Burgellern Castle

Burgellern Castle stands in the village of Burgellern near Bamberg in Upper Franconia. A former residence of Bamberg’s cathedral chapter, the building began as a medieval castle first recorded in 1342. In the 18th century it was rebuilt as an 18th-century residence for the chapter. The castle’s chapel was blessed in 1342 under Konrad of Giech, marking the earliest written mention of the site.

The castle is notable for its 18th- and 19th-century alterations. Marquard Wilhelm Count of Schönborn documented the rebuilding in 1726. His successor added an administration building in 1772. The Buseck brothers later transformed parts of the interior with oriental decoration after a trip in 1838. King Maximilian of Bavaria and King Ludwig I visited in 1853.

Today the castle houses a hotel and restaurant. Guests find 22 guest rooms and conference spaces. The grounds include a natural pool and a restored pump house from 1896. The Katharina-Magdalena-Chapel holds the graves of the Buseck family. The castle’s park and pathways were replanted and rebuilt after 2005.