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Mespelbrunn Castle
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Historical site
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Mespelbrunn Castle is a late Gothic and Renaissance moated castle, idyllically situated in the Spessart forest between Frankfurt and Würzburg. The complex originated in the 15th century as a modest knight's house and was expanded in the mid-16th century under the Echter family into a magnificent manor house. Due to its hidden location in a remote valley, the castle largely escaped war destruction, which is why it has preserved its original character over the centuries. Particularly striking is the round keep on the north side, which dates back to the time of the medieval fortification. The castle achieved nationwide fame as a filming location for the 1958 film classic 'The Spessart Inn'. Today, the castle is privately owned by the Counts of Ingelheim, although a portion of the interior, such as the Knights' Hall and the chapel, is open to visitors.
- Location: Bavaria, Germany
- Top sights: Schloss Mespelbrunn · Naturwaldreservat Kreuzbuckel · Spessartbühne
- Nearby: Aschaffenburg (13 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 20 | 19 | 15 | 9 | 4 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 69 | 54 | 56 | 44 | 78 | 61 | 73 | 69 | 52 | 60 | 65 | 74 |
📋 Practical info
Address
Schloßhof 2, 63875 Mespelbrunn
Hours
Mon-Sun 10:00-17:00 (only from Good Friday to early November)
Entry
5.00 € adults (only with guided tour)
Website
Transit
Bus 40 from Aschaffenburg Hbf to Mespelbrunn Schloss stop
Parking
Paid parking approx. 5 mins walk from the castle.
Accessibility
Limited; castle courtyard accessible, interiors only via historic stairs.
Photos
Photography inside the castle forbidden; outdoor shots allowed.
Best time
Weekdays in the morning to avoid the heavy weekend excursion traffic.
Audio guide
no
Geography
Facts
- The original donation of the land took place in 1412 to the knight Hamann Echter.
- The major reconstruction into a Renaissance moated castle occurred between 1551 and 1569.
- Julius Echter von Mespelbrunn, a famous Prince-Bishop of Würzburg, was born here in 1545.
- The castle remained undamaged during both the Thirty Years' War and the World Wars.
- The moat is fed by the Elsava, a small river in the Spessart forest.
- The owning family still occupies the south wing of the castle today.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Mespelbrunn Castle (6)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about this castle?
It is a well-preserved Renaissance water castle, famous as the filming location for 'The Spessart Inn'.
Is the castle inhabited?
Yes, the south wing of the castle is still inhabited today by the family of the Counts of Ingelheim.
Do I have to pay an entrance fee for the park?
The admission price usually includes access to the castle courtyard, the park, and a guided tour.
Are there parking spaces nearby?
A visitor parking lot is located about a 5 to 10-minute walk from the castle entrance.
What are the opening hours?
The castle is usually open daily from Good Friday to early November, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Mespelbrunn Castle: where is it located?
Mespelbrunn Castle is located in Bavaria, Germany.
Mespelbrunn Castle: what is there to see?
Highlights include Schloss Mespelbrunn, Naturwaldreservat Kreuzbuckel, Spessartbühne.
Mespelbrunn Castle: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Mespelbrunn Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Mespelbrunn Castle is a late Gothic and Renaissance moated castle, idyllically situated in the Spessart forest between Frankfurt and Würzburg.
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