Historisches Museum auf Burg Pappenheim

About the museum

The Historisches Museum is located in the former armory of Pappenheim Castle, also known as the Preißingerhaus. The three-story building with a saddle roof probably dates back in its core to the 13th or 14th century; the Gothic stepped gable comes from the 15th century. It served as a weapons arsenal and was later also used as living quarters.

On the first floor, the permanent exhibition presents the history of Pappenheim from the 8th to the 19th century on 32 display panels. A separate section is devoted to Field Marshal Gottfried Heinrich zu Pappenheim, called Schrammhans, whose regiment during the Thirty Years' War inspired Schiller's line "Daran erkenn ich meine Pappenheimer". On the second floor lies the Ahnensaal (ancestral hall), furnished with medieval furniture and paintings.

In the cellar is a torture chamber with displayed tools that offer insight into the history of justice; according to the museum, Pappenheim Castle never had a torture chamber. The castle itself, the ancestral seat of the Counts of Pappenheim, has been gradually restored since the second half of the 20th century. The castle grounds also include a botanical garden with native plants and a herb garden.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition on Pappenheim's history on 32 display panels
• The history of Field Marshal Gottfried Heinrich zu Pappenheim
• Torture chamber in the cellar of the armory
• Ancestral hall with medieval furniture and paintings
• Castle grounds with botanical garden and herb garden

Permanent exhibitions

• Historisches Museum im Zeughaus – The local history of Pappenheim from the 8th to the 19th century, as well as the history of Field Marshal Gottfried Heinrich zu Pappenheim.
• Folterkammer – In the cellar of the armory, displayed tools show the history of criminal punishment.

Operated by

Gräflich Pappenheim’sche Verwaltung

Admission & discounts

Admission prices for Pappenheim Castle; various reduced rates are available.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• 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 museum is not wheelchair accessible; there is an accessible restroom and seating.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Adventure tour for children and families with puzzles and a treasure hunt (price on request).

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Castle shop; Burgschänke (castle tavern) with beer garden (you may bring your own Brotzeit, a light snack).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

The Ahnensaal in the armory, the Wappensaal, the castle chapel, the Trau-Raum (wedding room) and the Burgschänke can be rented for weddings and celebrations.

Plan your visit