Burghausen is a fairytale town set on the Salzach River. It’s known as the Pearl of the Salzach and features a picturesque historic centre set beneath a centuries-old castle. Stroll along cobbled streets lined with pastel-coloured townhouses, set sail on a scenic river cruise and cycle through the Bavarian countryside.
Things to do in Burghausen
Discover centuries of history at Burghausen Castle. At more than 1,000 metres in length, it’s one of the longest castles in the world. Imposing ring walls surround the castle and recall its past as a medieval stronghold. Behind the walls, you’ll find a maze of courtyards and passageways. Climb up to the battlements for far-reaching views over the Salzach River and surrounding countryside. The castle moonlights as an atmospheric venue for concerts, plays and art exhibitions. Visit in winter to attend the magical Christmas market.
Cobbled streets and colourful houses give the Burghausen Old Town a storybook aesthetic. Walking around the history-soaked district, you’ll be amazed by the gable roofs and intricate Baroque, Renaissance and Rococo facades. The lively main square is the beating heart of the Old Town, with the magnificent St. Jakob Church soaring over the square with its elegant onion domes.
Cafes and restaurants spill onto the streets of Grüben, a pedestrian district inhabited by artisans since medieval times. The colourful Gothic houses are reimagined as boutiques and galleries. Don’t miss the Street of Fame, a flagstone thoroughfare dotted with plaques commemorating legendary jazz musicians who’ve featured at the city’s International Jazz Week festival.
Getting around Burghausen
Burghausen is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, especially in the Old Town and Grüben district. The town is in Upper Bavaria, a 1.5-hour drive from Munich and one hour from Salzburg in Austria. Trains run between Burghausen and Munich in two hours. Munich International Airport is a 1.5-hour drive away.