Dachau Castle Guide
Dachau Castle: Medieval Roots, Renaissance Splendor Guide
Dachau Castle, not to be confused with Dachau Palace, refers to the original medieval structure upon which the palace was built. While much of the medieval castle is gone, remnants remain, offering a glimpse into Dachau's earlier history. Exploring the castle grounds and understanding its evolution into the Renaissance palace provides a fascinating perspective on the region's past. The original Dachau Castle was a medieval fortress, serving as a strategic stronghold and residence for local rulers. Over time, the castle underwent numerous changes and expansions. In the 16th century, Duke Wilhelm IV transformed the castle into the Renaissance palace that stands today. While the palace represents the Renaissance era, traces of the original medieval structure can still be seen in the foundations and some of the remaining walls. Visitors can explore the grounds of Dachau Palace, which incorporate the site of the original castle. While there are no specific activities directly related to the medieval castle remains, understanding its history adds depth to your visit to the palace. You can imagine the castle's original form as you walk through the palace gardens and admire the views. As with the palace, Dachau itself offers traditional Bavarian cuisine in local restaurants.
Transportation
From Munich, take the S2 S-Bahn towards Dachau/Petershausen. Get off at Dachau Bahnhof (Dachau train station). From there, take bus 720, 722 or 726 to Dachau Schloss. The bus stop is right in front of the palace, which incorporates the site of the original castle.