Castles around Großmehring offer a glimpse into the rich history of Bavaria, though Großmehring itself does not feature standing castles. The region is characterized by its proximity to the Danube and historical towns like Ingolstadt. While the former Burg Erlhof in Großmehring is now a "Burgstall" (site of a vanished castle), the wider area provides numerous historical sites. Visitors can explore the cultural landscape and discover historical architecture in the surrounding areas.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
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Altmannstein Castle Ruins The Lords of Stein are mentioned in documents as early as the 12th century, but due to the frequency of this place name in this area, concrete conclusions are difficult to draw. The castle was built and named after Count Altmann II of Abensberg in 1232. His grandson Ulrich II sold the castle in 1291 to Duke Ludwig of Bavaria, the later emperor. From 1340 onwards, it was pawned, first to the Hautzendorf family, then again to the previous owners from Abensberg. In 1446, the Nurembergers conquered the castle during their campaign against the robber barons of the Regensburg region. The last Count of Abensberg, Niclas, was caught between the warring Wittelsbachs and was murdered in 1485 on the orders of the Bavarian Duke Christopher the Strong of Bavaria-Munich. During the Thirty Years' War, the castle was destroyed by the Swedes in 1632, and it has remained in ruins ever since. In 1911, the architect Georg Wirth acquired the ruins and had a historicist residential building built there – typical of the period. In 1991, the complex was extensively renovated by the municipality. Today, the complex is entered via a wooden bridge that leads to the outer bailey. Its entrance area is covered by buildings from 1911, intended to create a historic impression, but originating from the castle romanticism of the turn of the century. Behind it lies the most impressive part of the castle: the mighty keep, made of 18 m high, made of humped ashlars. Its walls are 3 m thick, and the entrance is 4.5 m high. It protected the access area to the inner bailey. Unfortunately, the tower is not accessible. Behind it is the palace, built of ashlars and rubble. The mix of building stones suggests a later construction using stones from an earlier building. A few remnants of defensive and moat walls also remain. The unusual location of a rectangular tower made of rubble stone outside the castle at the foot of the castle rock is unusual. It was probably part of a later wall connecting the town. Source: www.Burgenseite.de
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Sandersdorf Castle The present castle dates back to a medieval castle built by the Lords of Sandersdorf as Wittelsbach ministerials. The family has been documented since the 12th century. In 1420, the castle was plundered by Duke Henry of Bavaria-Landshut while he was at war with Duke Ludwig the Bearded of Bavaria-Ingolstadt. In 1425, the castle was granted to the Muggenthal family; the first owner of this family, Erhart von Muggendal, rebuilt it. Hans Heinrich von Muggenthal succeeded in keeping peasant revolts and the Reformation away from his domain. The Sandersdorf Castle Brewery was founded in 1550. The castle was destroyed during the Thirty Years' War; Albrecht Ulrich von Muggenthal had it rebuilt as a four-winged castle by 1646. It retains this form to this day. In 1675, Dominikus de Bassus inherited Sandersdorf Castle, but he witnessed its destruction in 1703 during the War of the Spanish Succession. In May 1787, the castle was searched by Bavarian officials because it was considered an "Illuminati nest." Thomas de Bassus was a member of the Illuminati Order, founded in Ingolstadt by Adam Weishaupt in 1776; his castle was a meeting place for many of the secret society's meetings. Numerous secret documents were confiscated during the search. Around 1900, the castle was partially renovated and refurbished under the direction of the Munich architect Gabriel von Seidl. In 2008, the castle was sold by Margarethe Baroness de Bassus, along with the forest lands, to the Wittelsbach Equalization Fund. In March 2022, the castle was sold to Dr. Horst-Florian Jaeck. Parts of it are to be opened to the public. The richly structured four-winged building complex was built on medieval foundations in the 16th century, rebuilt after destruction in the 17th and 18th centuries, and remodeled in the 19th century. The high main wing faces east; it has high stepped gables on its narrow sides and three oriels with gabled tops on the wide sides facing the valley, in front of which is a kind of moat with two octagonal corner turrets. The lower castle wings to the north and south face west. The castle chapel of St. Joseph, with its octagonal domed tower, is located in the inner courtyard. Source: www.wikipedia.de
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The city is very cozy.
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View of the castle and the Danube in the background the city
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Very nice
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Unfortunately only seen while driving past, but a beautiful little place with remains of a fortress.
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The new castle houses part of the Army Museum.
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No, Großmehring itself does not feature standing castles. The historical Burg Erlhof, once a moated castle, was destroyed in 1868, and its site is now largely built over. For actual castles, you'll need to explore the surrounding region, particularly Ingolstadt.
While Großmehring doesn't have standing castles, the broader region offers significant historical sites. You can visit New Palace, Ingolstadt, a major 15th-century building now housing the Bavarian Army Museum. Other notable sites include Sandersdorf Castle and Altmannstein Castle, both offering rich history and architectural interest.
Several castles and historical sites in the area are suitable for families. New Palace, Ingolstadt, which houses the Bavarian Army Museum, is considered family-friendly. The Altmannstein Castle ruins also offer a great experience for families with its magnificent valley views.
The best time to visit is generally between April and October. For example, Altmannstein Castle is specifically accessible during these months, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. This period offers pleasant weather for exploring outdoor ruins and enjoying scenic views.
Yes, the region around Großmehring offers various hiking opportunities. While not directly to every castle, you can find numerous trails in the area. For hiking routes, check out the Hiking around Großmehring guide, which includes routes like 'Ponds Near Vohburg – Nibelungen Crossing Memorial' and 'Castle Gate – View of the Danube'.
Sandersdorf Castle is a richly structured four-winged building complex. While it has a long history of rebuilding and recent ownership changes, it is not always open for interior visits. Parts of it are planned to be opened to the public in the future, but currently, it's primarily viewed from the outside.
Altmannstein Castle features a well-preserved round donjon from the early 13th century with two-meter-thick walls. You can see remnants of the former residential building and the late medieval 'hunger tower.' The site offers magnificent valley views and is a great example of a restored castle complex.
Yes, there are scenic viewpoints. For instance, the highlight 'View of the Danube and Schloss in Upper Bavaria' offers a wonderful perspective of the New Palace, Ingolstadt from the Donausteg, showcasing it as a landmark of the city.
Beyond hiking, the area around Großmehring is excellent for other outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, such as the 'Roadbike loop from Großmehring,' and various running trails, including 'View of the Danube – Riverside floodplain landscape along the Danube loop'.
The New Palace, Ingolstadt, also known as New Veste, is one of Bavaria's most important 15th-century secular buildings. It was significantly expanded between 1470 and 1490 into a modern residence and now houses the Bavarian Army Museum, making it a key historical and cultural attraction.
While the Burg Erlhof in Großmehring is a vanished site, Altmannstein Castle offers well-preserved ruins, including a round donjon and remnants of residential buildings, providing a clear sense of its medieval past.
Vohburg an der Donau — Old Town is known for its beautiful and well-preserved old town. It is framed by the rivers Danube, Little Danube, and Paar, offering a picturesque setting. Visitors often enjoy the cafes, restaurants, and ice cream parlors there.


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