Burgmuseum Burg Guttenberg

About the museum

Burg Guttenberg above the Neckar near Neckarmühlbach was built around 1200 as a Staufer-era castle, probably to protect the Palatinate in Bad Wimpfen. In 1238, a Zobelo von Guttenberg is first mentioned in documents. In 1449 Hans von Gemmingen acquired the complex for 6,000 guilders; since then it has belonged to the Gemmingen-Guttenberg family and is considered one of the few castles that were never destroyed and have always been inhabited. Around 1500, Renaissance-style residential buildings were added, and the museum is housed in them today. From Christmas 1521, Protestant sermons were preached here; the castle was one of the first Protestant preaching sites in the region.

The castle museum shows the award-winning exhibition "Leben auf der Ritterburg" (Life in the Knight's Castle). In five rooms, each dedicated to one century, visitors meet knights in armor, reformers, warlords and hunters up to the 19th century. The collection includes a library of more than 3,000 volumes and around 30 incunabula, as well as the Holzbibliothek (wooden library), an approximately 200-year-old herbarium of 93 volumes with samples of native trees and shrubs. Since 2019, the attic has housed castles and a cathedral built from LEGO bricks by the Schwabenstein 2×4 association. The path leads across the shield wall to the 40-meter keep with its watchman's room. On the grounds, the Deutsche Greifenwarte raptor station also presents flying demonstrations.

Highlights

• Award-winning exhibition "Leben auf der Ritterburg"
• Library with over 3,000 volumes and around 30 incunabula
• Wooden library: a 93-volume herbarium
• Climb to the 40-meter keep
• LEGO castles and cathedral in the attic
• Combined ticket with a flying demonstration by the Deutsche Greifenwarte

Permanent exhibitions

• Leben auf der Ritterburg – Award-winning exhibition across five rooms, from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, showing how castle residents lived, fought and believed.
• Bibliothek und Holzbibliothek – Historical library with over 3,000 volumes and around 30 incunabula, plus an approximately 200-year-old herbarium of 93 volumes.
• LEGO-Burgenwelt – Medieval motifs such as a castle and a cathedral, built from LEGO bricks by the Schwabenstein 2×4 association, in the attic.

Operated by

Familie von Gemmingen-Guttenberg (Privatbesitz)

Admission & discounts

Admission includes the climb up the castle tower. Prices valid from 2026. With a day-current bwtarif ticket or the Schüler-Ferien-Ticket (bwegtPlus), reduced admission is available.

Accessibility

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

The Renaissance building that houses the museum can only be reached by a stone spiral staircase and is not barrier-free; strollers cannot be taken along. Accessible toilets are located on the castle grounds opposite the ticket house. The Burgschenke (castle tavern), part of the terrace and the event rooms can be reached without barriers.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

For school classes and children there are programs and forest tours; quiz sheets for primary and secondary schools are available to download. In the attic, the LEGO builds attract young visitors. Strollers cannot be taken into the museum because of the spiral staircase.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A 6 (exit Bad Rappenau) or the B 27 (Gundelsheim); follow the brown "Burg Guttenberg" signs. Coordinates for navigation: 49°16′50″ N, 9°8′4″ E. On foot from the village center of Neckarmühlbach it takes about 15 minutes; from Gundelsheim train station or the boat landing, 30 to 45 minutes.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Burgschenke "Annie Finefood" with restaurant, beer garden and kiosk; small museum shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 250 guests.

Burgschenke for weddings, birthdays and company events for 40 to 250 people; event barn "Zum alten Marstall" in the valley for up to 100 people; weddings at the castle are possible.

Plan your visit