Top 10 Castles around Nersingen
Best castles around Nersingen are found in a region with historical significance, notably as the site of a Roman fort. While Nersingen itself does not feature traditional standing castles, its surroundings offer several historical fortifications and palaces. The area is characterized by its proximity to the Danube river and towns like Ulm and Günzburg, providing opportunities for historical exploration.
Best castles around Nersingen
- The most popular castles is Wilhelmsburg Fortress, Ulm, a castle that was built as a centerpiece of the Ulm Federal Fortress. This massive 19th-century citadel measures 200 by 130 meters and could accommodate over 6,900 men.
- Another must-see spot is Leipheim Castle, a three-story Renaissance-style building. The ground floor dates back to the 11th century, and it is elevated on a steep mountain slope.
- Visitors also love Fort Unterer Eselsberg, a historical site that is part of the federal fortress Ulm. This fort features a surrounding rampart, a dry ditch, and a reduit in the middle.
- Nersingen is known for Roman fortifications, 19th-century citadels, and Renaissance palaces. The region offers a variety of historical structures to see and explore, from ancient fort sites to well-preserved castles.
- The castles around Nersingen are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 440 upvotes and more than 550 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: April 28, 2026
Wilhelmsburg Fortress, Ulm
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The 200 m x 130 m castle was built between 1842 and 1849 as the centerpiece of the Ulm Federal Fortress. The citadel could accommodate 6,951 men, and the inner courtyard covers 1.3 hectares.
The history of its post-military use is also interesting. Everything is well documented on site.
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Leipheim Castle
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Fort Unterer Eselsberg
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Science Center Schloss Reisensburg
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As a conference and retreat at Ulm University, it promotes
scientific cooperation at regional, national and international level
cooperation between university and non-university institutions
the transfer of knowledge in basic, advanced and advanced training
the dialogue between science, business, politics and administration
uni-ulm.de/einrichtungen/reisensburg
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Margrave's Palace, Günzburg
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From 1609 to 1618, the city became the residence of Margrave Karl von Burgau, a strict Catholic and son of Ferdinand II in Tyrol, governor of Upper Austria. Karl and his wife Sybille had no children, so Günzburg fell back to the main Habsburg line. Both were buried in the Capuchin monastery founded by Karl in 1616. Severely damaged in a fire in 1703, the castle was rebuilt in the Baroque style by the master builder Valerian Brenner. In 1769/70, the castle was renovated by Joseph Dossenberger the Younger.
Source: Wikipedia
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Tips from the Community
I am very surprised and impressed by the size of Wilhelmsburg, Fort XII; I hadn't expected that. The 200 m x 130 m castle was built between 1842 and 1849 as the centerpiece of the Ulm Federal Fortress. The citadel could accommodate 6,951 men, and the inner courtyard covers 1.3 hectares. The history of its post-military use is also interesting. Everything is well documented on site.
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The Margrave's Palace is a three-winged palace complex located in the center of Günzburg, featuring architectural elements from various periods. The Italian architect Alberto Lucchese oversaw the palace's reconstruction from 1577 to 1586 for Archduke Ferdinand II of Tyrol, costing 132,000 guilders. The palace remains the only surviving Habsburg residence in Germany and represents centuries of Austrian influence in Bavaria. The south wing of the palace houses a local history museum, while other areas serve as offices for the tax administration. Restoration work, completed in 2022, revitalized the facade of the south wing and preserved historical features while adapting it to modern requirements. Source: https://de.aroundus.com/p/7138487-markgrafenschloss-gunzburg
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Settlement on the castle grounds dates back to the Bronze Age. An older hillfort, in which the Reisensburg Castle stands, was first mentioned in the 10th century as Castello Risinesburc. The stone castle, first indirectly mentioned in 1266 by Bruno nobilis de Risenspurch, an imperial ministerial, controlled a river crossing. In 1295, the Reisensburg Castle came into the possession of the Margraves of Burgau, but after their extinction in 1301, it fell to the Habsburgs, who pawned it thereafter. In 1457, it passed as a fief to the knight Hans vom Stain of Ronsberg, and from him to his grandson Melchior, who expanded the Reisensburg lordship. In 1633, the Swedes set fire to the castle, which at that time belonged to the Tanner von Tann family. The Giel von Gielsberg family followed in 1660, and the Barons von Eyb in 1763. They sold the Reisensburg Castle to the Barons von Riedheim in 1852. After a change of ownership in 1920, the University of Ulm acquired the castle in 1966. Since then, the Reisensburg has housed a meeting and conference center, which was transferred to a foundation of the University of Ulm in 1997. Source: https://hdbg.eu/burgen/detail/burgschloss-reisensburg/19
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A predecessor of the castle was built in 1452. Around 1577-1586, a new building was constructed for Archduke Ferdinand II of Tyrol by the Italian architect Alberto Lucchese. Several town houses had to be bought for this. The names of the sellers have been preserved: Kaspar Kündig, Hans Gering and Jakob Böringer. The construction of the castle cost a total of 132,000 guilders. The neighboring lords asked the Innsbruck court chamber for free building materials "in honor of His Serene Highness". All the construction workers' invoices have been preserved. The castle complex forms a monumental focal point in the urban structure in the southwest corner of the city, which is complemented in the northwest by another dominant accent in the form of the pre-baroque complex of the former Franciscan monastery and its church. From 1609 to 1618, the city became the residence of Margrave Karl von Burgau, a strict Catholic and son of Ferdinand II in Tyrol, governor of Upper Austria. Karl and his wife Sybille had no children, so Günzburg fell back to the main Habsburg line. Both were buried in the Capuchin monastery founded by Karl in 1616. Severely damaged in a fire in 1703, the castle was rebuilt in the Baroque style by the master builder Valerian Brenner. In 1769/70, the castle was renovated by Joseph Dossenberger the Younger. Source: Wikipedia
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The Margrave Castle of Günzburg, together with the former court church of Ss. Trinitatis and today's town hall, forms a monumental focal point in the urban structure of the Bavarian town of Günzburg. The castle is the only Habsburg residence that is located in Germany today. The building is now largely used as a tax office. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Markgrafenschloss_Guenzburg
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The Ulm Fortress Trail initially leads through the spacious grounds of the Wilhelmsburg. The construction site at Prittwitzstrasse/KönigWilhelm-Turm can be bypassed on a narrow (but sometimes slippery) path.
