Prunn Castle

Riedenburg, Germany, Germany

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Prunn Castle is one of Bavaria’s most picturesque medieval castles, dramatically perched on a steep limestone cliff above the Altmühl Valley near Riedenburg.

The site was first associated with local nobles in 1037, while much of the castle that survives today dates from around 1200, making it a classic example of a knight’s castle from the High Middle Ages. Over the centuries, the castle was expanded by several noble families, particularly the Fraunberg family, who added late Gothic features and helped shape its present appearance.

Prunn Castle is also famous for the discovery of the “Prunner Codex,” one of the oldest complete manuscripts of the medieval epic Nibelungenlied, which was found there in the 16th century and is now preserved in the Bavarian State Library. Today, the beautifully preserved castle operates as a museum and cultural landmark. Visitors can explore historic rooms, medieval architecture, and exhibitions about the Nibelungenlied while enjoying spectacular views across the Altmühl Valley.