Best castles around Auhausen are found in the region surrounding this small municipality. While Schloss Hirschbrunn in Auhausen is a private residence, the nearby area offers several historically significant castles and palaces. These sites provide rich experiences for visitors, blending medieval history with Baroque architecture and extensive gardens. The landscape around Auhausen features diverse historical sites, making it a compelling destination for exploration.
Last updated: August 25, 2026
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The Residenzschloss was built between 1679 and 1687 by master builder Mathias Weiß. Although the facade was created during the High Baroque period, it contains elements of the Italian Renaissance.
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The historic old town of Oettingen in Bavaria captivates with its baroque and Renaissance buildings, the market square with half-timbered houses, and its landmark, the Königsturm.
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Very beautiful facility that invites you to hike, discover and linger. Your physical well-being is also taken care of, as there are many opportunities nearby for dining and lingering.
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In Oettingen stands the baroque castle of the princely family of Oettingen-Spielberg. Oettingen has always been the seat of government for the counts and princes since the first documented mention of the Oettingen noble family in 1141. The residential palace was built a good 30 years after the Thirty Years' War, between 1679 and 1687.
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In the 12th century, Marquard Spet de Steinenhart, who was named as a witness in a document in 1120, probably built the castle above the village of Steinhart and in 1130 a "Bertholdus Späth, nobilis de Steinhart" was mentioned. Further mentions of the Spete took place in 1167 with Heinrich Spet and Bertold Spet 1180-1183. From 1282 the Lords of Spet called themselves Spete von Steinhart (the "late von Steinhart"). In 1282 the Spetsche property was divided into two lines, with part coming to Faimingen an der Donau, today a part of the town of Lauingen "Old Castle" destroyed in the war for the Eichstätt fiefdom and not rebuilt. The Jewish cemetery has been located on the castle hill of the abandoned castle with a ring-shaped moat, the Burgstall Steinhart, also known as the Judenbuck, since the 18th century. After Herman Spet received permission to build a new fortress in Steinhart in 1328, the castle stable became strategically more favorable The new Steinhart Castle was built, today also called the "Old Castle". After 1339, the castle changed hands and came to the Counts of Öttingen, who sold the property to the von Gundelsheim family in 1359. After the castle was already in poor structural condition in 1532 , it changed hands and was probably destroyed in 1634 during the Thirty Years' War. The ruins have been privately owned since 1971. Significant remnants of the enclosing walls of the former rectangular castle complex with an outer bailey on a trapezoidal ground plan are still preserved, with hump ashlars with notched edges at the corners. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Steinhart
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In the 12th century, Marquard Spet de Steinenhart, who was named as a witness in a document in 1120, probably built the castle above the village of Steinhart and in 1130 a "Bertholdus Späth, nobilis de Steinhart" was mentioned. Further mentions of the Spete took place in 1167 with Heinrich Spet and Bertold Spet 1180-1183. From 1282 the lords of Spet called themselves Spete von Steinhart (the "late von Steinhart"). In 1282, the Spetsche property was divided into two lines, with part going to Faimingen an der Donau, now part of the municipality of Lauingen. The "old castle" was probably destroyed in the war over the Eichstätt fiefdom and not rebuilt. The Jewish cemetery has been located on the castle hill of the former castle with a ring-shaped moat, the Burgstall Steinhart, also known as the Judenbuck, since the 18th century. After Herman Spet received permission to build a new fortress in Steinhart in 1328, the new Steinhart Castle was strategically built over the Burgstall, today also known as the "Old Castle". After 1339 the castle changed hands and came to the Counts of Öttingen, who sold the property to the von Gundelsheim family in 1359. After the castle was already in poor structural condition in 1532, it changed hands and was probably destroyed in 1634 during the Thirty Years' War. The ruins have been privately owned since 1971. Significant remnants of the enclosing walls with hump ashlars with notched edges at the corners are still preserved from the former rectangular castle complex with an outer bailey on a trapezoidal floor plan. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Steinhart
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Steinhart Castle, also known as the Old Castle, is the ruin of a hilltop castle at 510 m above sea level. NN high hill above today's Steinhart district of the municipality of Hainsfarth in the district of Donau-Ries in Bavaria. Wikipedia
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Still privately owned by the Oettingen-Spielberg family.
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Visitors particularly enjoy the Steinhart Castle Ruins for its tangible connection to medieval times and picturesque views. Dennenlohe Castle and Park is also highly regarded for its beautiful Baroque architecture and extensive rhododendron park. For a unique blend of history and contemporary art, Schlossgalerie Steinacker at Spielberg Castle is a must-see.
Yes, several castles offer family-friendly experiences. Dennenlohe Castle and Park is ideal for families to stroll through its spacious gardens. The Princely Residence Palace Oettingen offers guided tours that can be engaging for older children, providing insight into princely life. The Oettingen Historic Old Town itself is also a great place for families to explore, with its city wall and charming market square.
The region around Auhausen offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the 'Peace Oak (1872) – Oettinger Forest Ponds loop' or the 'Sandweiher – Oettinger Forest Ponds loop'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are routes like the 'Wörnitz Cycle Path' or the 'Hesselberg – View of Hesselberg loop'. You can explore more options on the hiking around Auhausen guide or the cycling around Auhausen guide.
Opening hours and admission fees vary by castle. For Dennenlohe Castle and Park, the gardens are typically open from April 1st to November 1st, with specific hours and an entry fee. The Princely Residence Palace Oettingen is generally open from April to October, with visits possible only as part of a guided tour. Steinhart Castle Ruins are accessible year-round as an outdoor site. It's always best to check the respective castle's official website for the most current information before your visit.
No, Schloss Hirschbrunn, located in Auhausen, is a private residence of the House of Oettingen-Spielberg and is not open to the public. However, there are many other historically significant castles and palaces in the immediate vicinity that welcome visitors.
Yes, Schlossgalerie Steinacker at Spielberg Castle offers a unique cultural experience. It houses a museum for contemporary art, featuring many sculptures by artist Ernst Steinacker both inside and outside the castle, providing a fascinating contrast between medieval architecture and modern art.
The best time to visit the castles around Auhausen is generally from spring to early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant for exploring outdoor sites like the Steinhart Castle Ruins and enjoying the gardens of Dennenlohe Castle and Park. Many castles and palaces also have their main visiting seasons and guided tours scheduled during this period.
While direct public transport to every castle entrance might be limited, the town of Oettingen, where the Princely Residence Palace Oettingen is located, is accessible by public transport. From Oettingen, you might need to use local bus services, taxis, or consider cycling or walking for shorter distances to reach other nearby castles like Spielberg or Steinhart. Planning your route in advance is recommended.
Absolutely. The Steinhart Castle Ruins, perched on a 510-meter-high hill, offers picturesque views of the surrounding Bavarian landscape. It's an excellent spot for photography and enjoying the natural scenery.
The castles around Auhausen offer a deep dive into regional history. The Steinhart Castle Ruins connect you to 12th-century medieval times and the Thirty Years' War. The Princely Residence Palace Oettingen showcases Baroque architecture and the life of the princely Oettingen-Spielberg family from the 17th century onwards. Spielberg Castle, dating back to around 1400, reveals the evolution of a medieval complex through centuries of change.
Most major castles and attractions in the region, such as Dennenlohe Castle and Park and the Princely Residence Palace Oettingen, typically have designated parking areas for visitors. For sites like the Steinhart Castle Ruins, parking might be available at the base of the hill or in the nearby village, requiring a short walk to the ruins.


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