December 27, 2024, 6:49 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Just 100 km east of Munich and 50 km north of Salzburg is the longest castle complex in the world—and it’s even in the Guinness Book of Records. TRAVELBOOK knows how this gigantic castle came to be.
Germany is dotted with a myriad of castles and palaces. Yet, nestled in the heart of Bavaria, Burghausen boasts the title of having the world’s longest castle. It was built almost 1,000 years ago, in 1255, when it was intended to be the second seat of the Lower Bavarian dukes of the Wittelsbach dynasty, who actually resided in Landshut, just 80 kilometers away.
11-Meter-High Walls
As the fortress of such an important noble family, it was built in a particularly elaborate manner. Boasting walls 11 meters high and encompassing five forecourts, along with additional fortifications and moats, the castle stood as an impregnable stronghold. For a long time, it was considered the strongest fortress in the entire country and was never actually taken. This was also due to its special location. Perched majestically above the River Salzach, the castle stands as a sentinel.
Unrivaled Panoramas from the Castle
From there, above the river, there is still an excellent view over the region. This is also said to have been the reason why the dukes continued to expand Burghausen Castle until it finally reached a world record length of 1,051 meters. The castle rulers had the money for this from the salt trade they conducted.
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Keep to the Designated Paths
The salt as a source of wealth in Burghausen has now dried up. However, the region has a new economic factor: the chemical industry, which has been operating here for almost 100 years. It has also made Burghausen, which has just 18,700 inhabitants, one of the wealthiest municipalities in Bavaria today. Every year, around nine billion euros are generated here with chemical products.
Yet, atop the castle, there is no trace of Burghausen’s chemical dominion. It’s like walking through an idyllic village. However, a word of caution: when exploring, it’s important to adhere to the designated paths. Because people still live in the castle today—only they are no longer noblemen and their court, but the residents of the almost 50 private apartments in the fortress complex.