Burghausen, Altötting Travel Guide

City Historic city in Bavaria, Germany

Straddling the Salzach, Burghausen’s long medieval castle crowns a town of narrow lanes, beer gardens and riverfront walks. Photographers and history students come for the continuous castle walls and the view across to Austrian hills.

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Costs
Typical daily budget: $120-180
Typical German prices for food and lodging.
Safety
Very safe and low-crime
Very safe; peaceful Bavarian town.
Best Time
Best May-September
Best weather and festivals in late spring to early autumn.
Time
Weather
Population
18,263
Infrastructure & Convenience
Good regional trains, very walkable historic centre, tourist services available.
Popularity
Attracts castle enthusiasts and day-trippers from Bavaria and Austria.
Known For
Burghausen Castle (longest castle complex), medieval old town, Salzach River, castle festivals, museums, hiking, Bavarian scenery, proximity to Salzburg
Burghausen Castle is the longest castle complex in the world, stretching over one kilometre along a ridge.

Why Visit Burghausen, Altötting? #

A riverside medieval skyline makes Burghausen an alluring stop for lovers of fortifications and strollable old towns. The Burghausen Castle complex, often cited as the world’s longest, crowns a narrow ridge above the Salzach while timbered houses and cobbled lanes invite slow exploration. A short trip brings pilgrims to Altötting’s Chapel of Grace and its devotional treasures, combining military history with religious tradition. Seasonal medieval fairs and riverside walks round out the experience.

Top Things to Do in Burghausen, Altötting

All Attractions ›
Don't Miss
  • Burghausen Castle - Longest medieval castle complex in Europe stretching along the ridge above town.
  • Old Town (Altstadt) - Picturesque narrow streets beneath the castle lined with cafes, bakeries, and shops.
  • Wöhrsee - Popular lakeside park and swimming area framed by views of the castle and mountains.
Hidden Gems
  • Museum Burg Burghausen - Small museum inside the castle presenting medieval artifacts, armor, and local history exhibits.
  • Salzach riverwalk - Riverside walks along the Salzach with benches, viewpoints, and quiet photographic spots.
  • Local craft breweries - Family-run breweries offering tastings of regional beers and seasonal specialties.
Day Trips
  • Salzburg - Forty-minute drive to Salzburg's baroque old town, Mozart heritage, and museums.
  • Altötting pilgrimage site - Short trip to Altötting's chapel of miracles, pilgrimage sites, and devotional museums.

Best Time to Visit Burghausen, Altötting #

Burghausen is at its best from late spring to early autumn (May-September) for castles, riverside walks and festivals. Winters are cold but atmospheric for low-season visits.

Winter
December - February · -3°C to 5°C (27°F to 41°F)
Crisp, chilly winters with occasional snow - the fortress looks atmospheric but some riverfront walks can be muddy or icy here.
Spring
March - May · 3°C to 17°C (37°F to 63°F)
Pleasant, green springtime suits castle photography, river walks and outdoor beer gardens before the high summer crowds arrive again soon.
Summer
June - August · 12°C to 26°C (54°F to 79°F)
Warm, sunny summers are ideal for exploring the long castle complex, river activities and local festivals - expect lively evenings out.

Best Time to Visit Burghausen, Altötting #

Climate

Burghausen, Altötting's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 23°C. Abundant rainfall (1041 mm/year), wettest in July.

Best Time to Visit
AugustJulySeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
35°
Warmest Month
-21°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

32 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-4°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.6h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

45 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

58 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.2
UV Index
Low
10.0h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

57 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

73 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.5
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

57 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

74 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
13.5h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

61 Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
19°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.2
UV Index
High
15.0h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

63 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 21°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

129 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.5
UV Index
High
15.8h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (131 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
13° 23°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

131 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.5
UV Index
High
15.5h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
13° 23°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

121 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.2
UV Index
High
14.1h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

65 Good

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
19°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
12.4h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

53 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

65 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.4
UV Index
Low
10.7h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

39 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

78 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.1h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

72 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.2h daylight

How to Get to Burghausen, Altötting

Burghausen (Altötting district) lies on regional rail lines and is most conveniently reached by train from Salzburg or Munich. For regional travel the Bayern Ticket (day pass for regional trains and buses in Bavaria) is often the best value when arriving from Munich or other Bavarian cities.

By Air

Salzburg Airport (SZG): The closest international airport to Burghausen (about 80-100 km by road). From Salzburg take regional trains or buses toward Burghausen; journey time is roughly 1-1.5 hours by car and usually 1.5-2 hours by public transport depending on connections.

Munich Franz Josef Strauss Airport (MUC): A larger international option with more flights. From Munich you can take regional trains to Burghausen (often via Mühldorf) with a journey time around 2-2.5 hours; the Bayern Ticket is often the best value for regional travel from Munich.

By Train & Bus

Train: Burghausen Bahnhof is served by regional DB/ÖBB services; common routes approach via Mühldorf or Burghausen-Altötting line. From Munich the trip is typically 2-2.5 hours with a transfer, from Salzburg about 1.5-2 hours depending on connections.

Bus: Regional buses provide local links around Altötting district and to nearby towns; schedules are less frequent than trains but useful for last-mile connections.

How to Get Around Burghausen, Altötting #

Burghausen’s compact old town is pleasant to explore on foot, especially along the Salzach river and up toward the castle. Regional trains connect Burghausen with Salzburg and Munich; local buses serve surrounding villages. Cycling is popular and practical for short trips. Taxis are available but not abundant-plan ahead for late‑night travel to nearby towns.

Where to Stay in Burghausen, Altötting #

Budget
Old Town / Near Castle - $40-80/night
Budget guesthouses and family-run pensions dominate. Expect basic but clean rooms; options shrink on festival dates.
Mid-Range
Altstadt / Salzach River - $90-160/night
Pleasant three-star hotels near the old town and castle offer solid comfort and convenient access to sights and riverside walks.
Luxury
Altstadt / Outskirts - $160-300/night
True luxury is limited within Burghausen itself; nearby Bavarian estates and upscale guesthouses provide the top-tier stays.

Where to Eat in Burghausen, Altötting #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Burghausen, Altötting's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Regional
Italian
German
Kebab
Pizza
Bavarian
Greek
Chinese
Burger
Sandwich
Asian
Pasta
Salad
Sushi
Balkan
Indian
Turkish
Japanese
Vietnamese

Nightlife in Burghausen, Altötting #

Nightlife in Burghausen is low‑profile: expect traditional beer gardens, taverns and a few bars frequented by locals. There isn’t a large club scene, but summer evenings in beer gardens are pleasant.

Shopping in Burghausen, Altötting #

Shopping is centred on independent retailers, bakeries and local food shops in the pedestrian streets. Weekly markets sell produce and regional specialties; for larger retail you’ll need to travel to a bigger nearby centre.

Nearby Cities #