The castle served as the seat of the Princes of Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst, a high-ranking noble family in the German Empire.
Chlodwig, Prince of Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst, who owned the estate, served as the Chancellor of the German Empire from 1894 to 1900.
The castle's falconry, known as the Greifvogelpark, is one of the oldest of its kind in Germany.
The location on the ridge of the Frankenhöhe makes the castle a natural lookout point over the historic trade routes of the region.
Schloss Schillingsfürst is a baroque-style residential castle located on the Franconian Heights in Bavaria. Originally built as a fortress in the 11th century, the structure was significantly expanded into its current form by the House of Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst. The castle houses a notable falconry, featuring daily flight demonstrations of eagles, falcons, and owls. Visitors can explore the interior staterooms, which display furniture and artifacts reflecting the aristocratic history of the ruling princely family. It remains a privately owned property and serves as both a museum and a cultural event venue. The site is situated on a ridge, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hilly landscape.
The main courtyard entrance gate provides a framed architectural shot, while the ridge perimeter offers the best wide-angle landscape photos.
Check the falconry show schedule immediately upon arrival, as flight demonstrations occur at specific intervals during the day.
Wear comfortable, sturdy footwear as the courtyard and surrounding areas have uneven historic cobblestone paths.
Take time to walk the perimeter of the outer castle wall for unobstructed views of the Franconian countryside.
Do not attempt to enter private sections of the castle grounds clearly marked for residents or hotel guests.
The castle and falconry are generally closed during the winter months, typically reopening in the spring; check for seasonal closures on Mondays.
Respect the privacy of the residential sections of the castle; maintain a quiet demeanor during falconry demonstrations to avoid startling the birds.
