged by the great city fire of 1818 and rebuilt in the following years according to plans by Peter Nobile. The formerly dominant tower on the east wing of the palace was destroyed, and the facade was rebuilt in the Neoclassical style. Text / Source: TSG Tourismus Salzburg GmbH, Auerspergstraße 6, Salzburg https://www.visit-salzburg.net/deutsch/sehenswuerdig/schloss-mirabell.htm
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Beautiful castle in Berchtesgaden
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Mozart city Salzburg Salzburg is an Austrian city that lies on the border with Germany at the foot of the Eastern Alps. The Salzach flows through the middle of the city. On the left bank is the old town, designated as a pedestrian zone, with buildings from the Middle Ages and the Baroque period. On the opposite side of the river stretches the new town from the 19th century. Mozart's birthplace in the old town is now home to a museum that shows original instruments from the famous composer's childhood.
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The evening tour of Berchtesgaden Castle is an insider tip. You walk through the rooms by candlelight and feel like you have been transported back in time. The tour is also worthwhile with children as it is very well explained.
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Super nice building the church
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Enjoy the drinking springs directly on the square on hot days!
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The collegiate church of St. Peter and John the Baptist is part of the building ensemble of the royal palace. Built from the beginning of the 12th century, it was used as a "collegiate church" by the Augustinian canons within the Berchtesgaden monastery foundation (from 1559 Prince Propstei), which had been founded shortly before, until secularisation. Since 1803 it has functioned as the parish church of the Roman Catholic parish of St. Andreas in Berchtesgaden, which is affiliated with the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising in Bavaria.
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Among the most popular castles and related sites are Mirabell Palace in Salzburg, known for its magnificent gardens and Marble Hall. Visitors also frequently enjoy the View of Hohensalzburg Fortress, offering a stunning perspective of one of Europe's largest medieval castles. Another significant site is Berchtesgaden Royal Palace, a historical site that was originally an Augustinian Monastery.
Yes, the region offers fascinating castle ruins. Notably, the Schellenberg Castle Ruins in Liechtenstein (Neu-Schellenberg and Alt-Schellenberg) provide historical insights and panoramic views of the Rhine Valley. These are freely accessible and are part of the 'Historic High Hiking Route'.
The castles in this region boast rich histories. For example, Berchtesgaden Royal Palace evolved from an Augustinian Monastery founded around 1102, later becoming a residence for the Bavarian royal family. Mirabell Palace was originally built in 1606 by Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau. These sites showcase various architectural styles from Romanesque to Rococo, reflecting centuries of ecclesiastical and royal history.
Many castles and related attractions are family-friendly. Mirabell Palace with its gardens is a great option, and Hellbrunn Palace in Salzburg is famous for its playful trick fountains and water features, which are highly entertaining for all ages. The Berchtesgaden Royal Palace also welcomes families.
Many castle locations offer spectacular views. From the View of Hohensalzburg Fortress, you can enjoy a great perspective of the fortress itself and the city of Salzburg. The Schellenberg Castle Ruins in Liechtenstein also provide sweeping panoramic views over the Rhine Valley. These sites are often chosen for their strategic positions, offering impressive vistas of the surrounding landscapes and cities.
The region around Schellenberger Forst is excellent for combining castle visits with outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, gravel biking trails, and running trails. For example, there are road cycling routes like the 'View of the Watzmann Massif' loop, or gravel biking options such as the 'Lake Königssee' loop. You can explore more options on the Road Cycling Routes around Schellenberger Forst, Gravel biking around Schellenberger Forst, and Running Trails around Schellenberger Forst guide pages.
Yes, Marzoll Castle in Bad Reichenhall, Germany, is a notable example. Rebuilt and extended between 1527 and 1536, its cubic structure with four round corner towers was a pioneering design in Bavaria, making it a significant architectural example of the Renaissance period in the region.
Visitors frequently praise the historical atmosphere, the well-preserved architecture, and the stunning panoramic views offered by many of these sites. The extensive museums at places like Hohensalzburg Fortress and the unique features like the trick fountains at Hellbrunn Palace are also highly appreciated. The beauty of the surrounding cities, like Salzburg, is often highlighted as well.
Yes, some locations offer wheelchair accessibility. Mirabell Palace and its gardens are noted as wheelchair accessible, allowing a broader range of visitors to enjoy its beauty and history.
While specific opening hours vary by castle, generally the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October) offer the most pleasant weather for exploring both the indoor and outdoor aspects of these historical sites, including gardens and panoramic viewpoints. During these seasons, most attractions are fully operational, and the surrounding natural beauty is at its peak.
Yes, Berchtesgaden Royal Palace is a prime example. It was originally an Augustinian Monastery, dating back to around 1102, before it was transformed and served as a residence for the Prince Provost and later the Bavarian royal family.
Yes, many of the castles are located in or near towns and cities like Salzburg and Berchtesgaden, which offer a wide range of cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options. For example, Salzburg is known for its vibrant culinary scene, and Berchtesgaden also provides various dining choices for visitors.


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