Burg Lauenstein

About the museum

The hilltop castle above the Loquitz valley is first mentioned in 1138; its oldest parts date back to the mid-12th century. For a long time it was the seat of a branch line of the Counts of Orlamünde. In the 15th century the heavily indebted lordship changed hands several times before passing to the von Thüna family in the early 16th century.

Christoph von Thüna had the main wing rebuilt between 1551 and 1554. The so-called Thünabau, with its four diagonally set corner towers and striking stepped gables, is regarded as an important example of Renaissance castle architecture in central Germany. In 1622 the Margraves of Brandenburg-Bayreuth acquired the castle; it passed to Prussia in 1791 and to Bavaria in 1803.

In the 19th century the complex fell increasingly into decay until the private citizen Ehrhard Messmer bought it in 1896 and had it restored in the spirit of late Historicism; among other things, he ran it as a guesthouse. In 1962 the castle passed to the Free State of Bavaria, which extensively renovated it in the following years.

The Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung (Bavarian Palace Administration) set up a museum in more than 20 rooms of the main castle. It displays furniture, armor and weapons from the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as special collections of keys and locks, lighting fixtures and musical instruments. The castle can be visited only on a guided tour. The outer bailey with the former castle hotel is currently being remodeled.

Highlights

• Renaissance main wing (Thünabau) with four diagonally set corner towers
• More than 20 furnished museum rooms
• Armor and weapons from the 16th and 17th centuries
• Collections of historic keys, locks, lamps and musical instruments
• Setting on the Franconian–Thuringian border high above the Loquitz valley

Permanent exhibitions

• Museumsräume der Hauptburg – More than 20 rooms display furniture, armor and weapons from the 16th and 17th centuries, complemented by special collections of keys and locks, lighting and musical instruments.

Operated by

Bayerische Verwaltung der staatlichen Schlösser, Gärten und Seen (Schloss- und Gartenverwaltung Bamberg)

Admission & discounts

2026 prices. Card payment is not possible at the ticket desk. Free admission with the Bayerische Ehrenamtskarte (Bavarian volunteer card), among others.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: not available
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: not available
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Cobblestone courtyard; entrance steps and first floor reachable via mobile ramps (ask the staff). Upper floors only via a spiral staircase. No accessible restroom, no accessible parking spaces (public parking lot approx. 400 m below the castle). No tactile guidance system, no induction loop; written information for visitors with hearing impairments.

Kids & families

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

Getting there & parking

Due to construction work at the outer bailey (conversion of the former castle hotel), direct access to the castle is currently not possible.

Amenities & dining

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

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 40 guests.

Wedding room for civil ceremonies with up to 40 people.

Plan your visit