Altenburg
On Gingerguide's self-guided Bamberg audio tour, Altenburg is a stop worth about ~60 min. Stand in front of it, press play for a short narrated story, and put any follow-up question to the built-in AI guide.
- Type castle
- Suggested visit ~60 min
- Bamberg Bamberg guide
About Altenburg
The Altenburg, the castle on the highest hill of Bamberg, first recorded in 1109, a second residence of the prince-bishops until 1553, with a round keep and wide views over the town and the countryside.
The castle was burned in 1553 in the Second Margrave War, and only the keep, the walls and the gatehouse survived. In 1801 the physician Adalbert Friedrich Marcus bought part of the ruin, and in 1818 citizens founded a society to save it. Much of what you see, including the hall building and the dome of the keep, was rebuilt around 1902.
The grounds are open daily. The tower and the halls are usually seen on guided tours, and the restaurant keeps its own opening days. The way up is a steep walk from the old town.
Did you know? The Altenburg stands on the highest hill in the city of Bamberg, and it served the prince-bishops as a second residence until it was burned in 1553.
How much time do you need at Altenburg?
Around ~60 min works well for Altenburg — time to look properly and listen to its story on the spot. Linger if you like; nothing on a self-guided walk is on a clock.
Should you stop at Altenburg?
Yes — Altenburg made the cut as one of 13 places the Gingerguide team researched and narrated across Bamberg. The story tells you why it is worth the stop, and the AI guide fills in anything you still wonder.
Nearby stops in Bamberg
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Altenburg and read more:
Day 2 of the Bamberg in 2 days itinerary →
Updated:
Hear the story of Altenburg
Preview the Bamberg tour free in the Gingerguide app.