Ortenburg castle

Ortenburg Castle is located near Passau in South East Germany, and is over 500 years old. It is mostly known for its museum of local history, but also used as a venue for concerts, lectures and theater performances as well as weddings. Restaurant Schlosskeller is located in the cellar.

The Knights Games

During the Middle Ages, festivals were held at the fairground, and that is still the case up to today. The Ortenburg Knights Games, taking place every other year in early summer, are especially popular. The fairground is then filled with gleemen, knights, dukes, and more. Visitors are taken back to the Middle Ages and follow the exciting knights tournament. Furthermore, there is a marked filled with delicious treats.

Museum of Local History

The museum is worth a visit as well. Numerous exhibits are on display in 14 rooms inside the castle. They include furniture, books and paintings. The aim is to give visitors an impression of life in bygone days. Furthermore, you can see the Renaissance wooden ceiling dating back to 1628.

The castle was inhabited by the Counts of Ortenburg from 1120 to 1805, after Count Rapoto I. of Ortenburg had it built in 1120. Over the years, the castle was plundered, destroyed, and rebuilt several times. Hence, it is unknown today, what the original castle looked like. Its appearance today goes back to the year 1562, and mirrors the predominant style of the Renaissance.

It was Count Alram of Ortenburg, who finally sold the premises to Heinrich Orttenburger in 1971, who started ample renovation works. Along with that, the castle became more and more accessible to the public, with a tavern, castle café, the museum as well as Wildlife Park Ortenburg all opening between 1974 and 1976.

After Heinrich Orttenburger died in 2011, the castle was sold to Fritz Hofbauer in 2013.

The castle is situated west of Passau and can easily be accessed via motorway A3. Just take exit Hofkirchen-Garham and follow B8 towards passau. From there, follow the signs pointing to Ortenburg/Sandbach. Car parks are available right by the castle.