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Megesheim

Top 7 Castles around Megesheim

Castles around Megesheim offer a blend of historical sights and natural landscapes in Bavaria. The region is known for its cultural heritage, including a significant 13th-century castle complex. Situated on the edge of the Altmühltal Nature Park, Megesheim provides access to the Wörnitz river and nearby Brombachsee, offering opportunities for outdoor activities.

Best castles around Megesheim

  • The most popular castles is View of Spielberg Castle, a castle and viewpoint that features a 15th-century castle and a museum for contemporary art. From this location, visitors can experience views of the surrounding country.
  • Another must-see spot is Steinhart Castle Ruins, a castle and historical site. This hilltop castle ruin dates back to the 12th century, with significant remnants of its enclosing walls still preserved.
  • Visitors also love Princely Residence Palace Oettingen, a historical castle. This palace was constructed between 1679 and 1687, featuring magnificent stucco work and offering themed tours.
  • Megesheim is known for its historical castles, including well-preserved palaces and ancient castle ruins. Visitors can explore sites ranging from 12th-century ruins to 17th-century residences.
  • The castles around Megesheim are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 180 photos and over 530 upvotes.

Last updated: June 27, 2026

Oettingen Historic Old Town

Highlight • Historical Site

The city on the northern edge of the Ries crater looks back on a long history, and visitors can be convinced of this by the numerous sights. Particularly worth mentioning is the castle, the two parish churches, the city wall with the king's tower and of course the market square with its half-timbered houses, among which the magnificent town hall stands out in particular. The numerous stork nests on the roofs around the market square are also a special attraction. With a number of restaurants and cafés, Oettingen is a welcome destination and should definitely be included in a visit to the Nördlinger Ries.

(In memory of my father who was born in Oettingen)

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The castle was built from 1679 to 1687 for the Oettingen-Spielberg line by Mathias Weiß from Kassel and adorned with magnificent stucco work by Mathias Schmuzer from Wessobrunn. A special experience are the thematic and special guided tours through the residential rooms and the castle museum.

The Residenzschloss is open from April to October, Tuesday to Sunday, between 2 PM and 3 PM. A visit is only possible as part of a guided tour, and combined tours with the castle museum can also be booked.

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Steinhart Castle Ruins

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In the 12th century, Marquard Spet de Steinenhart, who was named as a witness in a document in 1120, probably built the castle above the village of Steinhart and in 1130 a "Bertholdus Späth, nobilis de Steinhart" was mentioned. Further mentions of the Spete took place in 1167 with Heinrich Spet and Bertold Spet 1180-1183. From 1282 the Lords of Spet called themselves Spete von Steinhart (the "late von Steinhart"). In 1282 the Spetsche property was divided into two lines, with part coming to Faimingen an der Donau, today a part of the town of Lauingen "Old Castle" destroyed in the war for the Eichstätt fiefdom and not rebuilt. The Jewish cemetery has been located on the castle hill of the abandoned castle with a ring-shaped moat, the Burgstall Steinhart, also known as the Judenbuck, since the 18th century. After Herman Spet received permission to build a new fortress in Steinhart in 1328, the castle stable became strategically more favorable The new Steinhart Castle was built, today also called the "Old Castle". After 1339, the castle changed hands and came to the Counts of Öttingen, who sold the property to the von Gundelsheim family in 1359. After the castle was already in poor structural condition in 1532 , it changed hands and was probably destroyed in 1634 during the Thirty Years' War. The ruins have been privately owned since 1971. Significant remnants of the enclosing walls of the former rectangular castle complex with an outer bailey on a trapezoidal ground plan are still preserved, with hump ashlars with notched edges at the corners.

de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Steinhart

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Residential Palace

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The brewery Öttinger has its headquarters there

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Some of the remains of Rechenberg Castle / Westheim Castle can still be seen here. The castle was probably built in the middle of the 12th century. Today the structure of the terrain created by this former hilltop castle can still be seen, especially the main square and the (castle) moat. In addition, some remains of the wall can still be seen.

