Meersburg Fortress on Lake Constance

40 meters above the lower town of Meersburg at the northern shore of Lake Constance, and roundabout 440 m above Sea Level you find the "Old Castle" of Meersburg which is the oldest inhabited castle of Germany.

The castle is one of the most beautiful attractions at Lake Constance and landmark of the city Meersburg. The fortress was presumably built during the 7th century, though the original structure isn't visible anymore. In the direct neighbourhood the "New Castle" is located, which was built during the 18th century.

There are certain theories about the history of the fortress. One theory about the construction of the castle is that the Merovingian King Dagobert I. built the "Dagobert's Tower" in the year 630. At this time King Dagobert was working on the Christianization of the Alemanni. Questionable sources mention that Dagobert himself was involved in establishing the boundaries of the Bishopric of Constance.

A second theory mentions that the castle was build in the early 12th century. This theory is founded on sources that say that many castles in the Lake Constance region were built during the 12th and 13th century, but not any source was found mentioning the construction of a castle in the 7th century.

Anyway ... the famous german poetess Annette von Droste-Hülshoff spent her life's last eight years in this castle. Her sister Maria Anna von Droste-Hülshoff and her husband Joseph von Laßberg were originally living there. Annette von Droste-Hülshoff died in this castle at May 28, 1848.

The tour of the Castle Museum leads visitors among other things through the Knight's Hall, the Hall of weapons, the Fountain Room, the Castle Dungeon, chapels, military, the towers, the picturesque castle gardens and the militant bastion in the North. Additionally the tour leads also through medieval living quarters of the famous poetess as well as her death chamber. All in all there are 35 rooms which can be discovered during the tour.

Furthermore visitors can explore the Dagobert's Tower but please be aware that a tour is only for registered groups (Special Droste - and castle tours). During this guidance you'll see rooms which you wouldn't see otherwise, such as the treasure chamber or the torture chamber; and you will learn a lot about the European witch hunting era during the mid age. The tour of the Museum Tower climbs are held from April until November. They include the oldest and the highest Tower of the sea Castle, Scrooge storm, with its ancient rafters with unforgettable views of the city, the Lake and the Alps.

Tipp: Also, the old music is maintained in the incomparable ambience of the Meersburg: from July to September the "Carlina Leut" candle play music from the middle ages and Renaissance on historical instruments.

Ticket prices:
Adults €9.50
Youthful €6,50
Children €4,50
Charge Tower climbing €2.50

Free admission with the Lake Constance experience card.

For more information:
Affordable family prices, other discounts and more information see homepage of the Castle Meersburg: www.meersburg.com