Brattenstein Castle

Brattenstein Castle rises majestically above Röttingen, telling the story of a rich and eventful past. First mentioned in 1230, the castle changed hands many times over the centuries, including noble families such as the Lords of Hohenlohe, Götz von Berlichingen, and the Prince-Bishopric of Würzburg.

After serving temporarily as a refugee shelter and later as a clothing factory, parts of the castle collapsed in 1971. However, the city of Röttingen chose to preserve and restore the site. Today, the castle is not only an impressive reminder of the past, but also a vibrant cultural venue.

Since 1984, the castle courtyard has served as the picturesque backdrop for the annual “Frankenfestspiele Röttingen,” an open-air festival featuring musicals, operettas, and plays. Many well-known artists have since performed on its stage.

Another highlight of the castle is the city balcony, created during the reconstruction of the east wing in 2018. It offers a covered grandstand and a spectacular view over the rooftops of Röttingen.

Part of the castle complex is the historic tithe barn and the cellar beneath it, which once stored tithe wine for the prince-bishop’s administration and local nobility. Today, the building serves as a “House of Generations.”

In the west wing of the castle, the “Bacchus Cellar” houses a small, impressive wine museum. Its historical ceiling, still showing mostly original paintwork, dates back to 1580, during the rule of Prince-Bishop Julius Echter. The blend of history and wine culture makes it a must-visit for wine lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

To the west of the castle lies the lovingly designed Paracelsus Garden. It commemorates the work of the famous physician and alchemist Paracelsus and offers a green retreat filled with medicinal herbs and plants traditionally used in natural healing. Five steel sculptures placed throughout the garden create a symbolic bridge between past and present.