Visit the Christmas markets in Munich during the week and those in the surrounding area at the weekend: sounds like the perfect Advent in Bavaria. One of these markets that you should put on your list for your weekend excursions is the Christmas market in the castle in the Upper Palatinate. Here, a contemplative atmosphere and Christmas decorations meet a fairytale setting straight out of a movie.
A historical setting
The castle was built in the 12th century and was first mentioned in documents at this time. In 1822, it fell victim to a fire and burned down almost completely. Parts of the old Gothic wall still exist and the castle itself was rebuilt. Some areas were added to over time, such as the arcaded courtyard, which dates back to the 19th century. The building complex has a chapel, a schoolhouse, a Swiss house and a residential wing. There used to be a brewery here, but it is no longer in use.
Guteneck Castle is part of the municipality of Guteneck in the Upper Palatinate of the same name and covers an area of 30,000 square meters. It has changed hands many times over the centuries and is still in private and aristocratic hands today. Burkhard Count Beissel von Gymnich, whose father acquired the castle in 1963, has owned it since 2001. Today it is the venue for numerous events, such as the Christmas market during Advent. Traditional knights’ dinners and the annual Highland Games also take place here.
The Christmas market at Guteneck Castle
The romantic Christmas market at Guteneck Castle takes you into a fabulous world that will make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale. The wooden huts with their varied range of handicrafts and food and drink are lined up through the small wood and the castle garden up to the castle itself. In addition to the more than 100 stalls, there are all sorts of other things to discover, such as demonstrations of blacksmithing, glass blowing and crib carving.
Marvel at the living nativity scene and let the knights demonstrate life in a medieval camp. The varied musical program provides variety and jugglers provide entertainment. Don’t miss the spectacular fire show!
Children can ride ponies, visit the petting zoo or take a ride on the carousel or the train, which is new this year. Of course, St. Nicholas will also be there with his gifts. The puppet theater and Christmas stories in the grove will immerse you in other worlds. If it’s too cold outside or the weather is too dingy, you can retreat to one of the 1,000 heated and covered seats in the Knights’ Hall or the Gutsstadel.
Guteneck Castle can be reached by car from Munich in just over two hours. If you want to stay overnight, you can book one of the vacation accommodations in the castle and be right on site. The Christmas market at Guteneck Castle costs admission, unless you are wearing medieval garb. Then admission is free, as is for children under the age of 12. Tickets can be purchased on site at the box office or online in advance. There is no limit to the number of tickets, so reservations are not necessary, but tickets are cheaper when purchased online in advance. You can only pay cash at the box office, otherwise card payment is largely possible.
📍 Location: Guteneck Castle, Schlossberg 10, 92543 Guteneck
📅 Dates: November 20 to December 21, Thursdays to Sundays, except November 23
💶 Price information: Thursday and Friday €8, Saturday and Sunday €9 in advance booking