Altenburg Castle is perched on top of Bamberg’s highest hill and is one of Bamberg’s major landmarks.
The castle was first mentioned in 1109 and was used at this time as a refuge. In the 14th and 15th centuries it served as a richly furnished residence for Bamberg’s bishops, but was almost completely destroyed in 1553 by margrave Alfred Alcibiades von Brandenburg-Kulmbach in the second margrave war.
Great pics! Thanks for sharing! My husband and I will be spending a few days in Bamberg later in the month and are hoping to visit Altenburg Castle. Two questions, if you don’t mind: first, I understand that there aren’t tours for the castle and from what I can tell from your pics you were able to just wander around on your own – is that the case? Second, we won’t have a car – any idea the best way to get there either on foot or via public transport? Thanks, and happy travels!
If you are in Bamberg at the Bamberg Cathedral which is pretty central, you can easily walk to the Altenburg Castle. It’s about 2km walk all uphill, I am afraid. There is also a tour bus that goes there as well. A lot of people either bike or walk. It is also possible to rent a bike or a scooter in town and often times you can rent a car in Germany for the weekend for about €70.00. The castle itself is very small and you can explore the grounds and surrounding garden very easily, or climb the tower and tour the castle if you wish. We did not go inside because this was a quick stop and since we are going back to Bamberg shortly we will explore it in more detail. Have fun, Bamberg is really beautiful and worth exploring.