Grünwald Castle

Burg Grünwald stands on a hill above the Isar valley in the Munich district. A medieval castle occupies the site, first built in the 12th century by the Counts of Andechs. The Wittelsbach family took possession in 1293 and enlarged it as a ducal residence. The present structure mainly dates from the late 15th century, when Duke Albert IV had it renovated for his wedding. Jörg Weikertshausen directed the work between 1486 and 1487. Duke Louis X was born here in 1495. The castle played a notable part in European history during the Grünwald Conference of February 1522. The dukes William IV and Louis X decided at this meeting that Bavaria would remain Catholic while supporting church reform. This agreement is seen as the start of the Counter-Reformation across Bavaria, the empire and the Habsburg lands. Later the castle served as a hunting lodge, prison and powder store before passing into private hands in 1872. Visitors find a rectangular fortress protected by a moat and outer wall with round and gate towers. A tall square donjon rises in the north-east corner, while the east wing runs along one side. A smaller tower with battlements marks the north-west corner, and the west wing has three storeys. In the courtyard a deep medieval fountain lined with tufa stone remains. The main tower offers a wide view over the Isar valley.