Top 20 Castles around Lauingen (Donau)
Best castles around Lauingen (Donau) are situated in a region rich with history, nestled along the Danube river. The area features a mix of well-preserved historical residences, impressive Renaissance structures, and ancient ruins. These landmarks offer insights into centuries of regional heritage and architectural evolution. Visitors can explore various sites that reflect different periods and functions of castles in Southern Germany.
Best castles around Lauingen (Donau)
- The most popular castles is Höchstädt Castle, a castle that was built between 1589 and 1603. It features engaging exhibitions with interactive stations for all ages.
- Another must-see spot is Thurn and Taxis Castle (Trugenhofen Castle), a castle originally fortified in the Middle Ages. It showcases various architectural styles and has a tradition of a flag indicating the prince's presence.
- Visitors also love Brenz Castle, a beautifully renovated castle located directly on the Brenz river. This castle is known for its well-maintained condition and scenic location.
- Lauingen (Donau) is known for its variety of castles, including Renaissance palaces, medieval fortifications, and historical ruins. The region offers diverse castle experiences, from those housing exhibitions to those serving as administrative centers or preserved as ruins.
- The castles around Lauingen (Donau) are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 600 upvotes and over 300 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Höchstädt Castle
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Opening times: April to October, Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on request.
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Thurn and Taxis Castle (Trugenhofen Castle)
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The princes of Thurn and Taxis actually come from Italy and were electors - which means they were allowed to "choose" the king and take part in the election of the king.
Two towers and a badger are depicted in the coat of arms. The towers stand for "Thurn", which means tower, the badger in the middle for "Taxis". The two lions in the coat of arms come from Valsassina and were previously eagles as a sign of grace.
The badger in the heart shield is the actual family coat of arms. The towers were added later when attempts were made to gain favor more quickly and investigations were carried out to prove descent from the Milanese della Torre, which was finally confirmed by Emperor Ferdinand III in 1650. and King Philip IV of Spain was confirmed.
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Brenz Castle
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Güssenburg
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The municipality Heramringen acquired the ruin in 1709, but this fell further. Only in the 1970s, the state of the castle was conserved and repaired piece by piece. The castle ruin is freely accessible and can be visited all year round.
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Harthausen Castle
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Built around 1450, renovated from 1972 to 1977. A four-story structure with two side wings, corner bay windows, and gables. A south wing with a late Gothic core dating from around 1450, the original north wing with four round corner towers, and arched sheds.
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Interesting facility with a beautiful view. Below the castle is a nice parkour for archery
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The place was first mentioned in the 12th century. In 1568 the place passed to the Riedheim family, who are still the owners of Harthausen Castle today.
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Beautiful walls with a view of Sontheim
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A place with a great view
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Harthausen Castle is a double castle in Harthausen. It is located in the Günzburg district and belongs to the municipality of Rettenbach. It is a four-story complex with two side wings and distinctive tail gables. It is owned by the baronial Riedheim family.
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Story Originally the Riedheim ministerials were the Lords of Graisbach, who had their noble seat in Riedheim and from then on named themselves after this place. Bertold the Riedhaimer is mentioned in a document from 1312. In 1384, the brothers Erhard and Winhard Riedhaimer von Riedheim came together to jointly manage their inheritance in Riedheim. Konrad von Rietheim is mentioned in 1347. The family initially settled in Remshart (today a district of the municipality of Rettenbach) near Günzburg; the headquarters near Holzheim was sold to the Riederer von Paar family at the end of the 14th century.
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Currently closed for renovation. According to an article in the Südwestpresse, January will probably last for several months.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles around Lauingen (Donau) are particularly family-friendly?
For families, Höchstädt Castle is an excellent choice. It features engaging exhibitions with interactive stations for all ages. Güssenburg, a well-preserved ruin, is also listed as family-friendly and offers a chance to explore history in an open setting.
Are there any castles near Lauingen (Donau) that offer scenic viewpoints?
Yes, Güssenburg is known for its beautiful views of the surrounding valley. Additionally, Brenz Castle, located directly on the Brenz river, offers a scenic setting.
What kind of historical insights can I gain from visiting castles in this region?
The castles around Lauingen (Donau) offer a rich tapestry of history. For example, Höchstädt Castle, a Renaissance palace, houses exhibitions on the Spanish Succession War. Thurn and Taxis Castle showcases various architectural styles from its medieval origins. Güssenburg, a ruin, was once the ancestral seat of the Lords of Güssenberg, offering a glimpse into medieval feudal life.
Can I visit Schloss Lauingen in Lauingen (Donau)?
Schloss Lauingen is the most prominent historical castle directly within Lauingen an der Donau. While you can enjoy excellent views of its imposing three-story structure from the Danube, it currently serves as a psychiatric and care center. The round towers are not accessible to visitors, and the building's function means it is not a typical tourist attraction for interior viewing. For more historical context, you can visit its Wikipedia page.
Are there hiking trails near the castles around Lauingen (Donau)?
Yes, the region offers various hiking opportunities. For instance, you can find routes like the 'Lauingen Town Square – Schimmelturm, Lauingen loop' or the 'Spitalkirche Lauingen – St. Nepomuk Fountain loop' which are easy and explore the local area. For more options, check out the Hiking around Lauingen (Donau) guide.
What outdoor activities are available near the castles?
Beyond castle visits, the area around Lauingen (Donau) is great for outdoor activities. You can explore MTB Trails or enjoy Gravel Biking. There are also numerous hiking routes, including those along the Danube and Brenz rivers, offering diverse experiences from easy to moderate.
Which castle is known for its well-preserved condition and scenic location?
Brenz Castle is beautifully renovated and located directly on the Brenz river, making it a very scenic spot. It's also known for its well-maintained condition and beautiful courtyard.
Is there a castle that is not open for public viewing?
Yes, Dillingen Castle currently houses the tax office and is not open for public viewing. However, its courtyard and garden are sometimes used for public events like open-air concerts.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Lauingen (Donau)?
The period from April to October is generally ideal for visiting the castles, as many, like Höchstädt Castle, have extended opening hours during these months. This timeframe also offers pleasant weather for exploring the castle grounds and nearby outdoor routes.
Are there any castles that were once royal or noble residences?
Many castles in the region served as noble residences. Höchstädt Castle was built for Duke Georg von Bayern-Landshut and later used as a widow's residence. Thurn and Taxis Castle became a summer residence for the Princes of Thurn and Taxis, who were influential electors.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the castles in this area?
Visitors appreciate the rich history and diverse architecture of the castles, ranging from Renaissance palaces to medieval fortifications and ruins. The interactive exhibitions at places like Höchstädt Castle are highly rated, and the scenic views from ruins like Güssenburg are often highlighted. The well-maintained condition and beautiful settings, such as Brenz Castle, also receive positive feedback.
Are there any castles that are freely accessible year-round?
Yes, the castle ruin Güssenburg is freely accessible and can be visited all year round, offering a continuous opportunity to explore its historical grounds and enjoy the views.
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