Burghausen Castle

Burghausen Castle is a medieval castle complex perched on a narrow ridge above the town of Burghausen in Bavaria, Germany; its fortified ensemble dates back to the Middle Ages. The site is notable for the linear extent of its defensive buildings and courtyards along the ridge.

The castle comprises a long sequence of courtyards and defensive works that extend for about 1,000 metres and include a keep, palatial buildings and towers; parts of the complex contain museum displays on regional history. The elevated position provides wide views over the Salzach valley and toward Austria.

Construction began in the medieval period and the site served as a residence and stronghold for regional rulers, notably members of the Wittelsbach family, with major expansions and alterations through the 13th to 15th centuries. The complex has been preserved and adapted over subsequent centuries and now houses cultural exhibitions.

Burghausen Castle sits on a ridge above the Salzach River on the German side of the border with Austria in southeastern Bavaria, directly above the historic centre of the town of Burghausen.

• Length: The fortified complex stretches along a ridge for roughly 1,000 metres, which is the reason it is often described as the longest castle complex in the world.

What to See #

• Courtyard sequence: A sequence of six main courtyards and fortified buildings laid out along a ridge, forming a continuous defensive line more than a kilometre long.
• Inner stronghold: The oldest core contains the keep and palas with historic halls and exhibition spaces that present the site's medieval and ducal past.