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Tips from the Community

Stefan Fiedler
March 17, 2026, Fürstliches Residenzschloss Oettingen

Very beautiful facility that invites you to hike, discover and linger. Your physical well-being is also taken care of, as there are many opportunities nearby for dining and lingering.

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The ruins are slowly being reclaimed by nature. The sight is not impressive...

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History is within your grasp here

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Small but nice city center. The Oettinger beer here is much better than its reputation

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In Oettingen stands the baroque castle of the princely family of Oettingen-Spielberg. Oettingen has always been the seat of government for the counts and princes since the first documented mention of the Oettingen noble family in 1141. The residential palace was built a good 30 years after the Thirty Years' War, between 1679 and 1687.

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In the 12th century, Marquard Spet de Steinenhart, who was named as a witness in a document in 1120, probably built the castle above the village of Steinhart and in 1130 a "Bertholdus Späth, nobilis de Steinhart" was mentioned. Further mentions of the Spete took place in 1167 with Heinrich Spet and Bertold Spet 1180-1183. From 1282 the Lords of Spet called themselves Spete von Steinhart (the "late von Steinhart"). In 1282 the Spetsche property was divided into two lines, with part coming to Faimingen an der Donau, today a part of the town of Lauingen "Old Castle" destroyed in the war for the Eichstätt fiefdom and not rebuilt. The Jewish cemetery has been located on the castle hill of the abandoned castle with a ring-shaped moat, the Burgstall Steinhart, also known as the Judenbuck, since the 18th century. After Herman Spet received permission to build a new fortress in Steinhart in 1328, the castle stable became strategically more favorable The new Steinhart Castle was built, today also called the "Old Castle". After 1339, the castle changed hands and came to the Counts of Öttingen, who sold the property to the von Gundelsheim family in 1359. After the castle was already in poor structural condition in 1532 , it changed hands and was probably destroyed in 1634 during the Thirty Years' War. The ruins have been privately owned since 1971. Significant remnants of the enclosing walls of the former rectangular castle complex with an outer bailey on a trapezoidal ground plan are still preserved, with hump ashlars with notched edges at the corners. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Steinhart

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In the 12th century, Marquard Spet de Steinenhart, who was named as a witness in a document in 1120, probably built the castle above the village of Steinhart and in 1130 a "Bertholdus Späth, nobilis de Steinhart" was mentioned. Further mentions of the Spete took place in 1167 with Heinrich Spet and Bertold Spet 1180-1183. From 1282 the lords of Spet called themselves Spete von Steinhart (the "late von Steinhart"). In 1282, the Spetsche property was divided into two lines, with part going to Faimingen an der Donau, now part of the municipality of Lauingen. The "old castle" was probably destroyed in the war over the Eichstätt fiefdom and not rebuilt. The Jewish cemetery has been located on the castle hill of the former castle with a ring-shaped moat, the Burgstall Steinhart, also known as the Judenbuck, since the 18th century. After Herman Spet received permission to build a new fortress in Steinhart in 1328, the new Steinhart Castle was strategically built over the Burgstall, today also known as the "Old Castle". After 1339 the castle changed hands and came to the Counts of Öttingen, who sold the property to the von Gundelsheim family in 1359. After the castle was already in poor structural condition in 1532, it changed hands and was probably destroyed in 1634 during the Thirty Years' War. The ruins have been privately owned since 1971. Significant remnants of the enclosing walls with hump ashlars with notched edges at the corners are still preserved from the former rectangular castle complex with an outer bailey on a trapezoidal floor plan. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Steinhart

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Steinhart Castle, also known as the Old Castle, is the ruin of a hilltop castle at 510 m above sea level. NN high hill above today's Steinhart district of the municipality of Hainsfarth in the district of Donau-Ries in Bavaria. Wikipedia

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical castles can I explore around Megesheim?

