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Ehingen am Ries

Top 5 Castles around Ehingen am Ries

Best castles around Ehingen am Ries are found in a region known for its historical landscape, which includes fortified structures and former castle sites. While Ehingen am Ries itself features a notable fortified church, the broader area offers insights into medieval and princely history. The landscape is characterized by its historical significance within the Donau-Ries district of Bavaria. Visitors can explore sites that reflect centuries of regional development and defensive architecture.

Best castles around Ehingen am Ries

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Last updated: June 27, 2026

Oettingen Historic Old Town

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The city on the northern edge of the Ries crater looks back on a long history, and visitors can be convinced of this by the numerous sights. Particularly worth mentioning …

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Wallerstein Plague Column

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Count Anton Karl von Oettingen-Wallerstein had the Wallerstein plague column erected by the sculptor Johann Georg Bschorer from Oberndorf in 1722-1725, based on the model of Bohemian plague columns and …

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The castle was built from 1679 to 1687 for the Oettingen-Spielberg line by Mathias Weiß from Kassel and adorned with magnificent stucco work by Mathias Schmuzer from Wessobrunn. A special …

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Steinhart Castle Ruins

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In the 12th century, Marquard Spet de Steinenhart, who was named as a witness in a document in 1120, probably built the castle above the village of Steinhart and in …

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Residential Palace

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The brewery Öttinger has its headquarters there

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Tips from the Community

Stefan Fiedler
March 17, 2026, Fürstliches Residenzschloss Oettingen

Very beautiful facility that invites you to hike, discover and linger. Your physical well-being is also taken care of, as there are many opportunities nearby for dining and lingering.

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Small but nice city center. The Oettinger beer here is much better than its reputation

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In Oettingen stands the baroque castle of the princely family of Oettingen-Spielberg. Oettingen has always been the seat of government for the counts and princes since the first documented mention of the Oettingen noble family in 1141. The residential palace was built a good 30 years after the Thirty Years' War, between 1679 and 1687.

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In the 12th century, Marquard Spet de Steinenhart, who was named as a witness in a document in 1120, probably built the castle above the village of Steinhart and in 1130 a "Bertholdus Späth, nobilis de Steinhart" was mentioned. Further mentions of the Spete took place in 1167 with Heinrich Spet and Bertold Spet 1180-1183. From 1282 the Lords of Spet called themselves Spete von Steinhart (the "late von Steinhart"). In 1282 the Spetsche property was divided into two lines, with part coming to Faimingen an der Donau, today a part of the town of Lauingen "Old Castle" destroyed in the war for the Eichstätt fiefdom and not rebuilt. The Jewish cemetery has been located on the castle hill of the abandoned castle with a ring-shaped moat, the Burgstall Steinhart, also known as the Judenbuck, since the 18th century. After Herman Spet received permission to build a new fortress in Steinhart in 1328, the castle stable became strategically more favorable The new Steinhart Castle was built, today also called the "Old Castle". After 1339, the castle changed hands and came to the Counts of Öttingen, who sold the property to the von Gundelsheim family in 1359. After the castle was already in poor structural condition in 1532 , it changed hands and was probably destroyed in 1634 during the Thirty Years' War. The ruins have been privately owned since 1971. Significant remnants of the enclosing walls of the former rectangular castle complex with an outer bailey on a trapezoidal ground plan are still preserved, with hump ashlars with notched edges at the corners. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Steinhart

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In the 12th century, Marquard Spet de Steinenhart, who was named as a witness in a document in 1120, probably built the castle above the village of Steinhart and in 1130 a "Bertholdus Späth, nobilis de Steinhart" was mentioned. Further mentions of the Spete took place in 1167 with Heinrich Spet and Bertold Spet 1180-1183. From 1282 the lords of Spet called themselves Spete von Steinhart (the "late von Steinhart"). In 1282, the Spetsche property was divided into two lines, with part going to Faimingen an der Donau, now part of the municipality of Lauingen. The "old castle" was probably destroyed in the war over the Eichstätt fiefdom and not rebuilt. The Jewish cemetery has been located on the castle hill of the former castle with a ring-shaped moat, the Burgstall Steinhart, also known as the Judenbuck, since the 18th century. After Herman Spet received permission to build a new fortress in Steinhart in 1328, the new Steinhart Castle was strategically built over the Burgstall, today also known as the "Old Castle". After 1339 the castle changed hands and came to the Counts of Öttingen, who sold the property to the von Gundelsheim family in 1359. After the castle was already in poor structural condition in 1532, it changed hands and was probably destroyed in 1634 during the Thirty Years' War. The ruins have been privately owned since 1971. Significant remnants of the enclosing walls with hump ashlars with notched edges at the corners are still preserved from the former rectangular castle complex with an outer bailey on a trapezoidal floor plan. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Steinhart

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Steinhart Castle, also known as the Old Castle, is the ruin of a hilltop castle at 510 m above sea level. NN high hill above today's Steinhart district of the municipality of Hainsfarth in the district of Donau-Ries in Bavaria. Wikipedia

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Still privately owned by the Oettingen-Spielberg family.

