Burgruine Sulzberg
Castle ruin near Sulzberg in the Upper Allgäu with a castle museum across five floors in the 24-meter-high keep and a panoramic view from the viewing platform.
About the museum
The castle was built around 1170 on a wooded sandstone hill southwest of the present market town of Sulzberg. The lords of Sulzberg, first mentioned in 1176, were in the service of the Kempten Abbey and resided here until 1359. Afterward the related Schellenberg family took over the complex. Marquard von Schellenberg expanded it between 1480 and 1485 into a fortified castle and renamed it "Sigmundsruh" in honor of Archduke Sigmund of Austria.
In the Peasants' War of 1525 the castle was probably damaged, and in 1526 the Prince-Abbot of Kempten acquired it. After destruction in the Thirty Years' War, the last habitable rooms were vacated in 1648; subsequently the ruin served as a quarry.
The first stabilization work on the keep took place in 1953. An inspection in 1982 made clear the worrying condition of the walls, and in 1984 the association Burgfreunde Sulzberg (Friends of the Castle) was founded as a result. With support from the Allgäuer Burgenverein, the volunteers put in over 5,500 working hours in the first seven years; from 1991/92, scientifically supervised excavations followed.
Today the square, 24-meter-high keep, remains of the palace, parts of the curtain wall, four artillery towers of the outer ward wall, and the deep neck ditch can be seen. In the keep, a castle museum across five floors shows finds and stories about the castle; at the top, a platform offers a panoramic view over the Upper Allgäu. The Burgfreunde also organize castle festivals and concerts.
Highlights
- 24-meter-high keep with viewing platform and 360° panoramic view
- Castle museum across five floors with finds from the excavations
- Remains of the palace, curtain wall, and four artillery towers of the outer ward wall
- Coffee and cake in the castle courtyard on opening days
Permanent exhibitions
- Burgmuseum im Bergfried – On five floors in the keep, finds from the excavations and the history of the castle and its lords are presented.
- Operated by
- Burgfreunde Sulzberg e. V.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2.50Holders of the Allgäu-Walser-Card, teens aged 15 and over |
| Children & teens | €2.50free up to age 14 · Children up to and including age 14 free. |
Admission for castle and museum. Cash payment only.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- 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 castle is not accessible; for further information, contact by email.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 14 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
During the summer holidays there are children's knight games as part of the holiday program (registration through the municipality of Sulzberg).
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Parking along the wayside below the castle (observe signage). Access to the castle by car, bus, or motorcycle is not permitted for visitors.
The through road in Sulzberg is currently closed. From the direction of Kempten or the A980, detour via Öschle and Burgratz toward Kenels, before Ottacker turn left toward Sulzberg.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
On opening days, coffee and homemade cake in the castle courtyard.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Castle tours for school classes, kindergarten groups, and company events as well as visits outside opening hours on request by email. |
