Experience a day in the life of a one-time ecclesiastical principality of the Holy Roman Empire at Willibaldsburg, which was founded in 1355 and enlarged in the 1500s. For almost four centuries Willibaldsburg was the seat of the Prince-Bishopric of Eichstätt. In later years this mighty walled palace operated as a prison, barracks and prisoner of war camp. Visit Willibaldsburg today to find two museums and an immaculate garden.
Approach by foot from the town center and watch as the imposing defensive walls slowly come into view. A short tunnel, above the entrance to which is a statue of a bishop, leads to the main complex. Look up at the turreted towers, which were once crowned by onion domes. From the ramparts you can enjoy views of Eichstätt, the meandering Altmühl river and rolling green countryside.
Within the castle’s rooms are two museums, including the Jura Museum. Note that as of January 2020 the museum is temporarily closed. Check the website of the Bavarian Natural History Collections to see if the museum will be open when you plan to visit Willibaldsburg. The museum’s vast exhibition of jurassic artifacts has included fossils, skeletons and taxidermy displays of aquatic creatures, dinosaurs and pterosaurs found in the region.
The other exhibition at Willibaldsburg belongs to the Museum of Pre and Early History. It features animal-related exhibits, a Merovingian grave complex and Roman objects, which all help to highlight the evolution of the region from the Stone Age to early Middle Ages.
The pretty castle garden is a recreation of the original early 17th-century garden, which perished during the Thirty Years’ War. It replicates the Hortus Eystettensis, a codex created by botanist Basilius Besler that recorded the garden’s botanical composition. Admire plant and tree species from around the world, each artistically planted according to their blooming seasons. End your visit by sampling German fare and sipping on cold beers at the beer garden and restaurant.
Reach the castle by walking for 10 minutes from Eichstätt railway terminal. Drivers can take advantage of the free on-site parking lot.
Willibaldsburg is open Tuesday to Saturday year round. The admission ticket includes access to the castle and museums. Entry to the garden is free.
