Marienberg Fortress is perched majestically on a hill overlooking Wurzburg and the Main River. This historic citadel, dating back to medieval times, has played an important role in shaping Wurzburg. As you wander through its gates, you are walking through centuries of history. This fortress served as home to prince-bishops, survived battles, and today, tells the story of the region’s rich past. The views from the fortress are a bonus!
Perched on a hill, indeed
We entered the fortress from one side, and came out another. Since the fortress is perched on a hill, the path is uphill no matter which way you go. On the way there, we walked from our apartment on a path that led up through the vineyards to the backside of the fortress. When we left, we returned the more common route, heading back down to Wurzburg to spend time in the historic center.
As we began our ascent, we were greeted by a path that gradually winds uphill, with increasingly panoramic views of the vineyards and city below. The walk is manageable, even for us “Americans,” and the views are rewarding. As you get closer to the fortress, its walls and towers loom larger and we got a sense of its importance.
Gates to the fortress
It was fun to pass through the numerous gates, as we entered and explored the fortress. Each one was unique and usually large enough to fit horses and carts. We could imagine who might have passed through them centuries ago. They also provided some shade. These gates are more than entry points of course; they are historical markers that tell stories of siege, architectural advancement, and changes to the fortress itself over time.
Looking up; looking down
The photo below shows the Fortress towering over the Main. The photo is taken from the bridge. But in reality, this fortress can be seen throughout the area. It must’ve been a domineering sight historically, and still is today.
However, we really liked the view from the Fortress itself, looking down over Wurzburg and across the horizon. Below are two of the photos I took. These are untouched photos, and the colors are so vibrant and alive. We spent a lot of time in the gardens enjoying the views, as there is so much to see from up there. We really got an idea of the strategic advantage of the fortress from these views, as clearly, they could see anyone coming and going.
Stepping into history
This castle, or fortress, really is something straight out of a storybook. back in the early 700’s, there was just a small church on this hill. Fast forward to the 1200’s and the local Prince-Bishops of Wurzburg decided the hill was a great place for a castle. So they built one where they could keep an eye on everything. These Prince-Bishops were more than religious leaders (hence, the “prince” part of their titles). They ruled the region and needed to show their power and strength. The Marienberg Fortress was that place for about 500 years. There was a lot of action over 500 years, and when the fortress sustained damage, they would restore it stronger and better. In the 1700’s, the Prince-Bishops moved across the river to the elaborate and grander Wurzburg Residenz. Since then, the Marienberg Fortress served as a strategic military fortress.
Since the fortress has been around so long and seen so much, visitors get to see its different parts from different eras, like a church from the 700’s and a medieval keep. Inside the fortress, visitors can see the Mainfrankisches Museum with Franconian art and the Furstenbaumuseum, which tells the town and fortress’s history. A highlight is the Prince’s Building or Furstenbau, with its preserved rooms.
The fortress is made up of many towers
The most famous gate is shown below, the Scherenberg Gate, named after the bishop who initiated its construction. The gate was added during the 15th century, and reflects the strategic and defensive importance of the fortress at that time.
Circular Marienkapelle
The circular chapel is one of the oldest church buildings in southern Germany, dating to around 1000.
Grazing in the Prince's Garden
The Prince’s Garden was the real surprise. I have probably spent the most time looking at photos of the garden, when looking back at the photos I took at Marienberg Fortress. So if you are a garden buff, or you just like gardens like I do, this is going to be a real treat. The garden has been around since about the 16th century and got its current look in the 1700’s. It features artistic terraces and balustrades, and is a classic example of Baroque garden design. The garden is graced by mythological statues and has a fountain. If you tire of the garden view, the panoramic views are sure to sustain you. Our family spent a lot of time here, taking photos, taking in the views, and posing. It was the perfect backdrop for some impromptu family photos.
Planning a Visit
Official Website: https://www.schloesser.bayern.de/englisch/palace/objects/wu_fest.htm
Opening Hours:
April to October: 9am to 6pm daily, with few exceptions
November to March: 10am to 4:30pm daily, with few exceptions
Check the official hours here. There has been ongoing construction work at the Fortress, so check the website in advance of your visit so you know about any closures.
Guided tours are available with advanced registration. We arranged ours by email. Send an email to:
Festung.Marienberg@bsv.bayern.de
Tickets:
4 EUR for adults, 3 EUR for those qualifying for a discount. More details are here.
Note: You can purchase the 14-day Bavarian Palace Administration ticket at the Marienberg Fortress. Prices are 35 EUR for a single adult, or 66 EUR for a family. If you are going to visit other castles in Bavaria, this ticket can save you money. You can use it at a lot of castles. However, it did not save us money. We were only able to use it at Wurzburg Residenz, meaning we paid 66 EUR instead of 18 EUR. We were not able to use it at Marienberg Fortress due to scheduled construction, and it does not work at the fortress for the Museum for Franken as it is not run by the Bavarian Palace Administration. And we were also not able to use it at Neuschwanstein, as we did not have a reservation even though we had a paid ticket. So if you do buy the pass, make sure to make any reservations even if you already have the ticket. And make sure the places you will visit are open. I requested a partial refund when we were denied entry at Neuschwanstein, but no refund was given.
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