Discover Neufraunhofen: Castle, Church and Regional Trails

Castle history across several building phases

Neufraunhofen Castle was built from 1393 onwards. Its history is especially easy to trace through the different building phases of the complex: Gothic origins, Baroque alterations and later Rococo elements each add their own distinctive features. Anyone interested in the development of historic buildings will find a tangible starting point here for learning about the town’s history.

Church, park and historic buildings

The Catholic castle church of St. John the Baptist and the Immaculate Conception dates back to an initial Gothic structure from around 1409. The nave and west choir were rebuilt in the Baroque style in 1709/14; the façade and tower were given a Rococo design around 1753. The altarpiece also stands out: it depicts the Virgin Mary wearing a unique mantle embroidered with straw. The church thus brings together different architectural periods and a striking image.

Other buildings add to this view of the castle complex. A former cowshed and stable was built in 1754; its comprehensive renovation and conversion were completed in 2009. West of the castle church stands the former Capuchin hospice, a simple rectangular brick building with a pitched roof dating from 1716/17. The votive chapel in the castle park is a neo-Gothic unrendered brick building with a roof turret and pointed spire, dating from around 1880.

The castle park also tells of several phases of landscaping. The Baroque grounds were expanded in 1830/40 and again between 1880 and 1914. Together with the votive chapel, built around 1880, the park offers a different way to explore the history of the complex than the castle church, whose story is more closely shaped by architectural forms and alterations. Visitors can therefore follow different interests when discovering the town: sacred architecture, historic outbuildings and gardens.

Planning visits and events

Access to the restored stables and the castle courtyard around the lilac rondel is subject to a clear condition: visits are possible by prior arrangement only. The castle church is accessed through the courtyard; a church foundation opened it to the public in 1921. If visiting the church is important to your plans, check in advance whether a visit is possible.

Thanks to its good acoustics, the Marstall at Neufraunhofen Castle can accommodate large gatherings for celebrations, lectures or markets. The upper floor’s Fraunhofen Hall can seat up to 200 people for a buffet and dancing. The Neufraunhofen Supporters’ Association also holds a Christmas market at the castle every two years. Various events are held in the castle church as part of the market. If you would like to plan your trip around the market, check the date in advance.

More routes in the wider region

The Burglochschanze is located in the area around the destination. An approximately 800-metre walking trail leads there from the recommended parking area; sturdy footwear is recommended. As parking conditions may change, check the current situation at the recommended parking area before planning your walk.

The wider Landshut destination offers additional hiking options. The Landshut Heights Hiking Trail is around 50 kilometres long and passes through the gentle elevations of the Lower Bavarian hill country. The Time Trails are themed routes through the Isar, Vils and Laaber valleys. There are therefore different options to choose from when planning: a longer route through hilly countryside or themed trails in three valley areas.

See the wider travel overview: Velden.