Top 6 Castles around Ellgau
Castles around Ellgau, a municipality in the Augsburg district of Bavaria, offer insights into the region's historical landscape. The area features 6 castles, including Schloss Ellgau, which was constructed around 1870 on a site with historical significance to families like the Fuggers. This region provides a glimpse into local history, with several historical sites located within a few kilometers.
Best castles around Ellgau
- The most popular castles is Markt Castle and St. John the Baptist Castle Chapel, a castle…
Last updated: June 26, 2026
Markt Castle (Fugger Castle Markt)
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Right next door is a (private) garden (Fugger) that is worth seeing and can only be visited as part of public tours.
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Markt Castle
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The listed complex …
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Markt Castle and St. John the Baptist Castle Chapel
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Fugger Castle Nordendorf
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Richen Castle Chapel
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Today's Fugger Castle, with its castle gardens, is the remaining vestige of a once much larger castle complex and is located in the heart of the village of Nordendorf. The complex became the seat of power for the Fugger-Nordendorf line of the Fugger family in the 16th century and shaped the village's history for centuries. After a fire in the 1860s, the former upper castle was largely demolished. Parts of the west wing, including the tower and chapel, as well as the gatehouse of the south wing, have been preserved. In the castle park, a Renaissance fountain with a coat of arms commemorates the site's aristocratic past. Today, the castle is privately owned and not open to the public, but its historical significance as a landmark of the village is clearly visible from the outside. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuggerschloss_Nordendorf
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It's strictly private, so forget about shuffling in there.
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The castle today dates back to the Middle Ages. The fortified farm was first mentioned in 1329. The residential tower, in which the chapel was established in 1868, still bears witness to this period. More on the history: https://www.schloss-nordendorf.de/index.php/geschichte
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Built in the 14th century as a hilltop castle
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Former Fugger palace complex, built in 1560, privately owned since 1860! https://www.schloss-nordendorf.de
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Beautifully hidden. Ideal place for a break
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Markt Castle: The remains of Markt Castle rise above the Markt district, on a ridge that slopes down on three sides. The castle was first documented in the 14th century, but the oldest surviving parts of the building date back to 1525, when the Fugger family had it rebuilt as a palace.
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The castle chapel of St. John the Baptist is located on the grounds of Burg Markt, a district of Biberbach in the Swabian district of Augsburg, Bavaria. The chapel was built between 1738 and 1739 according to plans by the master builder Simon Rothmiller from Höchstädt on behalf of Joseph Maria Fugger. It is an important example of the late Baroque period and is characterized by its artistic furnishings. Architecture and furnishings: • The chapel has magnificent stucco work and frescoes created by the artists Johannes Finsterwalder, Josef Höchstetter and Johann Georg Wolcker. • Particularly noteworthy are the wooden reliefs, which are believed to be by Daniel Mauch. • The interior impresses with its harmonious design and the use of high-quality materials. History: • The castle chapel originally served as a private place of worship for the Fugger family. • Over the centuries it has been restored several times to preserve its original splendor. • Today the chapel is a listed building and is an important example of Baroque sacred architecture in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of castles can I explore around Ellgau?
The Ellgau region offers a variety of historical castles, including renovated castles and former moated castles. You'll find structures reflecting different periods of regional history, from well-preserved sites to remnants of older complexes.
Are there any castles with significant historical connections in the area?
Yes, several castles in the region have strong historical ties. For instance, Markt Castle and St. John the Baptist Castle Chapel was converted into a palace by Jakob Fugger before 1525. The Fugger family also owned Schloss Ellgau for centuries, and the Fugger Castle Nordendorf is a remnant of a larger Fugger complex.
Which castles are particularly well-preserved or renovated?
Markt Castle (Fugger Castle Markt) is noted for being a beautiful, well-preserved castle that has undergone renovation. It is now privately owned and features a private garden that can be visited during public tours.
Can I visit the gardens of any castles in the Ellgau area?
Yes, the private garden of Markt Castle (Fugger Castle Markt) is open to visitors as part of public tours. It's described as a beautiful and worthwhile sight.
Are there family-friendly castles or activities near Ellgau?
While specific family activities vary by castle, Rain Castle is categorized as family-friendly. Many castles offer historical exploration that can be engaging for families. For outdoor activities, consider the easy hiking trails around Ellgau, which can be suitable for families.
What outdoor activities can I combine with a castle visit near Ellgau?
The region around Ellgau is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling and hiking routes. For example, there are easy to moderate hiking trails like the 'Thierhaupten Bird Sanctuary – Lech Dam Ellgau loop' or the 'Nordendorf railway station building loop'. You can explore more options on the Hiking around Ellgau guide or the Cycling around Ellgau guide.
Are there any castles that offer scenic viewpoints?
Yes, several castles in the area are also recognized as viewpoints. Markt Castle and St. John the Baptist Castle Chapel and Markt Castle are both listed as offering scenic views, allowing you to enjoy the surrounding landscape along with the historical architecture.
What is the best time of year to visit castles around Ellgau?
Bavaria generally offers pleasant weather for exploring castles from spring through early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is typically milder, and the surrounding nature is vibrant. Winter visits can also be charming, especially if you enjoy a quieter atmosphere, but check individual castle opening hours as some may have reduced schedules.
How can I find hiking trails that include castles near Ellgau?
Komoot offers several hiking routes that pass by or near historical sites. For instance, you can find trails like the 'Ellgau Dam – Lech Dam Ellgau loop' which allows you to explore the natural surroundings. For a comprehensive list of routes, refer to the Hiking around Ellgau guide.
What are some lesser-known historical sites or ruins near Ellgau?
Beyond the more prominent castles, the region around Ellgau has several other historical sites. Within a 5-kilometer radius, you can find sites like Schloss Hemerten, Burg Donnersberg, Burg Blankenburg, Burg Klause, and Burg Schatzberg. While specific visitor information for these might be limited, their presence indicates a rich historical landscape for exploration.
Is there a castle known for its Christmas market?
Yes, Rain Castle is particularly known for its Christmas market, which is set up around the castle for a weekend in December. This offers a unique festive experience combined with a historical setting.
What do visitors appreciate most about the castles around Ellgau?
Visitors frequently appreciate the historical significance and the well-preserved nature of the castles. Many enjoy the opportunity to explore sites like Markt Castle and St. John the Baptist Castle Chapel, which offers a glimpse into the region's past. The community has given the castles more than 170 upvotes and shared over 60 photos, highlighting their appeal.
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