Schloss Oettingen

Current exhibitions

About the museum

Oettingen in the Nördlinger Ries had been the seat of government of the House of Oettingen since the counts' family was first mentioned in 1141. The Neues Schloss (New Palace) stands on the site of the late medieval mint, which was built under the protection of the Upper Town Gate soon after the right to mint coins was granted in 1393; remains of its walls are still embedded in the present building. The new palace was commissioned by Countess Ludovika Rosalie, who governed on behalf of her underage son after her husband's death. The residence was built from 1679 to 1687 to plans by Matthias Weiß; the town gate was incorporated into the structure, as a slight bend in the south facade reveals.

The building's uses can be read from the facade: the chancelleries were on the first floor, the family's private rooms on the second floor, and the state rooms with the banquet hall behind taller windows on the third floor. The stucco ceilings come from the workshop of Matthias Schmuzer of Wessobrunn. In the palace courtyard stands the Marienbrunnen (Fountain of the Virgin Mary), created in 1720, surrounded by the guest wing, coach houses and the Prinzessinnenbau (princesses' wing) with the former royal stables.

The palace still belongs to the family of the Princes of Oettingen-Spielberg. Between 1975 and 2018 it was restored in stages; among other things, the structure of the banquet hall was stabilized and the first floor was converted into a palace museum. Today the rooms can be visited on guided tours, which also lead through the exhibition "Hofgeschichten" (Court Stories) on the family's history of almost 900 years. The Oettinger Residenzkonzerte (residence concerts) take place in the banquet hall from May to October.

Highlights

• Banquet hall with stucco by Matthias Schmuzer, venue of the residence concerts
• Golden Salon with Baroque stucco ceiling and Rococo wall stucco
• Red Room with faience stove
• Marienbrunnen fountain from 1720 in the palace courtyard
• Exhibition "Hofgeschichten" on the family history of the House of Oettingen

Permanent exhibitions

• Residenzräume und Festsaal – The tour shows the former private rooms of the princely family on the second floor and the state rooms with the banquet hall on the third floor.

Founded

1687

Operated by

Fürst zu Oettingen-Spielberg’sche Verwaltung

Admission & discounts

All prices include the guided tour. Special tours (including for children) require a reservation; children only when accompanied by adults.

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

According to the palace administration, the residence is not wheelchair-accessible.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Numerous children's programs on fixed dates, including a palace tour for children ages 4 and up, fairy-tale tours, "Prinz und Prinzessin" (Prince and Princess), treasure hunt, palace detectives, and the night tour "Nachts im Schloss" (At Night in the Palace) (ages 6 and up); also bookable for birthday parties and holidays. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The palace is not accessible.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Events & venue rental

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

Up to 400 guests.

Weddings and celebrations in the banquet hall, on one floor or throughout the entire palace for up to 400 guests; civil weddings in the Red Salon (20), Golden Salon (50) or historic dining room (80). Conferences, dinners and photo shoots; catering can be arranged.

Plan your visit