Abenberg Castle

The medieval castle of Abenberg rises above the small Franconian town of the same name in the Roth district of Bavaria. Built in the 11th century by the Abenberger family, it was later transformed into one of the grandest stone fortresses in the region. The Hohenzollern family took control in the 13th century and expanded the defences, adding a sturdy gate tower and doubling the size of the main courtyard. The castle’s long history is visible in its surviving walls and towers. Excavations uncovered the original wooden structure and the 12th-century stone keep, with walls two and a half metres thick. A rare feature from that period is the tournament field, described by Wolfram von Eschenbach as the only one of its kind on a Bavarian castle. Over the centuries the castle fell into disrepair until 19th-century owners began its rescue, followed by a major restoration in the 1990s. Today the castle houses a restaurant, hotel and conference centre alongside the House of Franconian History and the Lace Museum. Summer brings open-air concerts and the Fire Dance Festival on the grounds. Visitors can explore the restored towers, walk the old curtain wall and enjoy views across the surrounding countryside.