Schloss (Castle) Harburg, Southern Germany
Nov 14th, 2012, 01:34 PM
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Schloss (Castle) Harburg, Southern Germany
In the Fodor’s 26th Edition of Germany, on page 180, Schloss Harburg is shown as a black square on a map. Unfortunately no information is given of this castle in this edition or on the Fodor’s website. Dating back since the 12th century the castle was originally owned by Staufer royalty. It changed hands in 1299 when it was given as a pledge to the Counts of Oettinggen. It stayed in that line for nearly 700 years. Now, the Oettingen-Wallerstein Family owns Schloss Harburg.
Harburg is one of the oldest and best-preserved historic castles in Southern Germany. The best way to visit is by car. Parking is located just outside the ancient walls and then it’s a quick walk around through the gate into the main dirt square. Once in the square, take a look around. From all angles the castle’s pale walls hang shutters that are decorated red with a yellow “X”. In the center is the original well, which once had an approx depth of 426 feet but after 800 years now only about 154 feet remain. The administration building for the hotel and restaurant was once where the castellan lived and was built in 1562. The souvenir shop dates back to the 16th century and used to be the Bakery but now instead of bread you can buy gifts and the tickets to tour the castle. The tour begins just outside the shop and its first stop is the church. As you walk in, notice the Protestant, Catholic, and Hebrew art and statues that adorn the walls. The church was renovated in 1720 but the paint and art has faded on the walls and even if it's due for another restoration it is awe-inspiring. Next you will walk through what used to be the cemetery and up stairs to walk the Wall Walk. The Wall Walks core elements date back from the 12th century. The “loop-holes,” “hook-guns,” and openings to pour hot water or oil onto the enemy still remain. Visit the dungeon and see the torture “sweat room” and “Dark Room”. I loved the Granary because of the family tree with coat of arms of the Oettingen liege families.
Not only can you tour Harburg’s rooms but you can stay and dine under this historic roof. Most tours are in German but tours in English are offered. It is best to call or e-mail to find out the schedule. Admission is 5 Euros and for a pamphlet in English it will cost 50 cents extra. All money goes to the upkeep of Harburg. The castle is closed on Monday. If you don’t want to tour Harburg it doesn’t cost anything to park and walk around.
Because of a lack of information and spontaneity my boyfriend and I took the tour given in German. We were very lucky to have such a great tour guide that tried to provide us with more information than the pamphlet offered and answered any questions at the end of each room.
D-86655 Harburg / Schwaben
Tel.: (+49) 90 80 / 96 86 – 0
Fax: (+49) 90 80 / 96 86 66
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.burg-harburg.de
Harburg is one of the oldest and best-preserved historic castles in Southern Germany. The best way to visit is by car. Parking is located just outside the ancient walls and then it’s a quick walk around through the gate into the main dirt square. Once in the square, take a look around. From all angles the castle’s pale walls hang shutters that are decorated red with a yellow “X”. In the center is the original well, which once had an approx depth of 426 feet but after 800 years now only about 154 feet remain. The administration building for the hotel and restaurant was once where the castellan lived and was built in 1562. The souvenir shop dates back to the 16th century and used to be the Bakery but now instead of bread you can buy gifts and the tickets to tour the castle. The tour begins just outside the shop and its first stop is the church. As you walk in, notice the Protestant, Catholic, and Hebrew art and statues that adorn the walls. The church was renovated in 1720 but the paint and art has faded on the walls and even if it's due for another restoration it is awe-inspiring. Next you will walk through what used to be the cemetery and up stairs to walk the Wall Walk. The Wall Walks core elements date back from the 12th century. The “loop-holes,” “hook-guns,” and openings to pour hot water or oil onto the enemy still remain. Visit the dungeon and see the torture “sweat room” and “Dark Room”. I loved the Granary because of the family tree with coat of arms of the Oettingen liege families.
Not only can you tour Harburg’s rooms but you can stay and dine under this historic roof. Most tours are in German but tours in English are offered. It is best to call or e-mail to find out the schedule. Admission is 5 Euros and for a pamphlet in English it will cost 50 cents extra. All money goes to the upkeep of Harburg. The castle is closed on Monday. If you don’t want to tour Harburg it doesn’t cost anything to park and walk around.
Because of a lack of information and spontaneity my boyfriend and I took the tour given in German. We were very lucky to have such a great tour guide that tried to provide us with more information than the pamphlet offered and answered any questions at the end of each room.
D-86655 Harburg / Schwaben
Tel.: (+49) 90 80 / 96 86 – 0
Fax: (+49) 90 80 / 96 86 66
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.burg-harburg.de
Nov 14th, 2012, 02:35 PM
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Back in the 80s, we were driving along the Romantic Road looking for somewhere to spend the night and happened upon Schloss Harburg. We had a good dinner there and spent the night in a room in one of the towers. It was late fall and I think we were the only overnight guests. It was one of those memorable finds that one sometimes encounters when wandering.
This is the website for the hotel/restaurant:
http://www.burgschenke-harburg.de/index.htm
This is the website for the hotel/restaurant:
http://www.burgschenke-harburg.de/index.htm
Nov 14th, 2012, 04:26 PM
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Europe is full of off the beaten track castles - either open just for tours or also acting as hotels or restaurants.
I never understand why everyone MUST go to Neuschwanstein (which IMHO is more Disney than Germany) when there are so many other choices.
We have stayed in several wonderful castles and/or manor houses in several countries - as well as happening across some others to tour just wandering down a country road in Belgium of wherever.
I never understand why everyone MUST go to Neuschwanstein (which IMHO is more Disney than Germany) when there are so many other choices.
We have stayed in several wonderful castles and/or manor houses in several countries - as well as happening across some others to tour just wandering down a country road in Belgium of wherever.
Nov 14th, 2012, 04:42 PM
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MaineGG: That sounds great. I didn't eat there but I had a glass of wine and my bf had a tea and we talked about, if we knew the details about Schloss Harburg we would have stopped at the castle sooner for lunch. I didn't stay at this castle but I stayed at another castle later on during the trip and I would recommend a castle before any hotel!
I have to agree with you NYTraveler. Neuschwanstein, although massive, it was crowded with tourist and I felt rushed between the two tours. Many castles off the beaten path have more of a history, less people, and it is so nice to just enjoy without pushing, running, or shoving.
I have to agree with you NYTraveler. Neuschwanstein, although massive, it was crowded with tourist and I felt rushed between the two tours. Many castles off the beaten path have more of a history, less people, and it is so nice to just enjoy without pushing, running, or shoving.
