Castles around Finningen, a municipality in Bavaria, Germany, provide insight into the region's historical and cultural heritage. The area features Schloss Unterfinningen, a historical moated castle within the municipality. Nearby, several other notable castles showcase diverse architectural styles and historical significance. These sites offer opportunities to explore centuries of history in a rural setting.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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A castle on the same spot was mentioned as early as 1236, when it and its manor were given as a gift by Count Hartmann IV of Dillingen to Neresheim Monastery. The current castle was probably built in the middle of the 16th century under the lord of the castle, Phillipp von Leonrod, or his son Georg Wilhelm. The castle later owned the noble families St. Vincent zu Ballmertshofen and Thurn und Taxis. Under the Thurn and Taxis family, the castle was the seat of the princely head huntsman and then the princely revenue office. In 1865 the municipality of Ballmertshofen acquired the building and set up a school and town hall in it. For a short time in 1940 the castle was used as a prisoner of war camp and after the war as accommodation for displaced persons. In 1959 the village school was housed there until the early 1970s. The badly neglected castle was renovated and restored between 1986 and 1994. Today it houses, amongst other things, the Burgtheater and the Burgruine Museum. a rural picture gallery. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schloss_Ballmertshofen
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Seldom seen such a cool castle. It's privately owned and you can actually walk around alone inside. It's really worth a trip.
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The facility is not in operation and can only be viewed from the outside.
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very well preserved castle with restaurant
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Thurn and Taxis: The Castle It is originally a tower-fortified castle from the Middle Ages: "Schloss Trugenhofen" is built on Griesfelsen. The princes of Thurn and Taxis choose the "Hohe Schloss" (521 m above sea level) as their summer residence and call it "Schloss" from 1819 Taxis". The princes come here to the Härtsfeld by Danube boat and stagecoach, mainly from May to September. When the flag flies, the prince is there! A tradition at Thurn und Taxis to this day: a flag on the castle tower (1857) shows that the prince is present. From all four points of the compass, avenues lead directly to the destination - in the past there were poplars, today chestnuts. Ever since the princely house bought the castle and "Markttischingen" (Dischingen) for 150,000 guilders in 1734, there has been a lot of expansion: up to 400 people stayed here in the 18th and 19th centuries; in summer the permanent staff included: castle administrator, building inspector, Gardener, court clerk, head stable master... The latter is responsible for 90 horses.A small kingdom in itself - with extensive grounds, its own castle chapel and the English Forest.Many architectural styles - from Renaissance to Baroque, Rococo and Classicism to Neo-Gothic - can be recognized.
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The castle is gigantic, beautiful and huge with a very large associated garden and meadow
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The Finningen area offers a diverse range of historical structures. You'll find a historical moated castle within Finningen itself, Schloss Unterfinningen, dating back to 1530. Nearby, there's a magnificent Renaissance palace like Höchstädt Castle, and remarkably well-preserved medieval fortresses such as Katzenstein Castle, which retains significant original parts from the 11th century. Dillingen Castle also showcases various architectural styles from its origins as a 15th-century bishop's residence.
Katzenstein Castle stands out as a remarkably well-preserved and authentic Staufer castle from the 11th century, never having been destroyed. It features a chapel with centuries-old frescoes and an ancient well house. Schloss Unterfinningen, a moated castle from 1530, also offers a unique historical experience with its preserved interiors and vaulted ceilings.
Many castles, like Höchstädt Castle, are open from April to October. Katzenstein Castle is generally open from March to December, with reduced hours in November and December. Visiting during spring or autumn can offer pleasant weather for exploring and beautiful scenery, especially with autumn colors.
Yes, several castles are noted as family-friendly. Höchstädt Castle hosts exciting exhibitions with hands-on stations for all ages. Katzenstein Castle is also considered family-friendly and even hosts children's birthdays. Dillingen Castle, while housing a tax office, has a courtyard and gardens that are often used for cultural events, which can be enjoyable for families.
Yes, you can. Schloss Unterfinningen itself operates as a restaurant and country inn, offering a unique opportunity to dine or stay within a historic building. Höchstädt Castle has a nice cafe within its premises. Katzenstein Castle features a friendly Burgschänke (castle tavern) where visitors can enjoy a meal.
Yes, Thurn and Taxis Castle (Trugenhofen Castle) in Dischingen is privately owned and not open to visitors. While historically significant, it cannot be explored internally.
Absolutely! The region offers various outdoor activities. For cycling, you can explore routes like the "Höchstädt Castle – Danube River loop from Finningen" or the "Karlsbrunnen Fountain – Schloss Taxis loop from Finningen." For hiking, consider the "Schlössle Finningen – Osterstein Boulder loop from Finningen" or the "High Hunting Stand loop from Finningen." You can find more details and routes in the Cycling around Finningen and Hiking around Finningen guides.
The castles are set in a rural Bavarian landscape. For example, Duttenstein Castle is surrounded by a beautiful park with deer, offering an idyllic natural setting. Many cycling and hiking routes in the area, such as those along the Danube River or through local forests, provide scenic views and opportunities to enjoy the regional nature.
Höchstädt Castle is a magnificent Renaissance palace built between 1589 and 1603. It's unique for hosting a permanent exhibition on the War of the Spanish Succession, including the significant Battle of Höchstädt in 1704, and a museum of German faience. It offers numerous hands-on stations, making history engaging for visitors.
While Dillingen Castle is historically significant, it currently serves as the seat of the local tax office. Therefore, the interior is generally not open for public tours. However, its historical ambiance is preserved, and the castle courtyard and gardens are often used for public events, such as open-air concerts and festivals.
Yes, Schloss Unterfinningen is located directly within the Finningen municipality. This historical moated castle, built in 1530, offers a unique experience as it now houses a restaurant and country inn, allowing visitors to dine or stay within its historic walls.
Visitors frequently appreciate the rich history and well-preserved architecture of the castles. Many enjoy the authentic atmosphere of places like Katzenstein Castle and the engaging exhibitions at Höchstädt Castle. The opportunity to combine historical exploration with pleasant walks or bike rides in the surrounding natural landscape is also a highlight for many.


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