Prunn Castle: A Medieval Fortress in the Altmühl Valley

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Explore a stunning medieval castle perched high above the Altmühl Valley, famed for its architecture and the discovery of the Nibelungenlied manuscript.

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Prunn Castle

Perched dramatically atop a 70-meter rock cliff overlooking the Altmühl River valley, Prunn Castle is a remarkably well-preserved medieval castle near Riedenburg, Bavaria. Dating back to around 1200, it's famed for its imposing architecture and for being the site where the 'Prunner Codex,' a manuscript of the Nibelungenlied, was discovered.

A brief summary to Prunn Castle

Schloßprunn 1, Riedenburg, 93339, DE
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Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
Thursday 10 am-4 pm
Friday 10 am-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

Wear warm clothing when visiting the castle, as the interior can be cool, especially outside of the summer months.
The castle is only accessible via guided tours, so plan your visit around the tour schedule.
Arrive early to secure parking, especially during peak tourist season.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Befreiungshalle (Hall of Liberation) in Kelheim with a combination ticket for a reduced price.

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Getting There

Public Transport

To reach Prunn Castle via public transport, take a train to Saal/Donau. From there, take bus VLK-1 to either Nußhausen or Prunn. From either bus stop, it's approximately a 20-minute walk to the castle. A single bus fare will cost approximately €3-5.
Driving

If driving, follow the A9 motorway and exit at Denkendorf, then proceed via Pondorf and Riedenburg to Prunn. Alternatively, from the A3 motorway, exit at Parsberg and go via Hemau and Riedenburg. From the A93, exit at Abensberg and travel via Kelheim to Prunn. Once in Prunn, follow the signs for 'Schloß Prunn' for approximately 3 km. Free parking is available near the castle. Note that the parking lot is a short walk from the castle, with a staircase.

Discover more about Prunn Castle

Prunn Castle, a classic knight's castle, towers over the Altmühl River valley, offering stunning views and a glimpse into medieval Bavarian life. First documented in 1037, the castle's origins trace back to the Romanesque period, with significant expansions occurring up to the 18th century. The imposing keep and foundations of the banqueting hall (Palas) are among the oldest parts. The castle gained prominence in the late Gothic era under the Fraunberg family. It was during this time that the 'Prunner Codex,' a manuscript of the famed Nibelungenlied, was discovered within its walls. Today, the original manuscript resides in the Bavarian State Library in Munich. Visitors can explore historically furnished rooms adorned with medieval frescoes and themed exhibits that connect motifs from the Nibelungenlied to the castle's history and the lives of its inhabitants, including hunting, clothing, law, and the role of women in the Middle Ages. King Ludwig I of Bavaria championed the castle's preservation in 1827, recognizing its historical significance. A major renovation completed in 2010 has restored the castle to its former splendor. Guided tours, which are the only way to access the castle's interior, provide insights into its rich history and architectural evolution. Note that photography is not allowed inside during the tours.