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Beautifully situated in the forest with a great circular path and path into it. Very well preserved and highly recommended. 👍🏻
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You can smell history here
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of historical sites can I explore around Nersingen?
While Nersingen itself was historically a Roman fort site, the Kleinkastell Nersingen, its surroundings offer a variety of impressive historical structures. You can visit 19th-century citadels like Wilhelmsburg Fortress, Ulm, Renaissance palaces such as Margrave's Palace, Günzburg, and even sites with origins dating back to the 11th century like Leipheim Castle.
Are there any family-friendly castles or historical sites near Nersingen?
Yes, several sites are suitable for families. Wilhelmsburg Fortress, Ulm, for example, has a butterfly path with puzzle boards that can be exciting for children. Leipheim Castle is also listed as family-friendly. Exploring these historical grounds offers an engaging experience for all ages.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Nersingen?
The region's castles can be visited year-round, but spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for exploring the outdoor grounds and surrounding areas. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer. Winter visits are possible, but some outdoor areas might be less accessible, and specific opening hours should be checked.
Are there hiking or walking routes near the castles in the Nersingen area?
Yes, the region around Nersingen offers various hiking and walking routes that can be combined with castle visits. For instance, you can find routes like the 'Riparian Forests and Pond – Zimmermannsplatz Lakes loop' or the 'Leibisee – Leibi estuary into the Danube loop' which are generally easy to moderate. You can explore more options in the Hiking around Nersingen guide.
Can I reach the castles around Nersingen using public transport?
While specific public transport connections to each castle vary, towns like Ulm and Günzburg, where major castles are located, are generally well-served by regional public transport. From these towns, local buses or short walks might be necessary to reach the castle sites. It's advisable to check local schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Are there any viewpoints or natural attractions near the castles?
Many of the castles, especially those on elevated positions like Wilhelmsburg Fortress, Ulm, offer good views of the surrounding landscape, including Ulm itself. The region is characterized by its proximity to the Danube river, providing natural beauty and opportunities for scenic walks along its banks. The grounds of castles like Leipheim Castle also feature castle gardens.
What are some lesser-known or 'hidden gem' historical sites in the area?
Beyond the prominent castles, sites like Fort Unterer Eselsberg, part of the federal fortress Ulm, offer a unique historical experience. It's less conspicuous but allows visitors to explore old battlements and learn about 19th-century fortifications. The Science Center Schloss Reisensburg, while now a conference center, has a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age and offers insights into the region's past.
Are there cycling opportunities near the castles?
Yes, the area around Nersingen and its castles is suitable for cycling. You can find various MTB and gravel biking trails. For example, the 'Danube Bridge, Leipheim – Leipheim Castle loop' is a moderate MTB route. More cycling options are available in the MTB Trails around Nersingen guide and the Gravel biking around Nersingen guide.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the castles around Nersingen?
Visitors are often impressed by the sheer size and historical significance of sites like Wilhelmsburg Fortress, Ulm, noting its well-documented history. The architectural details of places like Leipheim Castle and the monumental presence of Margrave's Palace, Günzburg are also highly appreciated. The komoot community has shared over 550 photos and given more than 440 upvotes, highlighting the visual appeal and historical depth of these sites.
Is there parking available at the castles?
Parking availability varies by location. For larger sites like Wilhelmsburg Fortress, Ulm, there are often designated parking areas nearby. For Fort Unterer Eselsberg, it's suggested to park directly in the fort itself, though residential parking might be outside. It's always recommended to check specific parking information for each castle before your visit.
Are the castles around Nersingen wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility can vary significantly between historical sites. Older structures like castles and fortresses often have uneven terrain, stairs, or narrow passages that may limit wheelchair access. Modernized sections or visitor centers might be more accessible. It is best to inquire directly with each specific castle or palace about their current accessibility provisions.
Can I bring my dog to the castle grounds or nearby trails?
Many outdoor areas, including walking trails and some castle grounds, are generally dog-friendly, especially if dogs are kept on a leash. However, access to interior castle buildings or specific historical monuments might be restricted for pets. Always look for signage or check the specific rules of each site you plan to visit.
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