Burg Meersburg

About the museum

The origins of the Meersburg are disputed. One tradition attributes the construction of the massive keep, known as the Dagobertsturm (Dagobert's Tower), to the Merovingian king Dagobert I in the 7th century; architectural studies, however, point rather to a date in the 12th or 13th century.

From the 13th century the castle belonged to the Bishops of Constance, who expanded it and used it as a residence at times. With the construction of the Baroque Neues Schloss (New Palace) in the 18th century, the old castle lost importance. After secularization it passed to Baden.

In 1838 the Germanist and manuscript collector Joseph von Laßberg acquired the castle and made it a meeting place for scholars. His sister-in-law, the poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff, lived with him at times, wrote many poems here and died at the castle in 1848; her rooms can still be visited today.

The Meersburg later passed to the collector Carl Mayer von Mayerfels and then to the Naeßl-Doms family, who still live there today. As a private castle museum, it presents more than 30 historically furnished rooms – from the Knights' Hall and the armory to the dungeon and well shaft, and living quarters from several centuries.

Highlights

• Dagobertsturm, the castle's massive keep
• Living room and death chamber of the poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff
• Armory and weapons hall with historic weapons and armor
• Dungeon and well shaft cut into the rock
• View over Lake Constance from the castle garden and terrace

Permanent exhibitions

• Rundgang Burgmuseum – Self-guided tour through more than 30 historically furnished rooms, from the dungeon to the Droste rooms.

Operated by

Familie Naeßl-Doms (Privatbesitz)

Admission & discounts

Discounts cannot be combined. One free admission with the Bodensee Card PLUS. Guided tours on request for an additional charge.

Accessibility

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

The historic castle is not accessible; areas reachable by wheelchair include the weapons hall, Droste rooms, castle garden and Fürstensaal (Princes' Hall). For people with walking disabilities, exceptions for driving into the old town are possible on request. Dogs allowed on a leash.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly: not available

Quiz sheets for children (grades 3/4 and 5–8) for a small extra charge at the ticket desk; “Belebte Burg” event weekends. Because of the many stairs, the castle advises against bringing strollers; they can be left at the museum entrance. Children up to age 6 free.

Getting there & parking

Vehicle access to the old town is restricted; for people with walking disabilities, exceptions are possible on prior request. Combination ticket with the Bodensee-Schiffsbetriebe for arriving by boat.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

Burg-Café with a Baroque hall and lake terrace, specializing in pancakes; Burg-Bar.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

Civil and non-religious wedding ceremonies in the Kapellenturm (chapel tower) or the Renaissance hall; receptions in the castle garden, celebrations in the Renaissance hall and the Burg-Bar.

Plan your visit