Location: Dischingen, Baden-Württemberg Map
Constructed: 1099
Open: 10am- 6pm Tue- Sun
Guided tours: 11am, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
Closed: Mondays
Katzenstein Castle is located in Dischingen, Baden-Württemberg region in Germany. Katzenstein Castle was constructed in 1099 in the valley of the river Egua. The fortress occupied a strategic location over old Roman road located below. Katzenstein Castle was badly damaged toward the end of the Thirty Years' War in 1648 then French troops captured and burned Katzenstein Castle to the ground. In 1669 Katzenstein Castle was reconstructed with massive improvements. In 1810 abandoned ruins of the military fortifications were nationalized by the state of Württemberg. One of the most interesting sites in the Katzenstein Castle is a Saint Laurentius chapel. In 1970's it underwent a massive reconstruction revealing medieval frescoes paintings that date back to 1250- 80. Currently Katzenstein Castle is privately owned and it is open to the public. The grounds of Katzenstein Citadel contains a restaurant and several hotel rooms.
Location and Setting
The castle is located in the village of
Katzenstein, part of the municipality of Dischingen in the
Heidenheim district of Baden-Württemberg. It sits on a rocky spur at
about 538 meters (1,765 ft) above sea level, overlooking a side
valley of the Egau river (specifically the Katzensteiner Bach) near
the historic Roman road known as the Frankensträßle
(Faimingen–Oberdorf bei Bopfingen).
This strategic position
allowed control over trade routes, collection of tolls and tithes,
and defense of the surrounding Härtsfeld area.
Origins and
Early History (11th–13th Centuries)
Construction of the core of
the castle dates to the 11th century, making it one of the earliest
Staufer-era fortifications in southern Germany. The oldest part is
the Romanesque Katzenturm (Cat’s Tower), a massive bergfried (keep)
about 30 meters high with distinctive buckelquader (bossed ashlar)
masonry. Its original entrance was high up for defensive purposes.
The first documented mention of lords associated with "Cazzenstein"
or "Cassenstein" appears in 1099 (or around 1095 in some accounts),
though there is some debate about whether the earliest reference
strictly applies to this castle. The family were Ministeriale—unfree
knights serving the Counts of Dillingen. A clear link exists by 1153
with Rudegerus de Kazzenstein.
Legendary origins sometimes trace
even earlier, to around 777 AD under Duke Tassilo III of Bavaria,
involving a tower built by a figure named Chakaz, but this is
traditional rather than firmly documented.
A romantic local
legend claims two brothers built Katzenstein and the nearby Burg
Spielberg while competing for the same woman; the one who finished
first won her hand.
In the 13th century, the castle gained its
notable St. Laurentius (St. Lawrence) Chapel, a Romanesque structure
with exceptional frescoes dating to ca. 1250–1280. These paintings
represent a transition from late Romanesque to early Gothic art and
were rediscovered and restored in the 1970s after being covered by
later Baroque overpainting.
Ownership Changes and Medieval
Period (13th–16th Centuries)
1262: The castle passed to the
Edelfreien von Hürnheim (from the Rauhaus line), who took the name
von Hürnheim-Katzenstein. Hermann von Hürnheim-Katzenstein sold it.
1354: Sold to the Counts of Oettingen, who pawned it to the Counts
of Helfenstein.
1382: Enfeoffed to Berthold von Westerstetten,
whose line adopted the Katzenstein name.
The
Westerstetten/Katzenstein family held it until their line died out
in 1572, after which it reverted to the Oettingen family.
During this era, the castle saw military action, including
successful defenses (e.g., in 1419 against Bavarian forces under
Duke Ludwig). It featured a palas (residential building), ring
walls, a forecourt with gatehouse, and defensive elements like a
moat (now bridged).
Early Modern Period and Destruction
(17th–18th Centuries)
The castle suffered significantly during
the Thirty Years' War. In 1648, French soldiers burned it to the
ground. It was rebuilt starting in 1669 by Count Friedrich Wilhelm
von Oettingen-Baldern, who converted parts into a summer residence.
The "Neues Schloss" (New Castle) dates to this 17th-century
reconstruction.
Further conflicts included:
1703: Occupied
by French forces during the War of the Spanish Succession.
1704:
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, stayed here en route to the
Battle of Höchstädt (Blenheim).
1796: Occupied briefly by
Austrian then French forces during the Revolutionary Wars.
In
1798, it passed to the Oettingen-Wallerstein line. In 1810, it was
incorporated into the Kingdom of Württemberg as part of the Oberamt
Neresheim.
