Trausnitz Castle

The castle's origins date back, with evidence of earlier fortifications from prehistory and the early Middle Ages. The current complex was founded around 1204 by Duke Ludwig the Kelheimer, at the same time as the city of Landshut. In the 13th century, the castle was a center of Staufer culture and imperial politics, hosting figures such as Emperor Frederick II and minnesingers like Walther von der Vogelweide. In the 15th century, the Dukes of Bavaria-Landshut expanded the complex. Under Duke Wilhelm V, the castle was transformed into a Renaissance palace in the 16th century. During the Thirty Years' War, it was besieged and partially damaged by Swedish troops in 1634. In the 18th century, it served as a barracks and prison, later as a hospital. King Ludwig II had rooms furnished in the 19th century, but most of these were destroyed in a fire in 1961.