Burglengenfeld showcases its history in a variety of places: in the old town, shaped by the late Middle Ages, at the castle complex, and in individual buildings with histories of their own. There is also a freely accessible art forest garden, a weekly market and routes for hiking and mountain biking. When planning your stay, you can choose between local history, outdoor art and exercise.
Old Town and Fortifications
Despite numerous alterations, the old town still has the character of a late medieval settlement. Gabled town houses dating from the 18th century and narrow lanes shape its appearance. The fortifications around the market square add another historical layer: in the early 16th century, a covered wall with a battlement walk and rectangular projecting towers was built there. Restored sections can now be seen in the south and west of the old town.
At the foot of Kreuzberg, the corner tower stands by the southwestern town wall. It is a former defensive tower of the late medieval town fortifications. Views of individual towers and surviving sections of the wall add tangible evidence of the former fortifications to the impressions gained from the lanes.
Castle Complex and Historic Buildings
The castle grounds cover 2.38 hectares and are enclosed by an 800-metre-long circular wall; the outer wall is seven metres high. The keep and another observation and defensive tower, later called the Powder Tower, are attached to the wall. Of the inner castle, essentially only the “large round tower” remains. These details give the complex a distinctive place in Burglengenfeld’s architectural history.
Since 1987, the Upper Palatinate Museum of Folklore has been housed in the former Great Chancellery. This imposing 16th-century administrative building stands at the foot of the castle. The four-sided farmstead also has a long history: it was first mentioned in a document in 817, is enclosed and thus defensible, and has a half-timbered gateway and a corner-set flanking tower. It is also known as the “Altmann’sches Schlösschen,” after a former owner.
Since 2012, a bronze statue in Bonhoeffer Square, near the Protestant Church of Christ, has commemorated Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The beer cellar sauna at the Bulmare spa has a different connection to the town’s history: it recalls Burglengenfeld’s long brewing tradition.
Outdoor Art and an Interactive Guided Tour
The Burglengenfeld Art Forest Garden is an open-air art exhibition. It is open year-round and freely accessible at no charge around the clock. This makes it distinct from the historic buildings, whose appeal lies primarily in their architectural and functional history.
Children can take part in a child-friendly interactive guided tour, following historical clues through Burglengenfeld’s old streets and lanes. If you plan to join the tour, check the current programme. This makes it easy to choose between exploring the buildings and old town at your own pace and discovering the town’s history with a guide.
Hiking Trail and Mountain Bike Tour
A hiking trail leads from the Imperial and Ducal Castle along the Naab to Kallmünz. Cliffs and juniper bushes shape the landscape along the way. By contrast, a mountain bike tour starts at the market square and crosses the Naab before climbing to Köblitzplatte and Malerwinkel. The routes therefore differ both in how you travel and in the destinations mentioned. Check current route information and conditions before setting out.
Weekly Market and Advent Market
A farmers’ and weekly market is held every Thursday in the market square. If your stay coincides with a public holiday, check for possible exceptions to the usual schedule. Burglengenfeld’s Advent market takes place every year on the first weekend of Advent. The offerings include arts and crafts, culinary surprises and live music. For travel planning, the weekly market is a regular event throughout the year; the Advent market adds a seasonal highlight, with its specific date depending on the calendar.
Whether you mainly want to explore the old town and its architectural history, choose one of the tours mentioned, or plan your visit around a market, Burglengenfeld offers a range of themes to explore during your stay. You can search for suitable hotels in Burglengenfeld for your overnight stay.
Discover more destinations: Neunburg Vorm Wald, Stulln, Fensterbach, Schwarzenfeld, Schmidgaden, Schwandorf, Neukirchen-Balbini, Bodenwöhr
Go to the higher-level travel overview: Schwandorf.