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The princely residential palace was built between 1679 and 1687 and is privately owned by the Oettingen-Spielberg family.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of historical sites can I explore around Ehingen am Ries?

The region offers a mix of historical sites. While Ehingen am Ries itself is known for the unique Wehrkirche St. Ulrich und Stephanus, a fortified church with Romanesque and Gothic elements, you can also find castle ruins like Steinhart Castle Ruins, and the well-preserved Princely Residence Palace Oettingen. The nearby Oettingen Historic Old Town also features a city wall and other historical buildings.

Are there any well-preserved castles or palaces to visit near Ehingen am Ries?

Yes, the most notable well-preserved site is the Princely Residence Palace Oettingen. Built between 1679 and 1687, this baroque palace offers guided tours through its residential and representational rooms, providing insight into princely life with period furniture and stucco work.

Can I visit castle ruins in the area?

Absolutely. The Steinhart Castle Ruins are a prominent example. This 12th-century castle still has significant remnants of its enclosing walls with hump ashlars, offering a glimpse into medieval defensive architecture.

What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?

The region around Ehingen am Ries is great for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, running, and road cycling. For instance, there are hiking trails like the 'Deer Enclosure in Geopark Ries' loop or the 'Oettingen Astronomy Trail'. You can explore more options in the Hiking around Ehingen am Ries guide.

Are there family-friendly castle attractions around Ehingen am Ries?

Yes, several sites are suitable for families. The Princely Residence Palace Oettingen offers tours that can be engaging for older children, and the Oettingen Historic Old Town is a pleasant place for a family stroll, with its market square and numerous stork nests. The Wallerstein Plague Column is also listed as family-friendly.

What is the best time to visit the castles and historical sites in this region?

The period from spring to autumn is generally ideal for visiting, as the weather is pleasant for exploring both indoor and outdoor attractions. The Princely Residence Palace Oettingen, for example, is typically open from April to October.

Are there any unique historical structures besides traditional castles?

Yes, Ehingen am Ries is home to the Wehrkirche St. Ulrich und Stephanus, a fortified church. This unique structure features a Romanesque tower from around 1200 and a defensive wall with remnants of a battlement, highlighting its dual religious and defensive purpose. It's also notable for being a simultaneum, used by both Catholic and Protestant congregations.

What can I expect when visiting <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/867603" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oettingen Historic Old Town</a>?

The Oettingen Historic Old Town offers a rich historical experience with its city wall, two parish churches, and a charming market square lined with half-timbered houses. It's also known for the many stork nests on the roofs, making it a picturesque destination with restaurants and cafés.

Are there any castles that are no longer visible but have historical significance?

Yes, within Ehingen am Ries, there are mentions of former castle sites like Burg Belzheim, a medieval castle that has since disappeared with no visible remains today. The former Deutschordensschloss in Belzheim is now a rectory, its original castle features heavily altered.

What do visitors enjoy most about the castles and historical sites in the Ehingen am Ries area?

Visitors appreciate the rich history and the variety of sites, from medieval ruins to baroque palaces. The Oettingen Historic Old Town is particularly loved for its charm and the unique sight of storks. The region's historical significance and the opportunity for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling are also highly valued.

Are there any cycling routes that pass by or near the castles?

Yes, there are several road cycling routes in the area. For example, you can find routes like the 'Lake Mauchweiher – Oettingen Residence Palace loop' or routes starting from Oettingen Historic Town Center. More details can be found in the Road Cycling Routes around Ehingen am Ries guide.

Is there public transport available to reach the castles?

While Ehingen am Ries is a smaller municipality, nearby towns like Oettingen, where the Princely Residence Palace Oettingen and Oettingen Historic Old Town are located, are generally accessible by regional public transport. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for specific routes and timings to plan your visit.

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Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Ehingen am Ries:

Harburg (Schwaben)RöglingMonheimForheimHohenaltheimAmerdingenAlerheimEderheimRiesbürgMöttingenMönchsdeggingenNördlingenWallersteinDeiningenWolferstadtTagmersheimMarxheimReimlingenWemdingOttingWechingenAuhausenOettingen im BayernTapfheimDonauwörthBuchdorfKaisheimFünfstettenHuisheimMarktoffingenMunningenMertingenHainsfarthFremdingenMaihingenMegesheimNiederschönenfeldDaitingAsbach-BäumenheimOberndorf am LechGenderkingen

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