The castle grounds contain the fossils of Archaeopteryx lithographica, one of the most significant specimens of evolutionary history.
The Hortus Eystettensis garden was originally commissioned by Prince-Bishop Johann Konrad von Gemmingen to showcase every plant known at the time.
The castle served as the seat of the Prince-Bishops until the secularization in 1803.
The Jura Museum is housed in the former castle bastions, utilizing the historic architecture to display regional geological findings.
A portion of the castle was destroyed during the Thirty Years' War and subsequently rebuilt in a Baroque style.
Willibaldsburg Castle is a former hilltop residence of the Prince-Bishops of Eichstätt situated on the Jura ridge above the Altmühl valley. Construction began in 1355 under Bishop Berthold of Zollern, with the fortifications significantly expanded during the 16th and 17th centuries. The site currently houses the Jura Museum, which specializes in the geology and paleontology of the Solnhofen limestone formation. Visitors can explore the Bastion Garden, a reconstruction of the hortus eystettensis, a famous 17th-century botanical garden. The castle complex retains its defensive character through substantial curtain walls, towers, and bastions. It functions as a state-owned historical monument managed by the Bavarian Administration of State-Owned Palaces, Gardens and Lakes.
The elevated perimeter walls providing an unobstructed panoramic view of the Eichstätt town skyline.
Prioritize visiting the Jura Museum early, as it contains extensive fossil displays that require time to appreciate.
Wear supportive footwear, as the path from the town center to the castle involves a steady uphill climb on cobblestone streets.
Bring a camera suitable for panoramic landscape shots, as the castle offers a clear view of the Altmühl river valley.
Do not overlook the outdoor bastion gardens in favor of only seeing the indoor museum exhibits.
Closed on Mondays; open daily during the summer season except for Mondays.
