Salem Castle

The origins of Salem Castle date back to 1137/1138, when it was founded as a Cistercian monastery. In the late Middle Ages, the Imperial Abbey gained extensive privileges and a prominent position within its order. After almost complete destruction by fire in the 17th century, Salem experienced a second golden age in the 18th century. During this period, it developed into a center of Southwestern German Rococo, manifested in the construction of the Birnau pilgrimage church and the founding of Germany's first savings bank. The extensive Baroque monastery complex, built between 1697 and 1706 by Franz Beer, as well as the High Gothic Salem Minster (approx. 1285–1414), passed into the possession of the Margraves of Baden in 1804 due to secularization. Since then, the complex has been known as “Schloss Salem” and serves as the residence of the margravial family. Since 1920, it has also housed the renowned Salem Castle School. In 2009, the House of Baden sold a large part of the complex to the state of Baden-Württemberg.

Salem Castle is located in the municipality of Salem in the Bodenseekreis, situated in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It lies at an elevation of approximately 448 m above sea level.

Today, Salem Castle is a vibrant place with diverse uses. It can be visited and houses a school as well as a museum. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the historic buildings and exhibitions.

• Heiligenberg Castle (Schloss), approx. 5.1 km away
• Maurach Castle (Schloss), approx. 5.6 km away
• Alt-Heiligenberg Castle Ruins (Burg), approx. 5.9 km away
• Hohenbodman Castle Ruins (Burg), approx. 7.0 km away