The Nature Park Hassberge lies in the north of Bavaria between the World Heritage city of Bamberg and the artistic city of Schweinfurt. In a landscape marked by a wide diversity of flora and fauna and gently rolling hills there are many castles, fortresses and castle ruins. The Nature Park has the highest density of historic refuge castles and ramparts as well as country palaces in Lower Franconia. Most of these were built during the Baroque era in the 17th and 18th century.
Castles in the Nature Park Hassberge
Noble Catholic families from the Prince Bishop’s court in Würzburg built castles as a way of demonstrating and extending their power. Noble Protestant families tried to do the same thing, which is why there are now so many magnificent buildings. One such aristocratic seat was Schloss Eyrichshof near Ebern. Visitors can soak up the dreamlike setting of the castle at regular events such as the Garden Festival and the open-air concert, or during the winter-time.Another important castle was Schloss Bettenburg near Hofheim in Lower Franconia; in the 18th century it was used as the venue for a kind of “Round Table” with composers such as Ludwig Spohr and literary figures such as Friedrich Rückert. The castle also includes the Bettenburg Landscape Park, which is open to the public.
The moated castles of the Hassberge region are especially enchanting. Among the most beautiful are Schloss Birkenfeld, an important complex from the 18th century, and Schloss Fischbach near Ebern, which is still owned by the von Rotenhan family. Traces of Balthasar Neumann can be discovered in Schloss Burgpreppach. The region is also home to one of Bavaria’s youngest castles - Schloss Craheim.
Events and accommodation
Every year, the doors of the castles, churches and historic cultural centres open their doors for the wonderful musical delights of the "Magical Music in the Hassberge".Event highlights in 2018:
- 2 to 4 November: Winter-time at Schloss Eyrichshof
- 24/25 November: Romantic Christmas market at Schloss Oberschwappach
- 8 to 10 June: Schloss Eyrichshof Garden Festival
- 15 and 16 June: Rose & Garden Fair in the castle grounds of Königsberg in Bavaria.
- July/ Open-air event at Schloss Eyrichshof
- 8 September: Open-house day in romantic country palaces
- November/date not yet announced: Winter-time at Schloss Eyrichshof
- November/date not yet announced: Romantic Christmas market at Schloss Oberschwappach
- Schloss Bundorf
- Schloss Burgpreppach
- Schloss Fischbach
- Schloss Birkenfeld
Numerous palaces and castles in the Hassberge offer extraordinary facilities for celebrations. You will find further information here.
