Best castles around Altusried are found in a municipality in Bavaria, Germany, known for its historical sites and natural landscapes. The area is situated high above the Iller River, featuring the impressive Illerdurchbruch, a deep canyon carved by the river. Altusried is part of the broader Allgäu region, which is recognized for its numerous castles, ruins, and historical fortifications. This setting provides a combination of historical interest and scenic natural beauty.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
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The Monastery of St. George (patrons: St. George and St. James the Elder; since 1806 Isny Castle) is a former Benedictine abbey founded in 1096 in Isny im Allgäu, in the Diocese of Constance, and existed as a small imperial abbey from 1782 until secularization.
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Ruins of a former castle with explanatory panels
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It's a shame that you can only visit the chapel and only during the service. The rest of the beautiful castle is not open to the public.
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Information and opening hours at https://schloss-isny.de/
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May 2024: The High Castle has new owners after more than 25 years. A symbolic groundbreaking ceremony has now taken place to mark the start of the renovation of the castle and its ring iron house. The plan is to convert it into a hotel, and the actual work is expected to begin in the summer. Bernd Jäger, the project's developer and managing partner of JaKo Baudenkmalpflege GmbH, looked back on the roughly thousand-year history of the High Castle. "A building remains and outlasts many human lives," Jäger pointed out. The High Castle has had changing uses and well-known residents such as the Pappenheimers, the Fuggers or the Prince Abbots of Kempten. People have served the building sustainably and it should stay that way. The 77-year-old developer Wolfgang Scheidtweiler, managing director of the Private Castle Hotel Collection, and his team have a lot of experience in the renovation and conversion of castles. The Private Castle Hotel Collection includes 14 hotels from the Eifel to Lake Constance. "It will be a very beautiful 4-star-plus hotel. The special thing and the experience will be the castle," announced Scheidtweiler for Bad Grönenbach, while emphasizing: "It will remain your living room, the High Castle will remain accessible to everyone." The district educational garden that surrounds the castle will also continue to exist. In the coming years, the Ringeisenhaus in particular will be transformed into a hotel, but "it will still take some time before the first guest arrives," said Kerler. Source: https://www.lokale-mm.de/news/ein-wahrzeichen-in-neuen-handen/
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The High Castle is visible from afar on a high and steep mountain spur on the western edge of the Kneipp spa town of Bad Grönenbach. Bad Grönenbach's landmark welcomes visitors from afar and is a cultural site of exceptional quality. It was built on the site of a prehistoric refuge castle around a conglomerate rock, and was even partially hewn out of the rock. The remains of the original rock face can still be seen up to the first floor. The stone that was chipped off was used as building material. It is not known exactly when the castle was built. However, Heinrich Ludwig von Rothenstein probably built the oldest part of the current castle, the northern part of the main body, around 1280. After secularization, a royal Bavarian regional court moved into the castle in 1803, after the entire inventory had been sold and auctioned. After the regional court moved to Memmingen, the castle was acquired by the Hessian court photographer Wilhelm Cronenberg in 1881. He built a - not very successful - "Phototechnical Training Institute" there. In 1901, Dominikus Ringeisen, the founder of the Ursberg Institutions, acquired the run-down castle. In addition to the interior renovation, the Ursberg Sisters also carried out extensive exterior renovations between 1947 and 1951. The "Ringeisenhaus" next door was converted into a school and care home in 1926 and housed a special school until 1977. After that, it served as a home for disabled adults. The front part of the "Ringeisenhaus" used to house a brewery, which was converted into a chapel in 1939 and inaugurated in December 1941. The so-called castle chapel still exists today. Source: https://www.bad-groenenbach.de/kultur-sehenswertes/sehenswertes/hohesschlossschlosskapelle.html
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Since its secularization in the early 19th century, the Benedictine monastery, dating from 1096, has been referred to as a "castle." In the 17th century, the monastery was rebuilt in the Baroque style after the great town fire of 1631. The castle complex was acquired by citizens of the town of Isny from the municipality in 1996. Today, its continued existence is ensured by the non-profit foundation "Friedrich Hechelmann and Isny Castle Art and Culture Foundation." The castle's Baroque building ensemble houses the Kunsthalle (Art Gallery), featuring works by Isny artist Friedrich Hechelmann, as well as the Municipal Gallery in the castle. With innovative exhibition concepts, it provides exciting contrasts to the castle's former coachman's house. Also worth seeing are the refectory, the former reception and dining hall of the abbots, and the restored abbot's house. Source: https://isny-schloss.de/schloss-isny/
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Unfortunately not open to visitors. Gate closed.
