Rosenburg mit Falkenhof und Falknereimuseum

About the museum

The Rosenburg near Riedenburg sits on a ridge above the Altmühl valley and dates back to the 12th century. It initially served as the ancestral seat of the Counts of Riedenburg; after the Regensburg burgraves and the Landgraves of Stefling died out, it passed to the Dukes of Bavaria. During the Peasants' War of 1525 the complex was severely damaged and was rebuilt between 1556 and 1560.

Since 1978, a falcon yard has been housed in the castle courtyard. Eagles, vultures, falcons, owls and other birds of prey, including many species no longer native to the Altmühl valley, are kept here and shown in narrated flight demonstrations.

The museum in the castle explains the history of falconry, which is recognized as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, and displays falconry equipment such as gloves and hoods. Further rooms present the native wildlife, including former forest dwellers such as wolf, lynx and bear, and tell of the builders and residents of the Rosenburg. From the museum window there is a wide view into the valley, which also shows why the site was strategically well placed.

Highlights

• Narrated bird-of-prey flight demonstrations with eagles, vultures, owls, falcons and kites
• Museum on falconry, native wildlife and castle history
• Tour of the castle complex with views of the valley
• Falconer's experience day for visitors
• Inn and beer garden in the castle courtyard

Permanent exhibitions

• Museum – Die Welt der Falknerei – Exhibition on the centuries-old art of falconry, with equipment such as gloves and hoods.
• Wildtiere der Region und Geschichte der Rosenburg – Displays and information boards on native wildlife, the builders and residents of the castle, and historic finds.

Operated by

Falkenhof Schloß Rosenburg

Admission & discounts

The flight demonstration, the tour with the birds of prey, and the museum are included in admission. The inn and beer garden are only accessible with an admission ticket. Tickets are sold only at the box office on site; no reservation is necessary; payment by debit and credit card is possible.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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 castle complex is accessible and easy to visit with a wheelchair or stroller; the museum and part of the circular path are not accessible. Accessible parking spaces near the entrance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly

A popular destination for families; during the Bavarian holidays (mid-March to mid-October) there is a children's owl flight. The castle grounds are easy to walk with a stroller; the museum is not.

Getting there & parking

On foot, the route from the large Volksfestplatz car park in Riedenburg (start of the Drei-Burgen-Steig trail) takes about 60 to 75 minutes to the Rosenburg.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

Burgkeller inn and beer garden in the castle courtyard, accessible only with a falcon yard admission ticket.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit