Burghausen is dominated by the world's longest castle complex, which stretches 1,051 meters along a dramatic ridge.
This Upper Bavarian town combines the grandeur of its fortress with the charm of a historic old town.
Burghausen castle above the Salzach river
The castle and town sit above the Salzach river, once a vital salt trade route and now the natural border between Germany and Austria.
This strategic location has shaped Burghausen's development from a medieval powerhouse to today's cultural centre, where visitors can explore architectural treasures without the overwhelming crowds found in more famous Bavarian destinations.
Burghausen is located in south-east Bavaria, 108 kilometres east of Munich, close to the Austrian border.
The town stretches along the western bank of the River Salzach, with the massive castle complex overlooking both the German countryside and neighbouring Austrian territory.
This location in the Altötting district places Burghausen in the traditional salt-mining region of Bavaria, an area historically known as the 'white gold' district.
The town occupies a unique geographical position at the junction of several different landscapes.
The gentle hills of the Bavarian uplands lie to the north, while the foothills of the Alps rise to the south, providing a dramatic backdrop for the castle.
The Salzach River valley provides a natural transport corridor that has served traders and travellers for centuries, linking Burghausen with Salzburg (40 kilometres to the south) and other major regional centres.
The Wöhrsee lake, which runs parallel to the castle ridge, forms a natural moat and is now a popular location for water sports and leisure activities.
Munich Airport is by far the most convenient flight destination for Burghausen.
Distance to Salzburg Airport: 58km
Distance to Munich Airport: 102km
Distance to Linz Airport: 131km
Despite the similar relatively close distances of the other airports, the public and private transport facilities and the range of flights and destinations on offer make it the most popular choice for visitors.
The railway station in Burghausen is located in the main more modern part of the town and is around 25 minutes' walk from Stadtplatz and Burghausen castle.
Burghausen is connected to the cities of Munich and Salzburg by regional Deutsche Bahn rail services involving a change in the town of Mühldorf.
Burghausen is connected to Munich by the A94 motorway, which runs about 10 kilometres north of the town. Drivers should leave the motorway on the B20 main road, whiche leads to Burghausen and then further south to the Austrian border and Salzburg.
If you know when you are planning to go but haven't decided on accommodation, then use the map below to get an idea of which properties are available and to compare prices during the period you wish to travel.
Enter your proposed dates and use the '+' to zoom in on a location and reveal more properties. Click on the price above a property to see more information.
(Please note that this selection will also include some guesthouses, pensions and self-catering apartments for those who are interested in that form of accommodation!)
If you know when you are planning to go but haven't decided on accommodation, then use the searchbox below to get an idea of which properties are available and to compare prices during the period you wish to travel.
The history of Burghausen begins in the Bronze Age, with archaeological evidence of settlements along the strategically valuable Salzach ridge.
The first documented mention of the town dates from 1025, although the defensive potential of the site had attracted fortifications even earlier.
Development of the castle began in the 1020s under the Counts of Burghausen, who laid the foundations for the longest castle complex in the world.
The town's golden age came in 1255, when the Wittelsbach dynasty made Burghausen one of their main residences.
The castle underwent massive expansion under Duke Heinrich XIII of Lower Bavaria, who transformed it into an advanced medieval fortress.
The castle grounds above Burghausen
The most significant period of prosperity came during the reign of Duke Georg der Reiche (1479-1503), who established Burghausen as the second residence of Lower Bavaria and stored the dukedom's treasury in the castle.
The salt trade dominated Burghausen's medieval economy.
The town's location on the River Salzach made it a key point on the 'white gold' route from Salzburg to distant markets.
Prosperity enabled the creation of elaborate defensive systems, including the six separate courtyards of the castle complex.
The town's importance declined after 1503, when the Landshut War of Succession ended and Burghausen lost its status as a ducal residence.
However, the castle retained its military importance and served as a border fortress until the 19th century. The medieval defences proved so effective that the castle was never successfully taken by force throughout its history.
The modern era brought a new identity to Burghausen. The Wacker Chemie company started its operations here in 1915, marking the beginning of Burghausen's transformation into an industrial base. In spite of this industrial presence, the city retained its medieval character, especially in the old town below the castle.
The post-war period saw the careful restoration of historic buildings and the establishment of cultural events such as the International Jazz Festival in 1970.
Burghausen Castle dominates any visit to the city and demands a proper exploration of its six distinct courtyards and 1,051 metres of length.
The main castle complex houses the State Gallery with Gothic panel paintings and a remarkable collection of late medieval art. The Knights' Hall retains its original Renaissance wooden ceiling, while the castle chapel has medieval frescoes.
The Castle Museum illustrates daily life in the Middle Ages through well-preserved living quarters and displays of period furniture.
The old town stretches along a narrow peninsula below the castle and contains some of the best-preserved Gothic architecture in Bavaria.
The main square, centred around St Jacob's Church, is lined with colourful 15th- and 16th-century townhouses. The church itself contains important Gothic art, including a remarkable winged altar.
The old town (Altstadt) in Burghausen
The historic Salt Office building, with its distinctive red facade, is a reminder of the town's trading heritage.
The House of Photography is housed in a restored medieval building and features a permanent collection as well as temporary exhibitions by international photographers.
Nearby, the Stadtmuseum in the former Liebfrauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) presents the history of Burghausen through local artefacts and interactive displays. The museum's tower offers panoramic views of the old town and castle.
The Wöhrsee area offers recreational opportunities with swimming and walking paths. The lakeside promenade links several historic watchtowers that once formed part of the city's defence system.
Burghausen tourist information office is located on the long Stadtplatz in the centre of the town. It is open on weekdays all year and on Saturdays in the summer months.
Website: www.visit-burghausen.com