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Germany
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Upper Franconia
Franconian Switzerland
Landkreis Bayreuth

Gesees

Top 17 Castles around Gesees

Best castles around Gesees are located within the surrounding Landkreis Bayreuth and the broader Upper Franconia region of Bavaria. This area is known for its historical significance and diverse architectural heritage, offering insights into centuries of German history. The landscape features a mix of natural settings, providing scenic backdrops for these historical sites. Visitors can explore a range of castles and palaces, from opulent Baroque residences to medieval fortifications.

Best castles around Gesees

  • The most popular castles is New Palace…

Last updated: May 4, 2026

New Palace (Bayreuth Hermitage)

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Margrave Georg Wilhelm had 1715 not far from the residence city of Bayreuth the Old Castle Hermitage as the center of a courtly hermitage to build. In the year of …

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New Palace Bayreuth

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In the New Castle, among other things, the "Gartenlust" takes place every year in the castle garden. Everything to do with the garden is offered there. For the physical well-being …

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Fantaisie Castle is in Eckersdorf-Donndorf, five kilometers west of Bayreuth.
It was built as a further summer residence (after the Hermitage) for the Margrave couple Friedrich and Wilhelmine of Brandenburg-Bayreuth. …

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Schloss Fantaisie

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The complex is not to be missed if you are nearby, very well maintained and parking is available.

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Old Palace Eremitage

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Opening hours and guided tour in the old castle
April-September daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m
1st-15th Oct. daily 10 a.m. - 4 p.m
16 Oct - March closed
Guided tours every 45 minutes.
duration 30 min.
But currently closed!

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®️einer 🚴‍♂️🇩🇪
June 22, 2025, Altes Schloss Eremitage

Great tour including a grotto. It's a bit crazy what the nobility came up with to pass the time.

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With information area, shop and ticket office for the tour

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Very good tour with many details about the castle and the grotto

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An impressive building. Napoleon is said to have cursed it. He apparently saw a ghost in the night.

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Beautiful castle, definitely worth a visit. Unfortunately it was closed on Saturday.

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A very beautiful park where you can spend some time.

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"Ce maudit château!" - "This cursed castle!" is what Napoleon Bonaparte is said to have said in horror after he spent the night of May 15-16, 1812 in the New Palace. The ghost of the "White Lady of Himmelkron" had appeared to him there. It is also possible that the castellan had played a joke on the Emperor of the French. Relevant items such as chains, rattles and a white robe were later found in his estate.

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The “Italian Building” was built after 1759 for the Margrave's second wife, Sophie Caroline Marie of Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel, as a stand-alone building south of the castle and only later structurally connected to the New Palace through a connecting wing. The architect was Rudolf Heinrich Richter, who, unlike Saint-Pierre, allowed the formal splendor of the interior decoration created by Giovanni Battista Pedrozzi to spill over onto the outer walls. The young Carl von Gontard succeeded in uniting the two fundamentally different buildings using a discreetly projecting connecting link with a round balcony.[1] At the beginning of the 1990s, the facades of the Italian building were renovated and its courtyard area was redesigned To the north of the main building, across Glasenappweg, is the former kitchen building, a single, two-story house with a hipped roof. From 1867 to 1908 the secondary school for girls was housed there,[4] later the municipal auxiliary school. When it was founded on October 1, 1920, the municipal commercial school moved into the building that the Bavarian Crown Estate Administration had given it. Although the location was only approved as a temporary arrangement, the business school remained until 1938.[5] Today a shopping arcade leads through the building to Richard-Wagner-Straße. Source: Wikipedia

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are some other notable castles to visit in the region besides the most popular ones?

Beyond the well-known highlights, consider visiting Weissenstein Castle in Pommersfelden, a Baroque masterpiece with an extensive art collection. In Bayreuth, the Altes Schloss Bayreuth offers a glimpse into the city's history. Further afield in Franconian Switzerland, you can explore medieval fortifications like Burg Pottenstein, Burg Rabenstein, and Burg Waischenfeld.

Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Gesees?

Yes, several castles in the area are suitable for families. The New Palace (Bayreuth Hermitage) and New Palace Bayreuth are both listed as family-friendly, offering extensive grounds and historical insights. 🏛️ Fantaisie Castle also features a beautifully landscaped garden that families can enjoy.

What kind of historical periods do the castles around Gesees represent?

The castles around Gesees showcase a rich tapestry of German history. You'll find opulent Baroque and Rococo masterpieces, particularly in Bayreuth with the Hermitage palaces and the New Palace Bayreuth, reflecting the artistic vision of Margravine Wilhelmine. Older fortifications, like Burg Pottenstein, offer insights into medieval architecture and life.

Can I learn about garden art at any of the castles?

Yes, 🏛️ Fantaisie Castle in Eckersdorf houses Germany's first garden art museum. It vividly presents the history of garden art from the 17th to the 19th century with numerous exhibits, including the White Hall and a replica of the famous Spindler Cabinet.

Which castles offer scenic viewpoints or natural features?

The New Palace (Bayreuth Hermitage) is set within an impressive complex of gardens and buildings, offering beautiful views and natural features. 🌈 Fantaisie Castle Park is also known for its well-maintained, large park and scenic viewpoints.

Are there any wheelchair-accessible castles in the Gesees area?

Yes, the Altes Schloss Bayreuth with Cour d'Honneur is listed as wheelchair accessible. While parts of it house a tax office, special rooms and the adjacent Schlosskirche can be explored.

Are there hiking or walking trails near the castles around Gesees?

Many castles are surrounded by parks or located in scenic areas, offering opportunities for walks. The Hermitage in Bayreuth has an extensive park ideal for leisurely strolls. For more structured outdoor activities, you can find various running trails and MTB trails in the wider Gesees region.

What other outdoor activities can I do near the castles?

Beyond walking and hiking, the region around Gesees offers diverse outdoor activities. You can explore numerous MTB trails and road cycling routes that pass through scenic landscapes. There are also running trails available for those who enjoy jogging.

When is the best time of year to visit the castles around Gesees?

The best time to visit depends on your preferences. Spring and summer (May to October) are ideal for enjoying the extensive castle parks and gardens, such as those at the New Palace (Bayreuth Hermitage) and 🌈 Fantaisie Castle Park, especially when fountains are active. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, while winter visits can provide a unique, quieter experience, though some outdoor features might be less accessible.

Is parking available at the castles, and are they accessible by public transport?

Many castles, especially the larger ones like 🏛️ Fantaisie Castle, offer dedicated parking facilities. For public transport, Bayreuth's palaces are generally well-connected within the city. For castles further afield, checking local bus schedules or considering a car is advisable.

What do visitors enjoy most about the castles in this region?

Visitors frequently appreciate the well-preserved interiors and extensive art collections, particularly at places like Weissenstein Castle. The unique blend of formal gardens, whimsical grottoes, and Rococo architecture at the Hermitage is also a highlight. The overall historical significance and the picturesque settings in the Franconian countryside are highly valued.

Are there any less crowded or 'hidden gem' castles to explore?

While the main palaces in Bayreuth and Weissenstein Castle are popular, you might find a quieter experience at some of the smaller, often less grand, castles in the Landkreis Bayreuth. These include Burg Pottenstein, Burg Rabenstein, Burg Aufseß, and Burg Waischenfeld. They offer diverse experiences, from exploring medieval ruins to enjoying picturesque settings away from the main tourist routes.

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Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Gesees:

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