Plassenburg Castle Tours



Fascinating museums reveal the history of the fortress and families that reigned here, while the courtyard and church showcase the castle’s Renaissance architecture.

Plassenburg Castle is a vast citadel crowning a hilltop overlooking the town of Kulmbach. The castle’s courtyards, colonnades and towers create a majestic sight that has existed since the 12th century origins of the fortress. Admire the stunning views of Bavaria’s mountains from this impressive vantage point.

Once inside, explore the various ornate rooms and corridors. The Schlosskirche is the structure’s church, where weddings and other religious ceremonies continue to take place today. Marvel at its golden chandeliers and intricate altarpiece. Watch one of the occasional open-air concerts that are presented in the adjacent Schöner Hof courtyard.

The castle is also known for its intriguing museums. Enter the Hohenzollerns in Franconia museum, which traces the history of a noble family that ruled Franconia. Inspect the array of 18th-century Prussian military weapons that are held in 32 glass cases inside the Frederick the Great Army Museum.

Learn about the history of Kulmbach and the castle in the Landscape Obermain Museum and see the world’s largest collection of a particular type of quaint figurines in the German Pewter Figure Museum. Check for any temporary exhibits on various artistic and historical themes taking place in the fortress.

Stop for a break and some food at the Burgschänke restaurant. Pick up intriguing souvenirs relating to the castle and its history in the gift shop. Free Wi-Fi is installed in the castle. Guided tours are available in and around the complex, but usually conducted only in German.

The site opens daily from morning to late afternoon, with longer opening hours in summer. Pay a fee to enter the castle and ask about the reduced fees available.

Plassenburg Castle is located on the eastern side of Kulmbach, in Bavaria. Ride a shuttle bus up from the city center to the castle. While in the region, visit some of the surrounding sights, such as the Fritz Einkaufszentrum Center Management shopping center, the Stammberger Halle and the Petrikirche.

Plan a trip to see Plassenburg Castle

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Things to do near Plassenburg Castle

At Plassenburg Castle in Kulmbach, visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences including fascinating historical tours and guided chateau explorations. The castle often hosts lively festivals and captivating opera performances, making it a vibrant cultural hub. Don't miss the chance to delve into the rich history of this stunning fortress while enjoying its scenic surroundings.

Shopping

At Plassenburg Castle, you can enjoy local shops offering unique souvenirs and crafts. If you're up for a drive, visit Bayreuth's downtown where you’ll find larger malls like the Centro Oberfranken, featuring a variety of stores from fashion to electronics.

Recreation

Experience tranquility at Skischaukel Hempelsberg und Geiersberg, where you can unwind amidst nature just 17 miles from Plassenburg Castle. For family fun, the Nalia Municipal Swimming Pool offers sports and outdoor activities 19 miles away. Lastly, relax at Piste 2, a wellness haven located 29 miles from the castle.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of skiing at Ochsenkopfschanze, located 16 miles from Plassenburg Castle, where you can enjoy exciting slopes. Alternatively, tackle the Frankenweg Trail, 10 miles away, for a memorable hike through scenic landscapes and outdoor adventures.

Nightlife

Experience the thrill of the Ochsenkopf Alpine Coaster, located 16 miles from Plassenburg Castle, for an exhilarating ride. For a cultural evening, catch a show at Theater Hof, just 24 miles away, where romance and entertainment blend perfectly. Don’t miss the Sommerrodelbahn, 29 miles away, for more fun.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Plassenburg Castle

Visiting Plassenburg Castle in Kulmbach, Bavaria, offers a delightful mix of cultural experiences and romantic settings. Explore the historic palace, enjoy the scenic rock garden, and immerse yourself in the rich history of this medieval fortress. Whether you're drawn to the captivating architecture or the surrounding city atmosphere, Plassenburg Castle and its attractions provide a perfect backdrop for memorable adventures.

  • Bayreuth Festival Theater: Located 12 miles from Plassenburg Castle, this iconic opera house is renowned for its stunning architecture and exceptional acoustics. It hosts the famous Richard Wagner Festival, offering a romantic and culturally rich experience that celebrates the world of opera.
  • Sanspareil Rock Garden: Just 11 miles away, this enchanting rock garden is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Wander through beautifully landscaped paths, marvel at unique rock formations, and enjoy the serene natural surroundings that create a peaceful escape.
  • Bayreuth New Palace: Situated 13 miles from the castle, this historic palace showcases exquisite baroque architecture and lush gardens, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Bavarian nobility and a rich cultural experience.

Best time to go to Plassenburg Castle

The best time to visit Plassenburg Castle is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January30.6°F (-0.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February31.8°F (-0.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March38.7°F (3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
May54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June62.1°F (16.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
October48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
November39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December33.4°F (0.8°C)Light RainVery CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Plassenburg Castle

To save on your visit to Plassenburg Castle, plan your trip between January to February or November for lower hotel rates. Book your stay about a month in advance for the best deals, and consider Tuesday for the cheapest overnight costs. Use Expedia to filter hotels based on budget and eco-certification, and look for last-minute deals. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for package savings, and join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts. Don’t forget to explore free local attractions to make the most of your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Plassenburg Castle are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to August and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Plassenburg Castle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Plassenburg Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Plassenburg Castle is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, by selecting the Eco-certified option, you’ll be shown a list of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Plassenburg Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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