Marienberg Fortress
Marienberg, Würzburg, Germany, 97012
Marienberg Fortress is a castle on a hilltop overlooking the Bavarian city of Wurzburg. Dating back to the 12th century, the castle is a symbol of the city’s resilience as it has been damaged and painstakingly rebuilt over the years. The vast fortress includes a museum, formal gardens, a baroque armory, and magnificent viewpoints, too.
The basics
Many travelers choose to visit Marienberg Fortress independently, as it’s accessible on foot from the Marktplatz; the walk takes around 23 minutes and follows a scenic path across the river. Alternatively, to speed up sightseeing, it’s possible to ride past the fortress on a city tourist train—known as the Bimmelbahn. Routes typically cover a selection of must-see sights including Marienberg Fortress, Wurzburg Cathedral, Wurzburg Residence, Wurzburg Town Hall, and Old Main Bridge.
Things to know before you go
The rooms in the fortress are only accessible by a staircase, however, the round church and water well are wheelchair-accessible.
Those who walk to the fortress must head uphill to reach the entrance of the fortress; travelers with limited mobility may find this challenging.
A ticket is required to reach the interior of the castle.
Paid parking is available.
There’s an on-site museum shop.
How to get there
The fortress is located on the opposite side of the river to Wurzburg’s Old Town. Some travelers choose to drive there—it's about an 8-minute drive from Marktplatz. To avoid the uphill walk, get to the castle on a Culture Route No. 9 bus to Festung, which operates in select months (usually April through October).
When to get there
Marienberg Fortress is open throughout the year, but may be closed on Mondays and special holidays, so it’s worth checking opening times in advance. To avoid big crowds, it’s best to arrive in the morning on a weekday. Summer weekends can get especially busy. To elevate your time here, it’s worth checking the event schedule as the fortress regularly hosts concerts, music festivals, and art exhibitions.
History of Marienberg Fortress
The site of Marienberg Fortress was home to Wurzburg’s first church in AD 704. Then, in the 13th century, fortifications were constructed around the church. These fortifications were extended in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period. Between 1250–1720, the castle served an important role as the ruling seat of Wurzburg’s prince-bishops. Following World War II damage, the castle has been carefully restored to its present condition.
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