Willibaldsberg Castle

Eichstätt, Germany, Germany

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Willibaldsberg Castle, commonly known as Willibaldsburg, is a historic hilltop fortress overlooking the town of Eichstätt in Bavaria.

First fortified in the 11th century and extensively expanded from around 1355, it served for centuries as the residence of the Prince-Bishops of Eichstätt and was one of the region’s most important ecclesiastical strongholds. During the Renaissance, the castle was transformed into an impressive palace-fortress and became famous for the Hortus Eystettensis, one of Europe’s most celebrated botanical gardens, created under Bishop Johann Konrad von Gemmingen.

Today, Willibaldsburg is one of Eichstätt’s most prominent landmarks. It houses the Jura Museum, known for its fossil collections, and features a reconstructed Bastion Garden that reflects the castle’s historic botanical heritage. Its elevated position also offers panoramic views over the Altmühl Valley.