Best castles in Landkreis Coburg are found in a region of Germany known for its rich history and cultural heritage. This area, located in Upper Franconia, Bavaria, features an impressive array of historical fortifications and ducal residences. The landscape provides a backdrop for structures that have played roles in German and European history, including connections to Martin Luther and British royalty. Visitors can explore various architectural styles and historical periods within these sites.
Last updated: October 23, 2026
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This castle also deserves attention.
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The former moated castle, with its almost square floor plan measuring approximately 70 by 60 meters, is built on 190 cm thick outer foundation and ground floor walls and consists of a total of five floors. Two round towers rise at the northern corners of the building, their conical roofs slightly projecting above the hipped roof of the main building, thus lending the property a defensive character. Source: https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wasserschloss_Untersiemau
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Untersiemau Moated Castle stands in a park on the southern edge of the Upper Franconian municipality of Untersiemau in the Coburg district. The oldest parts of the building, also known as the Lower Castle, date back to the 13th century. The castle was expanded and rebuilt several times over the following centuries. The former moated castle, with its almost square floor plan measuring approximately 70 by 60 meters, is built on 190 cm thick outer foundation and ground floor walls and consists of a total of five floors. Two round towers rise at the northern corners of the building, their conical roofs slightly projecting above the hipped roof of the main building, lending the property a defensive character. Source: https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wasserschloss_Untersiemau
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For centuries, Callenberg Castle has been owned and used by the ducal family of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. For the ducal family, it remains a link between the past and the present. The castle is open from April to October: Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; in November and December: Thursday to Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is €8.
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During the Third Reich, the castle was initially used by the Reichspost (Reich Postal Service) as a postal convalescent home from 1941 onward. After the Second World War, the German Federal Postal Service leased it to Caritas, which operated a retirement home. In 1976, the Postal Service sold the property to Munich entrepreneur Oskar Hacker, who had the castle restored between 1987 and 1993 to use it as a hotel and restaurant. Following Oskar Hacker's death in 2016, the castle has been owned by the non-profit Oskar Hacker Foundation, which has its headquarters in the castle. The foundation operates the Oskar Hacker Art Forum, which, among other things, has erected the permanent exhibition "Glaskunst im Schlosspark" by Borowski and a White Cube by photographer Mike Meyer in the park since 2024. The hotel and upscale restaurants are leased. Source: https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schloss_Hohenstein_(Oberfranken)
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Today's Hohenstein Castle was first documented in 1306 as "Castum Hohenstein in dem Grabfelde," or "castle." Countess Jutta von Henneberg was listed as its owner. Over the next 150 years, the hilltop castle changed hands several times until Duke William of Saxony, who granted the castle "zu dem Hohen Steyn" as a fief to the brothers Hans and Thomas von Lichtenstein. In 1466, the Bamberg vassals Kunz von Aufseß and Kunz von Streitberg, whose ancestral castles were located in Franconian Switzerland, devastated the castle. Both knights, along with their brother Kunz Ochs, who was also involved, were soon sentenced by the Coburg City Court to compensate for the damage caused and to pay 4,000 guilders to the Coburg rulers for breach of the peace. Source: https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schloss_Hohenstein_(Oberfranken)
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Seßlach's Old Town - One of the Most Important Historic Town Centers in Germany First mentioned in documents around the year 800, Seßlach was elevated to town status in 1335 by Emperor Ludwig of Bavaria. The old town is surrounded by a fully preserved city wall with defensive towers and three gates, which are closed on weekends. After that, the town is only accessible on foot, allowing visitors to enjoy the medieval atmosphere undisturbed. The old town boasts numerous lovingly renovated half-timbered houses and historic buildings, such as the former district court, the Royal Bavarian salt factory, and the old grain granary. Regular city tours take place every Sunday at 2 p.m. from April to September. Registration is not required. Source: https://www.sesslach.de/index.php/sehenswertes-besonderes
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Worth a visit even without access to the castle;
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Landkreis Coburg is rich in history. Veste Coburg, known as the 'Franconian Crown', is one of Germany's best-preserved medieval fortresses and hosted Martin Luther. Ehrenburg Palace served as the ducal city residence, while Callenberg Castle was a summer home for the dukes. Rosenau Castle is notable as the birthplace of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband.
Yes, several castles have strong ties to European royalty. Ehrenburg Palace was a frequent residence for Queen Victoria during her visits. Rosenau Castle is particularly significant as the birthplace of Prince Albert, and Queen Victoria considered it her 'real home'. Callenberg Castle also served as a residence for the Dukes of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, a family with extensive royal connections across Europe.
Veste Coburg is home to the art collections of Veste Coburg, featuring exhibits from the dukes' art holdings, including a notable collection of arms and armor, and works by Lucas Cranach. Callenberg Castle houses the Ducal Art Collection SCG, showcasing exhibits spanning four centuries.
Many castles in Landkreis Coburg are suitable for families. Highlights like Veste Coburg, Ehrenburg Palace, Callenberg Castle, and Ketschendorf Castle are all tagged as family-friendly. The extensive grounds and historical exhibits offer engaging experiences for all ages.
The region offers excellent opportunities to combine castle visits with outdoor activities. You can find various hiking routes, such as those listed in the Mountain Hikes in Landkreis Coburg guide, or explore gravel biking and MTB trails. For instance, the area around Callenberg Castle is perfect for hiking, and the park at Rosenau Castle invites relaxed strolls.
Yes, guided tours are available at some castles. For example, guided tours are offered at Ehrenburg Palace, and Rosenau Castle can only be visited as part of a guided tour, which is highly recommended. Callenberg Castle also offers guided tours.
The castles in Landkreis Coburg can be visited year-round, but spring to autumn (April to October) generally offers the most pleasant weather for exploring the grounds and surrounding areas. During these months, castles like Callenberg Castle and Rosenau Castle often have extended opening hours. Winter visits can also be charming, especially for indoor exhibits, though some outdoor areas or specific attractions might have reduced accessibility or hours.
Public transport options vary by castle. For castles located within or very close to Coburg city, such as Ehrenburg Palace and Veste Coburg, local buses are usually available. For castles further afield like Callenberg Castle or Rosenau Castle, you might need to combine bus services with a short walk or consider a taxi from the nearest town.
Yes, you can find amenities near many of the castles. Veste Coburg itself includes a restaurant, pub, and cafe. The city of Coburg, where Ehrenburg Palace is located, offers numerous dining options. For castles like Callenberg Castle and Rosenau Castle, you'll typically find cafes or restaurants either on-site or in nearby villages.
Many castles are set amidst beautiful natural landscapes. Veste Coburg, perched on a hilltop, offers commanding views of the surrounding area. Near Rosenau Castle, you can explore the picturesque Rosenau Swan Lake and its landscaped park, which includes a grotto with a waterfall. Callenberg Castle is situated on a wooded hillside, providing a scenic backdrop for visitors.
Yes, Seßlach Old Town is a remarkably well-preserved medieval town in the Coburg district. Often called the 'Rothenburg of Upper Franconia', it features intact city walls and gate towers, offering an immersive medieval experience. While not a single castle, the entire town functions as a historical fortification.
Visitors frequently appreciate the rich history, diverse architecture, and stunning settings of the castles. The extensive art collections at Veste Coburg, the royal connections of Ehrenburg Palace and Rosenau Castle, and the beautiful surroundings of Callenberg Castle are often highlighted. The opportunity to combine historical exploration with scenic walks and outdoor activities is also a major draw.


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