Zwernitz Castle (Burg Zwernitz) is the dominant architectural landmark of Sanspareil, an ancient royal hunting village in northern Bavaria. Visit Zwernitz Castle to browse exhibitions about the history of the Walpodes of Upper Franconia and other ruling families. Learn about the importance of hunting to the rulers’ identities and discover a fascinating rock garden.
The castle complex is a mix of buildings that have been added to over its 860 year existence. Features, such as the keep and tithe barn, are part of the original Romanesque complex that dates from the 12th century. Gaze up at the 113-feet (34.5-meter) tall round lookout tower. The half-timbered buildings of the outer bailey appeared around the 1500s, when the noble House of Hohenzollern occupied the castle.
Inside, exhibits retell the history of the castle complex from its medieval beginnings. Displays offer an insight into how the castle was used as a watch system from where messages could be communicated rapidly. Understand the role of the Rock Garden, a one-time hunting ground turned into an ornamental garden in 1744.
Another exhibition, called Hunting in the time of the margraves, recounts the hunting activities of the imperial territories of Ansbach and Bayreuth. It documents the bear, deer and wild boar hunting that began during the Holy Roman Empire. An 18th-century oil painting by the Kleemann brothers presents a visual image of royal hunters.
Complement your visit to the castle with a walk around the Rock Garden. Natural trails cut through a dense woodland to informal gardens, curious rock formations and ruined buildings. Marvel at the magnificent open-air theater set behind an enormous rock arch.
Zwernitz Castle is less than a 5-minute drive from the town of Wonsees. It is open to the public every day except Mondays from April to mid October and there’s an admission free. The Rock Garden is open year round and is free to visit.
