Willibaldsburg

To make a day of it

Willibaldsburg stands in Eichstätt (Landkreis Eichstätt), in Bavaria, Germany. The building is a listed Baudenkmal. Recorded dating: 11th century. Adult admission costs 6 EUR. Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

The Willibaldsburg stands on a rocky spur above the Altmühl valley, just west of the old town of Eichstätt. Construction began in the mid 14th century as a fortified residence for the prince-bishops of Eichstätt, and the complex grew over the centuries into a Renaissance palace designed by the Augsburg architect Elias Holl for Bishop Johann Konrad von Gemmingen. Visitors today can see the 17th century bastions, the twin-towered facade of the Gemmingenbau, and the remains of the botanical garden that inspired the famous Hortus Eystettensis. The buildings now house museums devoted to natural history and regional prehistory.

Written from Willibaldsburg

What to know

• The site sits on a rocky spur above Eichstätt, so reaching it involves a climb from the valley or the old town.
• The fortress now houses the Jura-Museum, dedicated to regional fossils including the Eichstätt Archaeopteryx.
• A museum of prehistory and a reconstructed bastion garden are also part of the visit.
• A circular path allows visitors to walk around the entire fortified complex.
• The monument is listed as a Baudenkmal in Bavaria.

Practical information

Visit duration

Not verified

Wheelchair access

Not verified

Dogs

Not verified

Parking

Parking available in the Vorburg and at the vocational school car park on Burgstraße. No bus parking.

Where this château is

Eichstätt · Landkreis Eichstätt · Bayern

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Burgstraße 19, 85072 Eichstätt

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

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Château phone number

+49 8421 4730

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

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Heritage status

Baudenkmal in Bayern

Period of construction

11th century

Base map © IGN, Géoplateforme

In pictures

Frequently asked

Willibaldsburg: how much is admission?

Adult admission is €6. Child: free. Reduced: €5. Free for: children and young people up to the age of 18.

Who built the Willibaldsburg?

Bishop Berthold von Zollern began its development around 1355 as a fortified residence for the bishops of Eichstätt.

What can visitors see at the Willibaldsburg today?

Visitors can explore the Jura-Museum with its fossil collection, a museum of prehistory, and a reconstructed bastion garden.

Why is the Willibaldsburg linked to Elias Holl?

This Augsburg architect designed the Renaissance palace built from 1609 for Bishop Johann Konrad von Gemmingen.

Was the Willibaldsburg involved in any battles?

Yes, it was captured by a Swedish army in 1633 and retaken by Bavarian troops the same year.

Sources

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

• This entry in Markdown
• Wikidata Q1468874
• Official website

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