Why was the Kaiserpfalz Gelnhausen built?

Emperor Frederick Barbarossa had it built to secure Hohenstaufen control over the Wetterau region and the route linking Frankfurt to Leipzig.

What remains of the imperial palace today?

The fortified gatehouse with its chapel above, much of the rectangular keep, and the walls of the great hall survive, all in ruined form but largely built of original stonework.

What historical event took place at Gelnhausen?

In 1180 an imperial court was held there at which Henry the Lion was tried in absentia and stripped of his fiefs.

Is the Kaiserpfalz Gelnhausen a protected site?

It is listed as a Kulturdenkmal in Hesse.

Imperial Palace Gelnhausen

Gelnhausen

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Tickets and prices

Adult: €4
Reduced: €3.40

Free for Kindergarten / primary school

Prices and tickets on the château’s website

Where: Gelnhausen

Hours and prices not verified at the source yet.Check on the official website

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

Kaiserpfalz Gelnhausen stands in Gelnhausen (Main-Kinzig-Kreis), in Hesse, Germany. The building is a listed Baudenkmal. Adult admission costs 4 EUR. Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

This place also features in The Hohenstaufen castles

What to know

The site is a partial ruin, several buildings have lost their roofs and upper floors.
The visit takes place outdoors and among the accessible remains, with no particular comfort mentioned.
The monument is listed as a Kulturdenkmal in Hesse.
Access is from the town of Gelnhausen, crossing the former arms of the Kinzig river that once isolated the fortified island.
No opening hours, prices or visit duration are given here, so check locally before coming.

Practical information

Opening hours

March - October: Dienstag - Sonntag sowie an Feiertagen, 10:00-17:00 Uhr
November - mid-December: Dienstag - Sonntag, 10:00-16:00 Uhr

Annual closures : Monday, Winter break from 16 December to 28 February

Prices

Adult: €4
Reduced: €3.40

Free for Kindergarten / primary school

Visit duration: Not verified
Wheelchair access: Not verified
Dogs: Not verified
Parking: Not verified

On site

Gift shop

Where this château is

Gelnhausen · Main-Kinzig-Kreis · Hessen

Map of the area around Kaiserpfalz Gelnhausen

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Burgstraße 14, 63571 Gelnhausen

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

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Château phone number

+49 6051 3805

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

4.4 / 5from 569 Google reviews

Heritage status: Kulturdenkmal in Hessen

In pictures

Frequently asked

Imperial Palace Gelnhausen: how much is admission?: Adult admission is €4. Reduced: €3.40. Free for: kindergarten / primary school.
Why was the Kaiserpfalz Gelnhausen built?: Emperor Frederick Barbarossa had it built to secure Hohenstaufen control over the Wetterau region and the route linking Frankfurt to Leipzig.
What remains of the imperial palace today?: The fortified gatehouse with its chapel above, much of the rectangular keep, and the walls of the great hall survive, all in ruined form but largely built of original stonework.
What historical event took place at Gelnhausen?: In 1180 an imperial court was held there at which Henry the Lion was tried in absentia and stripped of his fiefs.
Is the Kaiserpfalz Gelnhausen a protected site?: It is listed as a Kulturdenkmal in Hesse.