Schloss Veitshöchheim

Schloss Veitshöchheim Review

The first summer palace of the prince-bishops is 8 km (5 mi) north of Würzburg. Enlarged and renovated by Balthasar Neumann in 1753, the castle became a summer residence of the Bavarian kings in 1814. You reach the castle by walking down a long allée of trees on the extensive grounds. To your right are the "formal" rococo gardens, planned and laid out at the beginning of the 18th century. On the other side of the castle are the "utility" gardens, cared for by the Bavarian State College for Wines and Gardens. The college was founded here in 1902 as the Royal School for Gardening and Wine Culture. Walls, pavilions, a small lake teeming with fish, and gardens laden with fruit complete the picture of this huge park. From April to October fountains come to life every hour on the hour from 1 to 5, the water shooting into the air and then cascading into small ponds. The palace itself, completely renovated in the first years of this century, shows the rooms of the Bavarian royal family. It can only be visited with the 30-minute guided tour. A bus service runs from Würzburg's Kirchplatz to the palace. From mid-April to mid-October there is also a boat operating between Würzburg and the palace from 10 to 4 daily. The 40-minute trip costs €9 round-trip.