One of the most impressive and largest castle complexes in Germany and in all Europe is the Burghausen Castle with a length of over 1000 metres and with almost all medieval fortifications still intact. The castle is located near the Austrian border between Berchtesgaden and Passau, close to the Alps, on the "Blaue Route". Built as a Gothic fortification, Burghausen Castle bears witness to an exciting chapter in Bavarian history. It has stood sentinel over the surrounding countryside for more than a thousand years.
Burghausen Castle has experienced many ups and downs through the ages. Its history goes back to the 8th and 9th centuries. In 1168 the castle passed to the Lower Bavarian Wittelsbach dynasty following the death of the last count of Burghausen, Gebhard II. From 13th century to early 16th century the castle was the second residence of the Lower Bavarian dukes, whose seat was in Landshut. It served, as a safe family residence, many different functions during this period: it was a court for the duchesses and it was the residential seat of the ducal heir and his wife. It was also in this well-fortified complex that the Rich Dukes of Bavaria-Landshut kept their gold and silver.
By around 1500, the castle had become one of the strongest fortifications in Europe. It served to help thwart invasion by the Turkish Ottoman Empire in the 15th and 16th centuries, and played a role in several European conflicts, including the Thirty Years’ War and the Napoleonic Wars. The first steps to preserve the castle, which continue to this day, occurred in 1896. The castle is also known as a museum. Its State Collections feature furniture, weaponry and art from the castle's heyday, while the House of Photography's 15 display rooms contain over 300 exhibits, including the camera used on the first manned space flight.
The observation platform on the roof offers amazing panoramic views of the entire castle complex and the glorious surrounding countryside. Nearby attractions: head down into the picturesque old quarter of Burghausen with its brightly coloured facades from the Renaissance, baroque and rococo periods. You could then travel the 30km to Markl, the birthplace of Pope Benedict XVI, or visit Altötting, Passau and Landshut. Another option is the Glass Route, which runs for more than 250 scenic kilometres through the Upper Palatinate and Bavarian Forest. You can visit the castle during April - September between 9am - 6pm. and during October - March from 10am to 4pm.
Photo source: Wikipedia
April 26, 2013
A.I