Megesheim and its surroundings offer a rich history with several notable castles. You can visit the impressive Princely Residence Palace Oettingen, a magnificent 17th-century palace known for its stucco work and themed tours. Another significant site is Steinhart Castle Ruins, a 12th-century hilltop castle with preserved enclosing walls. Additionally, the region is home to a significant 13th-century castle complex in Megesheim itself, recognized as an important architectural monument.

Are there any castles with good viewpoints near Megesheim?

Yes, View of Spielberg Castle is an excellent choice. This 15th-century castle also functions as a viewpoint, offering very nice views of the surrounding country, including the Altmühltal.

What outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Megesheim?

The area around Megesheim, situated on the edge of the Altmühltal Nature Park, provides various outdoor opportunities. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, road cycling, and gravel biking. For example, explore the MTB Trails around Megesheim, or enjoy scenic rides on the Road Cycling Routes around Megesheim. The region also offers access to the Wörnitz river and nearby Brombachsee for day trips.

Are there family-friendly castles to visit in the Megesheim area?

Many of the castles and historical sites around Megesheim are suitable for families. For instance, the Princely Residence Palace Oettingen offers themed tours that can be engaging for all ages. View of Spielberg Castle, with its art museum and scenic views, is also considered family-friendly by visitors.

What is the best time of year to visit castles around Megesheim?

The period between May and September is generally the best time to visit the castles and enjoy outdoor activities around Megesheim. The weather is typically pleasant for exploring historical sites and engaging in hiking or cycling in the surrounding natural landscapes.

Can I find hiking trails that lead to or pass by castles?

Yes, the region offers various hiking opportunities. While specific trails directly to the Megesheim castle complex are not detailed, the surrounding geographical area, including the Altmühltal Nature Park, is ideal for hiking. You can find routes that offer views of historical sites and natural features. Consider exploring the Gravel biking around Megesheim guide for routes that often combine nature and historical landmarks, which can be adapted for walking.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the castles and historical sites in this region?

Visitors appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. Highlights like View of Spielberg Castle are loved for their art exhibitions and great views. The Oettingen Historic Old Town, with its castle, churches, and stork nests, is also a popular destination for its charm and places to relax. The well-preserved architecture and the opportunity for themed tours at places like the Princely Residence Palace Oettingen are also highly valued.

Are there any less crowded castles or historical sites to visit near Megesheim?

While popular sites like the Princely Residence Palace Oettingen attract visitors, the Steinhart Castle Ruins might offer a more tranquil experience. As a hilltop ruin, it provides a historical exploration opportunity amidst nature, potentially with fewer crowds than fully restored palaces.

Where can I find accommodation or places to eat near the castles?

Megesheim itself offers a blend of historical sights and culinary highlights, providing a peaceful and relaxing experience. The nearby town of Oettingen, home to the Princely Residence Palace, also has a number of restaurants and cafés, making it a convenient base for exploring the region's castles.

What is the historical significance of the Megesheim castle complex?

Megesheim is noted for its cultural offerings, particularly a significant 13th-century castle complex. This complex is recognized as an important architectural monument in Bavaria, highlighting the region's deep historical roots and medieval heritage.

Are there any specific tours available for the castles?

Yes, the Princely Residence Palace Oettingen offers themed and special tours through its residence rooms and castle museum. A visit to this palace is only possible as part of a guided tour, and combined tours with the castle museum can also be booked.

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Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Megesheim:

Harburg (Schwaben)RöglingMonheimForheimHohenaltheimAmerdingenAlerheimEderheimRiesbürgMöttingenMönchsdeggingenNördlingenWallersteinDeiningenTagmersheimMarxheimReimlingenWemdingWechingenAuhausenOettingen im BayernTapfheimDonauwörthBuchdorfKaisheimHuisheimFünfstettenMarktoffingenWolferstadtMunningenMertingenHainsfarthFremdingenOttingMaihingenNiederschönenfeldEhingen am RiesDaitingAsbach-BäumenheimOberndorf am LechGenderkingen

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