Burghausen

Burghausen is a town in Upper Bavaria. The longest castle complex in the world watches over a hill above the excellently preserved old town: six castle courtyards strung together make up a length of over one kilometre.

Understand
Burghausen is a town of roughly 19,000 inhabitants (2020) whose main claim to fame is the chemical company Wacker, that also gave name to the resident soccer team Wacker Burghausen. The city is aptly named as "Burg" is the German name for castle.

The city of Burghausen consists of the new town and the old town:
 * The old town is the historical core of the city, it is cramped and stretches along on the west bank of the Salzach. The western edge of the old town is the mountain ridge with the towering castle.
 * The Neustadt is the urban "modern" district, it lies west of the old town and castle and is separated from the castle by an old water arm of the Salzach.

By plane
Munich airport and the airport of Salzburg  are within a reasonable distance of town.

By car
From the west (Munich): on the federal road B12 via Mühldorf and Altötting (partly already as motorway - A94 - extended) to Burghausen.

From the north (Straubing and south of Berchtesgadener Land: via the federal road B20 ("Blue Route").

From the east (Passau) via the federal road 12.

The public parking lots in Burghausen are mostly free of charge, but there are few in the old town.

Get around
Most areas of tourist interest are accessible on foot. The main station is somewhat distant from the old town, so that you might want to take one of the city buses.

See
The old town centre in Inn-Salzach-Stil (style of buildings typical for towns along the rivers Inn and Salzach).

Castle
. The castle is divided into six wards. The most privileged and secure courtyard was the first one called "Hauptburg" (German for "main castle"). Visitors should start their tour from the sixth ward and work their way into the first one.

In contrast to most other historic buildings the grounds of Burghausen castle can be visited free of charge and are accessibly day and night (with a view limitations as for example new year's eve). A stroll around the castle by night (especially in winter or foggy nights) is highly recommended as it is to watch the sunset there.

Further sights

 * In den Grüben. Historical alley with lots of small shops.