Burghausen Castle

The origins of Burghausen Castle can be traced back to the Bronze and Iron Ages, as evidenced by archaeological finds. The first written mention of the castle occurred in 1025. In the High Middle Ages, it served as the seat of the Counts of Burghausen and underwent initial major expansions around 1090. After the death of the last count in 1168, the castle came into the possession of the Wittelsbach dynasty, who massively expanded it from 1180 under Otto I. From 1255, it served as the second residence for the Dukes of Lower Bavaria. The castle largely acquired its current appearance in the Late Middle Ages, particularly under the three 'rich' Dukes Heinrich, Ludwig, and Georg of the Bavaria-Landshut line between 1393 and 1503, who developed it into an extensive defensive and residential castle. After the War of the Landshut Succession in 1504/05, it lost its status as a residence but maintained its military importance and was further fortified until the 18th century. During the Napoleonic occupation around 1800, parts of the northern outer works were demolished. In 1891, the garrison was disbanded, and the castle was saved from a planned demolition. Since the 1960s, the complex has been continuously renovated.

Burghausen Castle is located in the town of Burghausen in the district of Altötting, Bavaria, Germany, at an elevation of approximately 419 m above sea level. It stretches along a long ridge that separates the old town of Burghausen from the Wöhrsee lake.

Today, Burghausen Castle is open for visitors. It houses various museums, including a torture museum, a castle and city museum, an outpost of the Bavarian State Gallery, and a photography museum. Parts of the complex are also used as apartments and event venues.

• Mautnerschloß (Castle), approx. 0.1 km away
• Stadthaus der niederbayerischen Herzöge (Residence), approx. 0.3 km away
• Kloster Heilig Schutzengel (Sacred building), approx. 0.5 km away
• Palais Taufkirchen (Residence), approx. 0.5 km away