19th–20th Centuries: Decline, Restoration, and
Private Ownership
The castle fell into disuse as a noble
residence and was used for various purposes. Extensive restoration
began in the late 19th/early 20th century in some accounts, but
major modern work started later.
1939: Sold into private
ownership (ending state/Württemberg control).
1950s–1960s:
Changed hands; major renovations by the Holl family starting 1967,
including reconstruction of the Staufer palas and walkway.
1970s:
Chapel frescoes revealed and restored (1970–1973 onward).
1995: A
major fire damaged the New Castle.
2006 onward: Leased and then
purchased by the Nomidis-Walter family (Michael Nomidis-Walter and
Roswitha Walter), who have undertaken extensive ongoing
restorations, reopened it to the public as a cultural site, hotel,
restaurant ("Zum Marstall"), event venue, and Geopark information
center (since 2007).
Today it is a private property but open
to visitors, with hotel rooms inside the defensive walls, a
medieval-themed restaurant, event spaces (including for weddings in
the Staufersaal), and regular events like medieval markets,
tournaments, concerts, and Christmas markets.
Overall Layout and Typology
As a typical Höhenburg (hilltop
castle), it features a compact, defensive design adapted to its elevated
rocky site. The castle complex includes:
A prominent Bergfried
(keep/tower).
A Palas (main residential building).
A Ringmauer
(curtain wall) with battlements and a Vorburg (outer ward/forecourt).
A romanische Burgkapelle (Romanesque chapel).
Later additions like
the "Neues Schloss" (New Castle) from the 17th century.
The
layout evolved over centuries in concentric rings around the oldest
core, much like growth rings on a tree. It combines military
fortification with residential and representative functions.
Key
Architectural Features
1. The Katzenturm (Cat Tower) – The Oldest and
Most Iconic Element
This massive Romanesque Bergfried dates to the
11th century and is the oldest part of the castle. It stands about 30
meters high and is constructed with impressive Buckelquader (bossed
ashlar) masonry — large, roughly hewn stones with prominent rounded
bosses that provide both structural strength and defensive texture.
Entrance: The original access was a high door located 7 meters above
ground level (typical for early medieval keeps to enhance defensibility;
access was via a removable ladder or wooden bridge).
Interior: It
contains an open stone Romanesque fireplace featuring carvings of a cat
and a lily (symbolic elements possibly linked to the castle's name or
owners).
Function: Served primarily as a defensive lookout and last
refuge, with thick walls offering excellent protection.
The tower's
robust, austere Romanesque style exemplifies early Hohenstaufen military
architecture.
2. The Palas (Main Hall Building)
A late
Romanesque structure adjacent to the keep, used for living quarters,
representation, and administration. It features characteristic
Romanesque elements like rounded arches and thick stone walls, later
modified with more windows and living comforts in subsequent centuries.
Today it integrates with hotel and event spaces.
3. The
Romanesque Chapel (St. Laurentius)
One of the castle’s cultural
highlights, dating to the 13th century. It is dedicated to Saint
Lawrence and contains exceptional frescoes from around 1250–1280. These
paintings represent a rare transitional style between late Romanesque
and early Gothic art. They were hidden under later Baroque overpainting
and rediscovered/cleaned in the 1970s. The chapel is small but richly
decorated, reflecting the religious and cultural life of the medieval
lords.
4. Walls, Defenses, and Outer Structures
Curtain walls
and Wehrgänge (wall walks/battlements): Parts have been converted into
guest rooms and a tavern ("Zum Marstall").
Vorburg with a Torhaus
(gatehouse) and former moat (now bridged by a stone dam).
Masonry:
Primarily Quader- und Buckelquadermauerwerk (regular ashlar and bossed
blocks), showcasing high-quality medieval stonemasonry techniques.
5. Later Additions (17th Century Onward)
After being burned by
French troops in 1648 during the Thirty Years’ War, the castle was
rebuilt around 1669 under Count Notger Wilhelm von Oettingen-Baldern as
a residence. This phase introduced Baroque influences, including the
"Neues Schloss" section with a Grafensaal (Count’s Hall), which was
later renovated after a 1995 fire. These parts blend medieval stone
bases with more residential, comfortable upper floors featuring larger
windows and red-tiled roofs.
Materials and Construction
Techniques
The castle uses local stone extensively, including
materials that allow geological study (it houses a Geopark information
center). The combination of massive, irregular bossed stones in the
tower and more refined ashlar elsewhere highlights different
construction phases and defensive priorities.