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Beyond the Neu-Kalden Ruins, which offer stunning views of the Iller River, you can explore Rimpach Castle, a historical site featuring a former prince-bishop's hunting lodge with a hall of mirrors and a chapel with preserved frescoes. Another option is Neutrauchburg Castle, a restored historical building that now operates as a hotel and restaurant, preserving its architectural heritage.
Yes, several castles and historical sites in the region are considered family-friendly. Neu-Kalden Ruins, for example, offer a combination of historical interest and natural beauty, making it a delightful excursion spot for families, though paths can be steep. Rimpach Castle and Neutrauchburg Castle are also listed as family-friendly destinations.
While specific rules for each castle vary, the natural areas surrounding many of the ruins, like the Neu-Kalden Ruins, are generally suitable for dog walking. Always keep dogs on a leash and be mindful of other visitors and wildlife, especially on steeper paths or near historical structures.
The region around Altusried is known for its impressive natural landscapes. The Neu-Kalden Ruins are particularly notable for their breathtaking panoramic views of the Iller River and the dramatic Illerdurchbruch, a 60-meter deep canyon. The area serves as an excellent starting point for nature walks and scenic hikes, with diverse birdlife along the Iller River.
Yes, the area around Altusried is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for various sports. For hiking, explore the Running Trails around Altusried, which include paths like the 'View of the Iller River at Rotkreuz – Iller Gorge loop'. For cycling, check out the Cycling around Altusried guide, with routes such as 'Iller Cliffs – Iller Cliffs near Riederau loop'. There are also Road Cycling Routes available.
The castles and ruins around Altusried, especially those with outdoor components like the Neu-Kalden Ruins, are best visited during spring, summer, and early autumn. These seasons offer pleasant weather for exploring the sites and enjoying the scenic views and hiking trails. Winter visits are possible, but some paths might be slippery or less accessible due to snow or ice.
Accessibility varies greatly by site. Many of the historical ruins, like the Neu-Kalden Ruins, are situated on hilltops or have uneven, steep paths, which may pose challenges for visitors with mobility concerns or wheelchairs. Restored castles or those operating as hotels, such as Neutrauchburg Castle, might offer better accessibility, but it's advisable to check directly with the specific location beforehand.
For sites like the Neu-Kalden Ruins, parking is typically available in nearby hamlets or designated parking areas at the start of hiking trails leading to the ruins. For more developed sites like Neutrauchburg Castle (which is a hotel), dedicated parking facilities are usually provided on-site. It's recommended to check local signage or specific castle websites for precise parking information.
While Neu-Kalden Ruins are the most prominent directly within Altusried, the broader Allgäu region, of which Altusried is a part, is rich in historical sites. The Wagegg Castle Ruins are another example of a medieval castle site in the vicinity, offering historical remnants and beautiful views.
The duration of a visit depends on the site. For ruins like Neu-Kalden Ruins, a visit might take 1-2 hours, including time for a short walk to the site and enjoying the views. For larger, more preserved castles or those with additional attractions like Rimpach Castle or Neutrauchburg Castle, you might spend 2-3 hours, especially if you include a meal or explore the grounds extensively.
The Burgruine Kalden site once hosted two castles: Burg Alt-Kalden, first mentioned in 1128, and Neu-Kalden, built in 1515. Burg Alt-Kalden was a hilltop castle that eventually succumbed to geological instability. Neu-Kalden was built after Alt-Kalden's destruction but was also abandoned in 1692 due to landslide threats and largely demolished by 1840. Today, the most prominent feature is a well-preserved small round tower, part of a 16th-century double gate tower. You can find more historical details on Wikipedia.
Yes, some castles, like Neutrauchburg Castle, operate as hotels and restaurants, offering dining options directly on-site. For other ruins or historical sites, you'll typically find cafes, pubs, and accommodation options in the nearby towns and villages of Altusried and the surrounding Allgäu region.


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