Burglengenfeld: Castle, Old Town and Art

Old Town and Traces of the Fortifications

Despite numerous alterations, Burglengenfeld’s old town retains the character of a late medieval settlement. Gabled townhouses dating from the 18th century contribute to this, as do the narrow lanes. At the beginning of the 16th century, a covered wall with a battlement and rectangular projecting towers was built around the market square. Restored sections of this structure can now be seen in the south and west of the old town.

The remnants of the wall and the lanes tell different chapters in the town’s development: in some places, the older fortifications shape the scene; elsewhere, later buildings and townhouses do. Anyone interested in historic townscapes will find not just individual buildings in Burglengenfeld, but several such traces throughout the town.

Castle Complex and Historic Buildings

The castle grounds cover 2.38 hectares and are enclosed by an 800-metre-long curtain 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. These measurements give the complex a clearly defined scale of its own; the surviving sections also differ considerably in their former functions.

Historic architectural features can also be found outside the castle complex. The corner tower on the southwestern town wall at the foot of Kreuzberg was a defensive tower in the late medieval town fortifications. Another striking building is the enclosed, and therefore fortified, four-sided courtyard, first mentioned in a document in 817. Its half-timbered gateway and diagonally positioned flanking tower are among the courtyard’s defining features. It is also known as the “Altmann’s Little Castle,” after a former owner.

Culture, Remembrance and Outdoor Art

Since 1987, the Upper Palatinate Folk Museum has been housed in the former Great Chancellery. This stately administrative building from the 16th century lies at the foot of the castle. Here, local history and folklore come together in a historic building.

A bronze figure commemorating Dietrich Bonhoeffer has stood on Bonhoeffer Square beside the Protestant Christ Church since 2012. The former defensive role of the corner tower on the town wall offers another historical point of interest. These memorials and buildings highlight different aspects of the past, leading from the stories of individuals to the structures that once protected the town.

The Burglengenfeld Art Forest Garden is an open-air art exhibition that is open all year round. It is freely accessible around the clock at no charge, offering a different way to experience art from the historic buildings of the old town. The beer cellar sauna at the Bulmare leisure pool also draws on local tradition, commemorating the town’s long brewing heritage.

Market, Advent and Experiences Along the Way

A farmers’ and weekly market is held every Thursday in the market square. If you would like to plan your stay around it, check the date in advance. Every year on the first weekend of Advent, the Advent Market features arts and crafts, culinary surprises and live music. If you are planning a visit for a particular year, it is a good idea to check the latest dates.

Families with children can enjoy a child-friendly guided tour in which the clever Kasperl sets off with the children to explore historic traces through Burglengenfeld’s old streets and lanes. If this activity interests you, check the current programme. This tour is another option to consider alongside exploring the historic townscape independently.

A variety of tours are also available for those looking to get active. One 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. A mountain bike tour starts at the market square, crosses the Naab and climbs to Köblitzplatte and Malerwinkel. The two routes differ in both how you travel and where they lead. For specific tour planning, it is worth checking current trail conditions.

Choosing Your Stay and Holiday Apartment

When looking for a holiday apartment in Burglengenfeld, deciding what you want to focus on during your stay can help guide your search. The old town, castle complex and historic buildings are ideal for a trip focused on local history; the art forest garden adds outdoor art to the mix. If you would rather be out and about, you can choose between the hiking trail along the Naab to Kallmünz and the mountain bike tour to Köblitzplatte and Malerwinkel. Consider which of these experiences matter most for your trip, and plan accordingly.

Burglengenfeld offers several different ways to enjoy a stay: historic traces in the townscape, a memorial to Dietrich Bonhoeffer, outdoor art, regular market dates and paths through the countryside. You can decide which ones to focus on based on your own interests.

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