Harburg Castle, Nördlingen
Castle near Nördlingen
Harburg Castle crowns a rocky hill above the Wörnitz River and the picturesque town of Harburg, right on Germany's Romantic Road. For more than 900 years this imposing complex of towers, battlements, gateways, and courtyards has watched over the trade routes below. Today it is still privately owned yet open to visitors, offering a rare chance to wander through a fortress that feels wonderfully untouched by time. This spot is one of the best places to see in Harburg if you are interested in authentic medieval architecture rather than fairy-tale reconstruction.
Inside the walls you will find a network of cobbled lanes, fortified gates, a mighty keep, and atmospheric corners that tell stories of knights, nobles, soldiers, and prisoners. Guided tours lead you through furnished rooms, chapels, and defensive passages, while the ramparts and viewpoints reward you with far-reaching views over the surrounding countryside. Combined with the charming village below, Harburg Castle is one of the top attractions in Harburg and fits perfectly into any Romantic Road itinerary between Donauwörth and Nördlingen.
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History and Significance of Harburg Castle
Harburg Castle dates back to the 11th century and is considered one of the oldest and best-preserved castles in southern Germany. Perched on a rocky outcrop beside an old trade route, it began as a defensive stronghold controlling movement along the Wörnitz Valley. Over the centuries it grew into a substantial fortress with multiple rings of walls, towers, and gates, gradually transforming into the sprawling complex you see today. Its long continuity of use and careful maintenance mean much of the medieval fabric has survived.
For much of its history, Harburg Castle belonged to powerful noble families who shaped the politics and economy of the region. It served not only as a residence but also as an administrative and judicial center, overseeing the surrounding estates and villages. The castle's thick stone walls, deep moat, and commanding vantage point were a clear statement of feudal authority, while its inner courtyards and halls reflected the growing comfort and prestige of its owners.
In more recent centuries, Harburg Castle avoided the extensive destruction that befell many European fortresses during wars and revolutions. Careful restoration has focused on preserving its authentic character rather than turning it into a fantasy castle. Visiting today, you gain a vivid sense of how a working medieval fortress operated, from the outer defenses and courtyards to the residential wings and chapel, making it a highlight of any walking tour of Harburg.
Things to See and Do in Harburg Castle
A visit to Harburg Castle typically begins at the outer gate and lower courtyard, where you can take in the sheer scale of the fortifications and the dramatic position above the river. From here you pass through further gateways and inner walls into the heart of the castle, with its cobbled yard, well, and views of the curtain walls and towers. Even before stepping inside any buildings, there are countless angles for photographs and plenty of information boards explaining the castle's development.
Guided tours (often in German, sometimes supported by written English leaflets) lead you into the interiors, which are only accessible with a tour. These can include the chapel, great halls, living quarters, defensive passages, and sometimes a dungeon area. The rooms are furnished with period furniture, artwork, and objects that illustrate everyday life and courtly culture over several centuries. This is where you really feel the layers of history, from rough stone staircases to ornately decorated spaces used by the ruling family.
Outside the formal tour, allow time to wander along sections of the walls and viewpoints. The elevated position offers sweeping vistas over the red-roofed town of Harburg, the stone bridge crossing the Wörnitz, and the rolling countryside of the Ries region beyond. On a clear day it is easy to understand why a fortress was built exactly here. Many visitors also combine the castle with a stroll or short hike around the hill, or a walk down to the river and through the old town, rounding off a visit that balances history, scenery, and relaxed exploration.
How to Get to Harburg Castle
Most international visitors will arrive via one of Bavaria's major airports before continuing by road or rail into the Romantic Road region. The most convenient large gateways for Harburg are Nuremberg Airport, Munich Airport and, to a lesser extent, Memmingen Airport, all of which have good links into southern Germany and onward connections by train and car. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Nördlingen on Booking.com.
By train, Harburg (Schwab) station sits on the line between Donauwörth and Nördlingen, with regular regional services connecting from major hubs such as Munich, Nuremberg, and Augsburg, usually with a simple change along the way. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. From the station it is roughly a 15-20 minute walk up through the town and hillside streets to the castle, or you can take a local taxi if you prefer not to tackle the climb.
If you are driving, Harburg Castle is very easy to include on a Romantic Road itinerary between Donauwörth and Nördlingen. Well-signposted local roads lead from the B25 up to parking areas near the castle gate, and many visitors prefer to park in the town and enjoy the short scenic walk up the hill. If you are looking to rent a car in Germany I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.
Practical Tips on Visiting Harburg Castle
- Suggested tips: Bring some cash for entry and small purchases, as not all payment points accept cards, and allow extra time simply to wander the castle courtyard and viewpoints.
- Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn offers the most reliable weather and lush valley views; mornings and late afternoons are quieter and best for photography.
