Discover Burglengenfeld

Burglengenfeld combines a distinctly late-medieval old-town character with a castle complex, traces of the town’s history, open-air art and paths along the Naab. Gabled town houses dating from the 18th century and narrow lanes reveal the character of the late-medieval settlement, despite numerous alterations. When choosing your accommodation, it may help to consider which side of the town you want to shape your stay: architecture and history, a market visit, or a walking or mountain-biking tour.

Castle Complex and Town Fortifications

The 2.38-hectare castle grounds are enclosed by an 800-metre-long ring wall with an outer wall seven metres high. The keep and another observation and defensive tower, later called the Powder Tower, adjoin the wall. Of the inner castle, essentially only the “large round tower” remains. The dimensions and surviving structures offer different insights into the complex: its extent on the one hand, and the history of the inner castle on the other.

The old town also preserves traces of its fortifications. In the early 16th century, a covered wall with a battlement walkway and rectangular projecting towers was built around the market square. Restored sections can now be seen in the south and west of the old town. The corner tower on the southwestern town wall, at the foot of Kreuzberg, was a defensive tower in the late-medieval town fortifications. Together with the lanes and town houses, these structures shape the historic townscape.

Buildings and Memorial Sites

Since 1987, the Upper Palatinate Folklore Museum has been housed in the former Great Chancellery. This imposing administrative building dates from the 16th century and stands at the foot of the castle. Since 2012, a bronze figure on Bonhoeffer Square, by the Protestant Christ Church, has commemorated Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The museum, square and figure each provide a distinct focus: the history of an administrative building in one case, and a public memorial in the other.

Another historic building is the enclosed, and therefore defensible, four-sided farmstead, first mentioned in a document in 817. Its features include a half-timbered gatehouse and a flanking tower set at an angle. It is also known as the “Altmann’sches Schlösschen” after a former owner. The combination of a farm complex, defensive features and half-timbering reveals a different aspect of architectural history from the town wall and castle grounds.

Art, Brewing Tradition and Markets

The Burglengenfeld Art Woodland Garden is an open-air art exhibition that is open all year round and freely accessible 24 hours a day. You can discover art there at different times of day and in every season. The beer-cellar sauna at the Bulmare wellness pool also recalls the town’s long brewing tradition.

A farmers’ and weekly market is held in the market square every Thursday. As public holidays can affect the weekly schedule, it is best to check the market day in advance if you are visiting around a holiday. During Advent, the annual Advent Market, held on the first weekend of Advent, is part of the events calendar. Arts and crafts, culinary surprises and live music feature in its programme; for specific travel plans, it is advisable to check the dates for that year.

Exploring on Foot, by Bike and with Children

A hiking trail leads from the Imperial and Ducal Castle in Burglengenfeld along the Naab to Kallmünz. Rocks and juniper bushes shape the landscape along the way. Another tour starts at the market square: the mountain-bike route crosses the Naab and climbs to Köblitzplatte and Malerwinkel. Check the current trail conditions before setting out.

There is also a historic trail for children to follow: on a family-friendly guided tour, the clever Kasperl takes them through Burglengenfeld’s old streets and lanes. Check the current programme before your visit.

The Wider Travel Destination of Schwandorf

Within the wider travel destination of Schwandorf, Schwandorf district is a holiday region in the Upper Palatinate Forest in Bavaria. The Upper Palatinate Lake District in Schwandorf district is a region shaped by water and diverse landscapes. The area’s natural and geological heritage also includes the gneiss at Hochfels in Schwandorf district, which was included in Bavaria’s list of the 100 most beautiful geotopes.

Discover more destinations: Wackersdorf, Schwandorf, Schönsee, Oberviechtach, Bruck In Der Oberpfalz, Maxhütte-Haidhof, Bodenwöhr, Schwarzach.

Back to the wider travel overview: Schwandorf.