Architectural Style
and Significance
Katzenstein represents pure Romanesque military and
residential architecture of the Hohenstaufen era (roughly 11th–13th
centuries), with minimal later Gothic influence but notable Baroque
residential adaptations. It is unusually well-preserved for such an old
castle and offers a clear view of how early medieval fortifications
evolved into habitable noble residences. Its compact design on a natural
rock foundation minimized the need for extensive earthworks while
maximizing defensive advantages.
Today, the privately owned castle
functions as a hotel, event venue, and museum open to guided tours,
allowing visitors to experience its architecture intimately — from the
rugged defensive tower to the atmospheric chapel frescoes and restored
interiors.
The exterior presents a striking silhouette: the dark,
massive Katzenturm contrasts with lighter residential wings and red
roofs against the Swabian landscape.
Location and Setting
Address: Oberer Weiler 1-3, 89561 Dischingen
(near Heidenheim an der Brenz).
It perches dramatically on a rocky
sandstone outcrop overlooking the Hürbe valley and an ancient Roman
road, offering panoramic views.
The area is rural and peaceful—ideal
for those seeking a quieter alternative to crowded castles like
Neuschwanstein. It's surrounded by hiking trails in the Swabian Alb, a
UNESCO Global Geopark.
History and Highlights
The castle began
as a defensive structure and evolved through ownership by families like
the Lords of Cazzenstein, Hürnheim, Oettingen, and others. It survived
sieges, fires (including during the Thirty Years' War), and
reconstructions. Key features include:
Romanesque chapel (13th
century) with original frescoes.
The prominent keep ("Cat Tower" or
Katzenstein), with an original high entrance (about 7 meters up), a
Romanesque open fireplace featuring carvings (cat and lily).
Curtain
walls, great hall (Staufer Hall, restored in 2006), and other restored
medieval elements.
It also functions as a Geopark information center,
where building stones tell geological stories of the Swabian Alb.
The castle feels lived-in and atmospheric rather than overly
polished or touristy. Visitors often note it shows "real" medieval
fortress life, not the fairy-tale version.
Visiting Tips:
Practical Information
Opening Hours (as of recent data; always
confirm on the official site as they can vary with events, weddings, or
rest days):
Typically Wednesday to Sunday, around 10:00–18:00
(last admission ~17:30).
Closed on some Mondays/Tuesdays, rest days,
or for private events (e.g., weddings). Check the calendar on
www.burgkatzenstein.de for closures.
Admission and Tours:
Adult entry is around €5 (children/seniors/students ~€4; under 3 free).
Guided tours are often included or available at set times (e.g., 11:00,
14:00, 16:00).
The guided tour is highly recommended—many visitors
say the castle feels like "just an old building" without it. Tours cover
history, architecture, and anecdotes, often led by the owners or family.
English may be available on request, but German is primary; some reviews
mention English-speaking guides.
Duration: Plan 1–2 hours for a tour
+ exploration. Add time for the restaurant or views.
Best Time to
Visit:
Spring or autumn for milder weather and fewer people.
Weekdays are quieter. Summer weekends or events (medieval markets,
archery) can be busier but more festive.
Avoid if rain is heavy—some
outdoor areas and paths may be slippery.
How to Get There
By
Car: Easiest option. Parking is available nearby (likely limited; arrive
early). From Ulm ~45–60 min, Stuttgart ~1.5 hrs, Munich ~2–2.5 hrs.
Public Transport: Train to Heidenheim or Aalen, then bus/taxi. Not the
most convenient—car is preferred for flexibility.
Combine with
Swabian Alb hikes, other small castles, or Geopark sites.
On-Site
Amenities
Restaurant/Tavern: Serves hearty Swabian/German food (e.g.,
onion roast beef ~€19.80). Prices are reasonable; reviews praise it as
"like granny cooks." Good for lunch or a knight's meal experience.
Overnight Stays: Rooms in the castle—highly recommended by guests for
the unique atmosphere, free castle access outside visiting hours, and
personal hospitality. Great for a special night.
Events: Medieval
markets, archery, children's activities, themed tours, crime dinners,
etc.
Visitor Tips from Reviews
Take the guided tour — it's the
highlight.
Wear comfortable shoes — stairs are narrow/steep, surfaces
uneven (typical for authentic castles).
Photography is generally
allowed, but respect any restrictions in the chapel.
If staying
overnight or dining, entry rules may differ (sometimes free for guests).
It's family-run and personal — hosts (e.g., Michael and family) are
often praised for friendliness.
Not ideal for heavy mobility issues
due to stairs and terrain.
Bring cash if cards aren't widely accepted
in rural spots.
Combine with nature: Hike the surrounding trails for
views of the castle from below.