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Burghausen

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City
—°11214
Burghausen (Germany)
ℹ️

Practical info — Burghausen

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Plan at least half a day for the castle; it is over a kilometer long and requires comfortable footwear.
  • Cross the Salzach river to the Austrian side (Ach) in the afternoon to get the best photo of the entire castle complex.
  • Use the City Bus to commute comfortably between the historic old town and the modern new town.
  • A ride on a Plätte (traditional wooden boat) on the Salzach features a unique perspective of the castle.
  • In summer, visit the Wöhrsee lake right below the castle for a refreshing swim.

🍽 Food

🍽
Schweinebraten

Enjoy traditional Bavarian roast pork in the rustic inns of the old town.

🍽
Steckerlfisch

Look for this grilled fish on a stick at local festivals or along the riverbank.

🍽
Weißwurst

Excellent for a late breakfast before noon, available at traditional butchers or cafes.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
In den Grüben

This historic street in the old town is full of small artisan shops, galleries, and boutiques.

🛍
Weekly market

Buy regional Bavarian cheeses, cold cuts, and fresh bread directly from the producers.

🧘
Wöhrsee-Uferweg

A path around the lake that is especially idyllic in the early morning or late evening.

🧘
The end of the castle

The outermost courtyards of the castle complex are often less visited and offer magnificent views of the valley.

Highlights of 2026

1

Situated right on the border with Austria, picturesquely tucked away in the wide valley of the Salzach River, Burghausen is defined by a truly unrivaled architectural world record. Looming majestically over the town is the longest castle in the world. Stretching across a narrow, rocky ridge for an astonishing 1,043 meters, the colossal fortress is guarded by massive walls, battlements, and endless watchtowers. Exploring the six expansive courtyards feels like stepping directly into a medieval epic, complete with dramatic vantage points looking down at the glistening river and the striking emerald-green Wöhrsee lake. At the foot of this colossal stronghold, the beautifully preserved old town clings to the riverbank, showcasing brightly colored historic townhouses in the traditional Inn-Salzach architectural style. Burghausen is also deeply rooted in modern culture; every spring, the highly acclaimed International Jazz Week transforms the medieval streets into a spirited hub for global music lovers. During the warm summer months, the idyllic natural swimming lake provides a refreshing dip directly beneath the dramatic backdrop of the endless castle.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-1-1491317191814940
Rain mm92728472136158146153113906979

Geography

Population
18,263
Coordinates
48.16670, 12.83330

Facts

  • Castle first mentioned in documents in 1025
  • Total area: 19.81 km²
  • Wacker Chemie is the largest employer with 10,000 workers
  • Elevation: 421 m above sea level
  • Regular medieval jousting festivals at the castle
  • Directly borders the Austrian community of Hochburg-Ach

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Burghausen (12)

Burghausen Castle🏰 castle

At 1,051 meters long, this is the longest castle complex in the world, featuring six courtyards.

Old Town Burghausen🏺 historical

A colorful ensemble of late medieval houses in the Inn-Salzach style located by the river.

Wöhrsee Lake🌊 lake

An idyllic lake for swimming located beneath the castle walls, once a branch of the Salzach.

Raitenhaslach Monastery⛪ monastery

A former Cistercian monastery with a magnificent Baroque church near the town.

Staatliches Burgmuseum🏛 museum

Museum located within Burghausen Castle, featuring exhibits on regional history and art.

🕒 Oct-Mar PH,Mo-Su 10:00-16:00; Apr-Sep PH,Mo-Su 09:00-18:00; 💶

Schloß Wanghausen🏰 castle

A historic castle located on the banks of the Salzach river opposite Burghausen.

Pulverturm🗼 tower

A historic defensive tower of Burghausen Castle, formerly used for storing gunpowder.

Gärtnerturm🗼 tower

A historic tower forming part of the extensive fortifications of Burghausen Castle.

Kornmesserturm🗼 tower

Historical defense tower in Burghausen, part of the world's longest castle complex.

Riesenschaukel👨‍👩‍👧 family

Riesenschaukel is a family-friendly playground in Burghausen with plenty of space for children to play.

Spielgebirge👨‍👩‍👧 family

Spielgebirge is a family-friendly playground in Burghausen with plenty of space for children to play.

Motorikpark Burghausen👨‍👩‍👧 family

Motorikpark Burghausen is a family-friendly playground in Burghausen with plenty of space for children to play.

Frequently asked questions

How long is Burghausen Castle?
At 1,051 meters, it is the longest castle complex in the world.
Does it cost to enter the castle?
Access to the courtyards is free; an entry fee is only required for the museums in the main castle.
What can you see in the old town?
The town square impresses with colorful facades in the Inn-Salzach style.
What activities are there at Wöhrsee?
You can swim there, rent boats, or enjoy the view of the castle.
Are there boat trips on the Salzach?
Yes, trips with traditional 'Plätten' (flat-bottomed boats) are offered in summer.
Burghausen: where is it located?
Burghausen is located in Bavaria, Germany.
Burghausen: what is there to see?
Highlights include Burghausen Castle, Old Town Burghausen, Wöhrsee Lake.
Burghausen: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Burghausen: why is it worth visiting?
Situated right on the border with Austria, picturesquely tucked away in the wide valley of the Salzach River, Burghausen is defined by a truly unrivaled architectural world record.
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