Burghausen Castle is the longest castle complex in the world, stretching over 1,051 metres across a narrow ridge between the Salzach River and the Wöhrsee lake in Upper Bavaria, Germany. This 2026 visitor guide provides essential information on opening hours, ticket prices, transport, and accessibility to help you plan a trip to this medieval fortress.
Be aware that entrance prices at Burghausen Castle have increased since 2025 and guides elsewhere may not reflect this.
Quick facts for planning your visit
| Category | Details |
| Opening hours | April–Sept: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm; Oct–March: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Ticket prices | Castle Museum: €6.00; Grounds: Free |
| Address | Burg 48, 84489 Burghausen, Germany |
| Nearest transport | Burghausen (Oberbay) Train Station |
| Parking | Curaplatz (at the castle entrance) |
| Typical time needed | 2 to 3 hours |
Burghausen Castle opening hours
The Burghausen Castle opening hours for the indoor museums vary by season. From April to September, the State Castle Museum is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. From October to March, the hours are reduced to 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily.
The exterior castle grounds and the five courtyards are open 24 hours a day and are accessible to the public year-round.
Burghausen Castle ticket prices
Entry to the Burghausen Castle grounds and the five outer courtyards is free of charge. To enter the State Castle Museum (Palas) in the main castle, the ticket price is €6.00 for adults and €5.00 for reduced-rate visitors (including seniors); children and young people under 18 enter for free.
Ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
How to get to Burghausen Castle
The most direct way to reach Burghausen Castle via public transport is by taking a regional train to Burghausen (Oberbay) station. From the station, it is approximately a 20-minute walk (1.5 km) to the castle entrance at Curaplatz.
Local bus lines 1 and 2 connect the train station to the old town (Altstadt) and the castle area. Visitors should disembark at the “Ludwigsberg” or “Stadtplatz” stops and follow the marked footpaths uphill to the castle gate.
Parking at Burghausen Castle
Dedicated parking at the Burghausen Castle is located at Curaplatz, situated directly at the entrance to the first courtyard. This car park is convenient for those wishing to walk the length of the complex from the entrance to the main castle.
Additional parking is available in the underground car park at the Stadtplatz in the old town. From there, visitors must walk up a steep footpath known as the “Burgsteig” to reach the castle complex.
How long to spend at Burghausen Castle
Visitors should allow at least 2 to 3 hours to explore the site. Walking the full length of the 1,051-metre complex through all six courtyards takes approximately 30 minutes one way, excluding time spent inside the museums.
Accessibility at Burghausen Castle
Accessibility at the Burghausen Castle is limited by the historical nature of the site, as is the case with many European castles. The five outer courtyards consist of cobblestone paths and uneven terrain which may be difficult for some manual wheelchair users.
The State Castle Museum in the main castle (Palas) is not fully barrier-free as it lacks a lift to the upper floors. Accessible toilets are located in the first courtyard near the entrance and in the main castle area.
Inside / what to see at Burghausen Castle
The State Castle Museum is located in the main castle (Palas) at the far end of the ridge. It features late-Gothic wall paintings and a gallery of Bavarian state paintings, alongside the preserved ducal living quarters.
The Castle Chapel of St. Elizabeth, located in the third courtyard, is a small Gothic chapel built in the 13th century. It features well-preserved architectural details and serves as a quiet point along the long walk through the grounds.
The City Museum (Stadtmuseum), situated in the fourth courtyard, provides a detailed history of the castle’s construction and the development of the town of Burghausen. It includes interactive displays suitable for families.
The House of Photography is located in the first courtyard near the entrance. It houses a significant collection of cameras and photographs, ranging from early daguerreotypes to modern digital works.
The Defensive Walls and Towers offer panoramic views of the Salzach River, which forms the border between Germany and Austria, and the Wöhrsee lake below. The fortifications include numerous towers, such as the Torture Tower and the Powder Tower.
Practical visitor tips
| Aspect | Tip |
| Timing | Start your visit early in the morning to walk the full length of the castle before midday heat. |
| Crowds | The first two courtyards are the most crowded; the further you walk toward the Palas, the quieter it becomes. |
| Layout | The castle is divided into six courtyards; the “Main Castle” is the final section at the very end of the ridge. |
| Footwear | Wear sturdy walking shoes as the cobblestones can be slippery and the walk is over 1 km long. |
| Logistics | There are several cafes located within the courtyards for refreshments during the walk. |
Frequently asked questions about Burghausen Castle
| Search Query | Answer |
| Is Burghausen Castle suitable for children? | Yes, the vast open spaces and medieval atmosphere are ideal for families and exploring. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Burghausen Castle? | No, tickets for the museums can be purchased on-site at the respective entrances. |
| Is Burghausen Castle open on Sundays? | Yes, the grounds and museums are open on Sundays throughout the year. |
| Are dogs allowed at Burghausen Castle? | Dogs are allowed on the outdoor grounds if kept on a lead but are not permitted in the museums. |
Things to do near Burghausen Castle
- Burghausen Old Town (Altstadt): A colourful, preserved medieval town centre located directly below the castle (Free).
- Wöhrsee Lake: A natural swimming lake at the foot of the castle with boat rentals and walking paths (Paid entry for lido).
- Raitenhaslach Abbey: A former Cistercian monastery with a lavish Baroque church, located 6 km away (Free).
- Salzach River Cruises: Traditional “Plätten” boat trips on the river provide views of the castle from the water (Paid).
- Bavarian castles: Bavaria has plenty of castles to choose from, with other options including Neuschwanstein Castle and Trausnitz Castle.
More Germany travel
Other Germany travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- How to get into Neuschwanstein Castle when the tickets have sold out.
- Exploring Bavarian beer culture in Munich.
- What to expect on a Third Reich tour of Munich.
- 19 reasons to visit Munich.
- Why it’s worth visiting the Museum Brandhorst in Munich.
