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CASTLE GUTTENBURG
Staufer Castle of Falcons and Knights on the Neckar

A number of castles in central Germany are referred to as Staufer castles. The Staufen or Hoehenstaufen dynasty of German kings consolidated fiefdoms reaching all the way from the Rhein into Northern Italy in what was called the Holy Roman Empire by the most famous second of the line, Frederick Barbarossa. The center of the Stuafen emperors was the region of northern Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemburg. Many of their castles were built in a typical German form called Schildmauerburg consisting of a singular high-walled parapet built around an inner courtyard with living apartments, often protected by a moat or draw. Castle Guttenburg over looking the Neckar River valley is one of the best examples surviving of the era, having been continuously occupied for 600 years. The Neckar River, once flowing wild through the mountain valleys from Heidelberg to Heilbronn has long been tamed by a series of control channels so that it flows smooth and lazy for freight barges and smaller tour ferries which now travel through the Neckartal.

Perched on a wooded slope above the Neckar with a clear view of the valley below the Castle Guttenberg stands watch with its distinctive walls of pale yellow over the north approach to the city of Bad Wimphen where the imperial palace of the Staufen once stood. The castle of Burg Guttenberg was first constructed as a defensive fortress by the Staufers. After the end of the dynasty, the castle was bought by Hans Von Gemmingen known as Hans “The Rich”, who apparently had enough coin in his pocket to pick up a few pieces of choice real estate from the empire as it broke into smaller fiefdoms. The Castle of Guttenberg has been lived in continuously by the von Gemmigen family ever since and has avoided the destruction decay of the other castle of the von Gemmigen family, Burg Hornberg. (see Castle Hotel and Restaurant Burg Hornberg).

The Castle Guttenberg is one of the most popular destinations in the Neckar Valley (Neckartal) for families and medieval enthusiasts, especially for its falcon shows and “Knights Fares” medieval performances. As you cross the stone bridge replacing the former drawbridge over the dry moat to the castle gate, a stone eagle perches on watch as you pass the aviaries of the German Raptor Research Center (Greifenwarte) where you can tour the cages of breeding and preserved birds of prey or watch demonstrations of the power and beauty of falcons, eagles and even the much maligned vulture presented against a beautiful backdrop of the Neckar and Mühlbach valleys.

Inside the castle walls the Burg Guttenberg maintains a museum of family and historic artifacts. The exhibit of "Living in a Knight's Castle" takes visitors on a trip from the middle ages to the 19th century with examples of knights in armor, religious reformers, warlords and hunters who influenced the times. A tour of the old castle’s kitchen, torture chamber and the old defensive tower is offered, quite often given by the current Baroness von Gemmingen, who will proudly show the family’s legacy. The castle is open from April to October, but tours can be privately arranged at other times. On weekends the Knights Fares allow visitors to experience life in medieval times.

Unlike the other von Gemmingen castle down the river there is no accomodation within the castle itself but a small hotel in the village of Neckarmülbach at the foot of the hill below the castle offers a stay in a refurbished historic building . The inn Zum Alten Marstall, seems a popular stop for cyclists along the Neckar castle road route (see German Castle Road) or families looking for a more medieval fun experience. There are private rooms and what is known in Germany as a middle ages "Hay Hotel" (Heuherberge). In olden days, wandering travelers would "hit the hay" laying down for a night on a pile of straw. Now, spots are provided for a sleeping bag on the hay. Breakfast is included.

Castle Guttenberg is sometimes listed as in Heidelberg but is actually about an hour away in Hassmersheim-Neckarmuhlbach. There is a landing on the Neckar and the nearest train station is at Gundelsheim. By car Castle Guttenburg can be reached along the 37/27 following the Neckar River from Heidelberg or off the A6 autobahn, 30 minutes from Heilbronn. © Bargain Travel Europe

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Burg Guttenberg and Hay Hotel

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See Also:

DARMSTADT FRANKENSTEIN CASTLE RUINS

SINSHEIM AUTO & TECHNIK MUSEUM

KALTENBERG KNIGHTS TOURNAMENT

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