Altmühlzentrum Burg Dollnstein

About the museum

Where the narrow Altmühl Valley opens into a wide basin near Dollnstein, a fortified settlement arose in the early Middle Ages at the river crossing of an old Roman road. From about 1100 it was protected by a stone wall with a gatehouse and a hall building; in the 12th century a hilltop castle was added on the striking rock, and the older complex in the valley became the outer bailey.

After the Prince-Bishopric of Eichstätt acquired the castle in 1440, Prince-Bishop Albrecht II of Hohenrechberg had farm buildings added to the castle wall in 1444/45 – today's castle stables. After damage in the Thirty Years' War the castle lost importance; in 1804 it was auctioned off and the upper castle largely demolished. The stables and castle gate survived because they continued to be used for farming and housing.

From 1980, the market town of Dollnstein gradually bought back the decaying buildings. Between 2005 and 2012 they were renovated in keeping with their historic character and prepared for the Altmühlzentrum; in 2015 the exhibition on the upper floor was added. During excavations in 2007, a buried pot with almost 4,000 silver coins and jewelry from the 14th century was found, and it is now displayed at the site where it was discovered.

The exhibition covers the castle and life in the Middle Ages, the castles of the Altmühl Valley, the formation of the landscape from the ancient Danube valley to the Jura house, and Wolfram von Eschenbach, who mentioned the carnival of the Dollnstein market women. The tourist information office is in the same building.

Highlights

• Dollnstein treasure find with almost 4,000 silver coins and jewelry from the 14th century
• Late medieval castle stables with a historic roof truss
• Landscape history of the Altmühl Valley from the ancient Danube valley to the Jura house
• Chamber on Wolfram von Eschenbach and the Dollnstein "vasnaht" (carnival)
• Models based on Konrad Kyeser's war book "Bellifortis" on the banks of the Altmühl

Permanent exhibitions

• Burg Dollnstein und burgenreiches Altmühltal – The first floor shows the history and daily life of the castle, heating and cooking in the Middle Ages, and the castles of the surrounding area.
• Landschaft und Leben im Altmühltal – Under the historic roof truss, the focus is on the formation of the valley, towns, market towns and villages, and the Jura house; additional information is hidden in drawers and flaps.
• Der Dollnsteiner Schatzfund – The treasury presents the hoard recovered in 2007, with coins, a ring and jewelry, at its place of discovery.

Founded

2012

Operated by

Markt Dollnstein

Admission & discounts

Free admission for members of the Burgfreunde (friends of the castle) and holders of the Ehrenamtskarte (volunteer card).

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children's birthday parties at the castle (approx. 2 hours, €80 supervision plus admission, at least one adult per five children) with a child-friendly tour, on request museum rally, coin minting, games and painting hand puppets. Family ticket €10.

Getting there & parking

From Ingolstadt take the B 13 to Eichstätt, then toward Altmühltal/Dollnstein; from Weißenburg take the B 13 to the roundabout toward Rupertsbuch, then toward Schernfeld/Dollnstein. The castle courtyard can be reached from the Marktplatz through the castle gate.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Museum café with specialty coffees from an Eichstätt roastery, teas and cold drinks (currently no pastries). Museum shop in the entrance area with literature, cycling and hiking maps, wooden toys and works by regional craftspeople. Tourist information in the same building.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

Civil wedding ceremonies in various rooms of the Altmühlzentrum; information from the Dollnstein registry office.

Plan your visit