Prunn: Castle, Codex and Trails in the Altmühltal

Prunn makes medieval castle architecture and the landscape of the Altmühltal the focus of your trip. Prunn Castle rises above the valley on a steep limestone crag. One of its oldest surviving features is the 31-metre-high keep—an impressive detail of the complex and a good starting point for exploring its history.

Prunn Castle and the Prunner Codex

A guided museum tour takes you through various parts of the castle: the palas, former living quarters, the castle chapel, the medieval residential tower, the Dürnitz, the keep and the ladies’ chamber. The visit thus takes in a varied ensemble rather than focusing on just one part of the castle.

The discovery of the Prunner Codex is also associated with Prunn Castle. This significant complete manuscript of the Song of the Nibelungs gives the place a literary-historical connection that extends beyond its architecture. Those interested in medieval buildings and the history of the Song of the Nibelungs will find two different points of interest here for their stay: a tour of the castle and the story of the manuscript.

Guided Tours and Hiking Trails

Prunn Castle is usually visited only as part of a guided tour. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. Allow this time for your visit and check the visiting arrangements before you travel. The guided format is therefore an integral part of planning your visit; if you would rather spend the day hiking, the Riedenburg destination also has trails described here.

A scenic circular hiking trail leads from Riedenburg in the Altmühltal through the “Klamm und Kastlhäng” nature reserve to Prunn Castle. Sure-footedness is required for the section through the gorge. Another specific route option is the Altmühltal Panorama Trail, which passes through the dry gorge near Einthal. Information about these trails can help you choose the focus you prefer: one route leads to the castle, while the other passes through the dry gorge near Einthal.

More to Discover in Riedenburg

Riedenburg also offers its own cultural attractions and visitor experiences. Rosenburg Castle is the landmark of Riedenburg. During flight demonstrations, visitors can see golden eagles, white-tailed eagles, vultures, kites and falcons flying free at close range. At the Riedenburg Crystal Museum, special tours for children explain the world of gemstones. The “Burggraf von Riedenburg” (Castellan of Riedenburg) leads visitors through the historic old town and shares entertaining and fascinating details about the town’s history. Alongside a visit to Prunn Castle, birds of prey, gemstones and local history therefore offer different interests to consider when planning your trip.

At the Tachenstein ruins, remains of the keep around ten metres high have been preserved. The castle was probably built in the 12th or 13th century and was already mentioned as a ruin in the 16th century. A viewing platform by the ruins offers panoramic views of Riedenburg’s old town and the surrounding Jura hills. You can explore the Tachenstein ruins more closely on a hike along the Three Castles Trail; the Rabenstein ruins can also be explored along this route. Rabenstein is the oldest castle complex in Riedenburg.

Another cultural highlight in Riedenburg is the Catholic Parish Church of St John the Baptist: this late-Baroque gem has large Baroque windows framed by stucco ornamentation.

For the overview of the wider destination: Riedenburg.