Best castles around Obernzenn, a market town in Franconia, offers a rich historical landscape. The area is known for its notable castle complexes, including the Baroque Blue and Red Castles, which stand on the site of a medieval moated castle. Further afield, Schloss Unternzenn presents a long history of architectural evolution. These sites provide insight into centuries of regional noble residences and architectural styles.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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Colmberg Castle sits enthroned on a 511-meter-high mountain spur above the Franconian town of Colmberg in Bavaria. Its history dates back to the 13th century, and it was long owned by the Hohenzollern family. Today, the well-preserved medieval complex houses a castle hotel with a restaurant known for its regional cuisine. The castle offers picturesque views of the surrounding countryside and is a popular starting point for hikes. The 15th-century castle chapel is also a popular venue for weddings.
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The history of the castle can only be deduced from the documents from the 13th century onwards; all claims about the period before that are purely speculative. The castle first appears explicitly in 1269 as being owned by the Counts of Truhendingen, who had the castle administered by bailiffs who exploited the lawless situation at the time by carrying out high-handed attacks. The oldest court records of the imperial city of Rothenburg attest to an almost endless chain of complaints about criminal offences committed by Colmberg officials before the local court after 1274, for example about unpaid debts, breached guarantees, trespassing, robbery, deprivation of liberty, theft and arson. Finally, in 1293, it was not the Truhendingen bailiff at the time who was outlawed, but the entire Colmberg castle. Because the Counts of Truhendingen were getting into increasing financial difficulties, they separated from this fortress with such a bad reputation, a documented robber baron castle. Colmberg was finally sold on July 13, 1318, together with the town of Leutershausen and the surrounding area, to the Burgrave Friedrich IV of Nuremberg for 6,200 pounds (Swabian) Haller Pfennig. Source: Wikipedia
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There is said to have been a settlement here as early as the time of the Celts. At the beginning of the 8th century. The area was taken over by the Frankish kings as a hunting area. Towards the end of the 8th century. A palisade castle was then built, which was taken over by the Hohenstaufens in the 12th century. was expanded into an imperial castle. The castle later came into the possession of the Hohenzollerns, who lived there for several centuries.
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A beautiful area. Always fun and a must!
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The two late baroque castles offer a wonderful sight. The east wing of the Blue Castle can be visited with a guided tour.
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The Red Castle and the Blue Castle are together in one large building complex. Differ in the facade color.
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Obernzenn is home to the unique Red and Blue Castles, an impressive ensemble of Franconian Baroque art. These late Baroque palaces are named after the predominant colors of their facades and were built by the influential Seckendorff family. Nearby, Virnsberg Castle is another significant complex, consisting of a medieval hilltop castle and a moated castle, extended in 1700 with a Baroque farmyard.
Yes, guided tours are available for the east wing of the Blue Castle, which include the state rooms, the picture gallery, and the park with its original sandstone sculptures. These tours are typically offered on the first and third Sundays of the month from May to October.
Schloss Unternzenn, located in the village of Unternzenn, is a former moated castle with origins dating back to the 13th century. It served as a typical Franconian noble seat for the Seckendorff family for 700 years, evolving significantly over centuries with additions like an extra story, a stair tower, and wing extensions. Its picturesque appearance is enhanced by battlements and a high stepped gable.
Many castles in the region are considered family-friendly. For instance, Hoheneck Castle, while primarily a youth education center, allows visitors to tour around the moat and enjoy views. Virnsberg Castle and the Red and Blue Castles are also listed as family-friendly. Additionally, the View of Colmberg Castle offers sights of a 13th-century castle that now houses a hotel, which can be an interesting stop for families.
The area around Obernzenn offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy options like the 'Klein-Spreewald Wetlands – Obernzenner See loop' or moderate routes such as the 'Unternzenn Castle – Obernzenner Lake loop'. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes like the 'Sheep at Birkenfels – Virnsberg Castle loop'. You can explore more routes in the hiking guide or road cycling guide for Obernzenn.
Yes, the Leonrod Castle Ruins offer an enchanted, romantic experience. While the structure is not secured for interior entry due to collapse danger, it is beautiful to view from the outside. It's known for its tranquil atmosphere, away from mass tourism.
The period from May to October is ideal for visiting, especially if you wish to take guided tours of the Blue and Red Castles, which are offered during these months. Autumn can also be particularly scenic, offering beautiful views of the historical sites amidst changing foliage.
The region offers various accommodation options. For example, Colmberg Castle itself houses a hotel, providing a unique stay experience. Obernzenn, as a market town, also has local hotels and guesthouses. For more options, you might check local tourism resources.
Near the castles, you can find several viewpoints and natural features. The View of Colmberg Castle offers picturesque sights of the castle and surrounding landscape. The area also features natural elements like the Klein-Spreewald Wetlands and Obernzenner See (Lake Obernzenn), which are part of popular hiking routes.
Visitors appreciate the rich history and architectural diversity, from well-preserved Baroque complexes like the Red and Blue Castles to medieval ruins such as Leonrod Castle Ruins. The tranquil, wildly romantic atmosphere of places like Schloss Unternzenn, away from mass tourism, is also highly valued. The community has shared over 400 photos and given more than 440 upvotes, highlighting the visual appeal and historical significance of these sites.
While Hoheneck Castle is primarily a youth education center, visitors can tour around the moat to enjoy magnificent views. Interior visits are generally not possible, but the castle occasionally opens its doors for special events.


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