Katzenstein Castle

To make a day of it

Burg Katzenstein stands in Dischingen (Landkreis Heidenheim), in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The building is a listed Baudenkmal. Recorded dating: 11th century. Its opening hours and prices were verified at the source on September 19, 2026.

Katzenstein Castle stands on a rocky spur above a side valley of the Egau river, at the eastern edge of the Swabian Alb. It ranks among the oldest surviving Hohenstaufen strongholds in Germany, with its Romanesque keep from the 11th century built of massive bossed stone blocks. Visitors can also see a late Romanesque hall building, an outer bailey with gatehouse, and a 13th century chapel whose frescoes, marking the shift from Romanesque to early Gothic art, remained hidden for centuries beneath later layers of paint.

Written from Katzenstein Castle

What to know

• The castle is privately owned but remains open to the public.
• The Romanesque keep, known as the Katzenturm, stands about 30 metres tall and its original entrance was located seven metres above the ground.
• A castle tavern occupies the lower rampart walk, while the upper rampart walk holds guest rooms.
• The St Laurentius chapel, with its medieval frescoes, can be visited on site.
• The castle lies along the Straße der Staufer tourist route and serves as an information point for the UNESCO-recognised Swabian Alb Geopark.

Practical information

Visit duration

Not verified

Wheelchair access

Not verified

Dogs

Not allowed

Parking

Not verified

Where this château is

Dischingen · Landkreis Heidenheim · Baden-Württemberg

Loading the map…

This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Oberer Weiler 1-3, 89561 Dischingen-Katzenstein

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

Get directionsView on a map

Château phone number

+49 7326 919656

CallCopy

The safest check before setting off: today’s hours, guided-tour availability, where to park.

4.4 / 5from 1,159 Google reviews

Heritage status

Kulturdenkmal in Baden-Württemberg

Period of construction

11th century

Base map © IGN, Géoplateforme

In pictures

Frequently asked

Where is Katzenstein Castle located?

It stands in Dischingen, in the Heidenheim district of Baden-Württemberg, on a rocky spur at the edge of the Swabian Alb.

How old is Katzenstein Castle?

Its Romanesque keep dates from the 11th century, making it one of the oldest surviving Hohenstaufen castles in Germany.

Can Katzenstein Castle be visited?

Yes, although privately owned, it is open to the public, including its medieval chapel and keep.

What can be seen inside Katzenstein Castle?

Visitors can see a Romanesque keep with bossed stone blocks, a late Romanesque hall, a fortified outer bailey, and a 13th century chapel with frescoes.

Sources

Identity, location and official references from Wikidata and the Land's heritage lists.

• This entry in Markdown
• Wikidata Q832843
• Official website

Within an hour’s drive

• Schloss Eglingen (Eglingen Castle)Dischingen · Landkreis Heidenheim
• Schloss Taxis (Taxis Castle)Dischingen · Landkreis Heidenheim
• Burg Knollenburg (Knollenburg Castle)Dischingen · Landkreis Heidenheim
• Ballmertshofen CastleDischingen · Landkreis Heidenheim
• Alte BurgDischingen · Landkreis Heidenheim
• Schloss Duttenstein (Duttenstein Castle)Dischingen · Landkreis Heidenheim

The most visited in this department — Landkreis Heidenheim

• Hellenstein CastleHeidenheim an der Brenz · Landkreis Heidenheim
• Brenz CastleSontheim an der Brenz · Landkreis Heidenheim
• Schloss Duttenstein (Duttenstein Castle)Dischingen · Landkreis Heidenheim
• Ruine HerwartsteinKönigsbronn · Landkreis Heidenheim

From the same period — 11e siècle

• Rötteln CastleLörrach · Landkreis Lörrach
• Burg Staufeneck (Staufeneck Castle)Salach · Landkreis Göppingen
• Liebenzell CastleBad Liebenzell · Landkreis Calw
• Hohenstaufen CastleGöppingen · Landkreis Göppingen