A Visit to Büdingen
Categories: Family and Kids, Sightseeing, Cultural and History
Büdingen is a town in the Wetteraukreis in Hesse known for its medieval stronghold that to this day is still in good condition as well as for its timber framed houses. The city is located about 40 km east of Frankfurt (Frankfurt vacation rentals | Frankfurt travel guide) am Main in a valley.
Büdingen is well known for its famous castle and its old town. Both were build on century old oak planks set up on beech props because the city is located in a sometimes swampy and wet area. Therefore the water level has to be kept relatively high so that no air can reach the foundation.
Büdingen was first mentioned historically at 847, but its not clear if Büdingen (Büdingen vacation rentals | Büdingen travel guide) in Hesse was meant. Officially the town was mentioned in 1206. After the deaths of the noblemen of Büdingen the noblemen of Hohnelohe-Brauneck, Isenburg-Kempenich, Trimberg, Hohenlohe (Hohenlohe vacation rentals | Hohenlohe travel guide) and of Isenburg were the heirs. In 1330 Büdingen was granted the status of a market town by Holy Roman Emperor Louis IV. 5 years later, Burggraf Heinrich II granted freedom and some independence to the Büdinger people. In return, it was expected that the people of Büdingen defend their city. This is when the Marksmen's Society was founded. It exists to this day in Germany and is known for one of the oldest rifle associations in the country.
After a local war in 1442, enormous new defensive walls with 22 towers were built around the old stronghold. These walls are still nearly 100% intact and well know as an important landmark for medieval strongholds in Germany.
When allegedly Martin Luther passed through Büdingen in 1521, the city became Protestant and later Calvinist.
[ source: Wikipedia ]
Castle Büdingen
Located at the foot of the Vogelsberg, on the outskirts of the picturesque Old Town Büdingens, Castle Büdingen was built in as a water castle at the time of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. Since 1258 the castle was inhabited by the family of Prince zu Ysenburg und Büdingen. You are cordially invited to visit and enjoy the special atmosphere of this old property with its rich history.
Weddings @ Schloss Büdingen
Ever wanted to get married in a real castle? This is your chance to do just that! Get married in the beautiful chapel and enjoy your reception in the historic rooms of the castle. Castle Büdingen also offers their rooms for other parties and events. For more information please see contact details below.
Restaurant and Cafe Schloss Büdingen
Open year round this great restaurant offers local and international cuisine as well as sausages, ham, salami, steaks and other mouthwatering foods from local deer. Part of the restaurant is also the Schloss Cafe. Enjoy a delicious meal on the garden terrace or in one of the restaurants beautiful rooms.
The Museum
Whether it be the rediscovered frescoes, the Gothic chapel with its unique choir, or the many medieval exhibits - They are all testimonies of the past. They all will give you an insight into the courtly life at Castle Büdingen in medieval times.
The castle offers guided tours in English, French or German from mid April to mid October on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm and 5 pm.
On any other day and throughout the year tours are possible when reserved prior.
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Location, Map, and Driving Directions
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Admission
Admission for castle tours is as follows:
- Foreign Language Tours are 1 € extra
- Cost per Tour and Person is 5 € for adults and 3.50 € for kids. Groups of a minimum of 20 persons are 4.50 € for adults and 3 € for children.
You can use the link below to obtain a reservation form
Opening Hours
The restaurant Schloss Cafe has the following opening hours:
- 11 a.m. -11 p.m.
- Open for Lunch and Dinner: 11.30 a.m. - 2.30 p.m., 5.30 p.m. - 11 p.m.
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