- Entrance fee: Adults €3.50 (Courtyard Access); Adults €5.00 (Castle Tour)
- Opening hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Official website: https://burg-harburg.de/
- How long to spend: Plan 1.5 to 2 hours for the courtyard and a full interior tour; longer if you also explore the town and riverside.
- Accessibility: The castle is on a steep hill with cobbles, steps, and uneven surfaces, so access is challenging for visitors with mobility issues; there is limited barrier-free access inside.
- Facilities: Expect basic visitor facilities such as restrooms, a small shop, and on-site or nearby cafés and restaurants, but not a large modern visitor centre.
- Photography tip: You can take excellent shots of the whole complex from viewpoints below the walls and from the town bridge; inside, check local rules as photography may be restricted in some rooms.
- Guided tours: Interior rooms are generally only accessible on guided tours, often in German; ask for an English leaflet to follow along and be prepared for groups to move at a steady pace.
- Nearby food options: Combine your visit with a meal in the castle restaurant or in one of Harburg’s traditional inns in the old town, many of which serve hearty Bavarian dishes.
Where to Stay close to Harburg Castle
For the most atmospheric experience, consider staying right by the fortress at Schlosshotel Harburg, where simple but characterful rooms sit within the historic castle complex itself and you can enjoy the views long after day-trippers have left. Down in the town, Hotel-Restaurant Straussen offers comfortable accommodation and a popular on-site restaurant on the main square, making it easy to stroll up to the castle or down to the river. Another good option is Hotel Gasthof zum Goldenen Lamm, a long-established inn in the historic centre with a traditional Bavarian feel, ideal if you want a cosy base while exploring Harburg and the wider Ries region.
Is Harburg Castle Worth Visiting
Harburg Castle is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you are travelling the Romantic Road or exploring the lesser-known corners of Bavaria. Its biggest strength is authenticity: this is not a fairy-tale reconstruction but a genuine medieval fortress that has evolved over centuries and remains remarkably intact. If you enjoy learning about feudal power, military architecture, and everyday life in a hilltop stronghold, you will find plenty to absorb here.
The castle also pairs beautifully with the landscape around it. From the towers and walls you look down on red-roofed houses, the stone bridge, and the Wörnitz Valley, which makes the whole visit feel cinematic. Even if you do not take an interior tour, simply wandering the courtyards and ramparts leaves a strong impression of stepping back into Germany’s medieval past.
Finally, Harburg Castle fits very neatly into a broader day of sightseeing. It sits between other Romantic Road favourites such as Donauwörth, Nördlingen, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber, so you can easily combine it with historic towns, countryside walks, and river views. For many travellers it becomes one of the must-see places in Harburg and a memorable highlight of a southern Germany road trip.
What Other Travellers Say...
Harburg Castle, at Burgstraße 1 in Harburg (Schwaben), is a well‑preserved 12th‑century fortress offering a mix of architectural styles and town views; visitors praise the whimsical walkway from town, ample parking and easy walking around the grounds, and recommend taking the paid guided tour to access interiors, climb the walls and see artifacts (English tour notes are available), while some note separate fees for courtyard entry and the interior tour and that interior visits can feel rushed; there's a hotel on site with highly praised rooms and friendly staff, and shops and a restaurant that accept cards though ticketing at times may be cash only.
FAQs for Visiting Harburg Castle
Nearby Attractions to the Harburg Castle
- Nördlingen: A beautifully preserved walled town built inside a meteor crater, perfect for walking the full circuit of the city walls and climbing Daniel Tower.
- Donauwörth: Charming small town on the Danube with colourful houses, historic churches, and a pleasant riverside promenade, also on the Romantic Road.
- Rieskrater Museum (Nördlingen): Excellent geological museum explaining the meteorite impact that created the Ries crater and shaped the surrounding landscape.
- Wörnitz riverside walks: Gentle paths along the Wörnitz near Harburg, offering peaceful countryside views and photo opportunities of the castle on its hill.
- Harburg old town: The half-timbered houses, historic market square, and old stone bridge below the castle make a lovely place to wander before or after your visit.
The Harburg Castle appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Nördlingen!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Planning Your Visit
Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Adults €3.50 (Courtyard Access); Adults €5.00 (Castle Tour)
Nearby Attractions
- Nördlingen City Walls (16.0) km
City Gate and City Walls - Stadtmauer Museum (16.2) km
Museum and Tower - Saint George's Church (16.3) km
Church - Rathaus am Marktplatz (16.3) km
Town Hall - The Daniel Tower (16.3) km
Tower - Nördlingen City Museum (16.5) km
Museum - Infozentrum Geopark Ries (16.5) km
Museum - Rieskrater Museum (16.5) km
Museum - Nördlingen Gate (41.0) km
Historic Building - House of History (41.4) km
Historic Building and Museum
