Burghausen – the place you can’t miss out on
Nestling beside the glittering river Salzach, bordered near Austria lies a quaint old town, with the longest castle in the world. Along with the ridgeline, this old town bears the pride of being the largest town of Altotting district of Germany. Burghausen is a perfect example of contrasts and similarities
Location:
Burghausen sits beside the river Salzach in the free state of Bavaria in Altotting district of Oberbayem region of the German land. Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is about 94 km away from the old city of Burghausen, while it is about 487 km away from the capital city of the German land. It covers an area of about 19.8 km2 and about 17,824 inhabitants reside in the town. The magnificent scenario of the glittering Salzach River acts as a magnet of attraction for the tourists all over the world.
Climate of Burghausen:
With an average temperature of about 8.7 degrees Celsius and average rainfall of about 639 mm, Burghausen has a warm and temperate climate, receiving a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year even during the driest season of the calendar months. The climate here is comfortable enough for the tourists to explore the old town.
History:
Being an old town of Germany, this beautiful town has a rich past. Although this town is believed to have developed thousands of years back yet, the exact foundation date to pinpoint is quite difficult and hence it is difficult to estimate regarding the permanent settlement in Burghausen, although it is believed that the inhabitants have settled beside the town since the Bronze Age.
The year 1255 led to the first division of the Bavaria state, which helped Burghausen gain political and economic prominence.
Salt trade from Austria (then Hallein) was the primary source of income for the town. Salt which was brought ashore ( Mautner castle was the landing spot, now an educational and cultural center) in the town was later transported overland. The landing spot later got popularized for hosting various classes in photography, adult education and mostly for hosting Jazz events. Unfortunately, the salt trade lost its progress in the year 1594, dual monopoly of salt serving as one of the major reasons.
Later the town suffered series of both administrative and commercial decline for a time span of about 300 years which had profoundly affected the town’s economic and commercial state, becoming an impoverished town with only 2500 residing. However, in the year 1915, the economic condition of this impoverished town took a major upturn when Wacker Chemical Enterprises, Inc established its foundation in the town, which had paved the path of development of the old town to a new one.
Again in the year 1966, a refinery was set up by then Deutsche Marathon, improving the economic state of the town which led to an increase in the number of inhabitants from 2500 to 5000 and ultimately to approx 18000 in the later years.
Regional fame was gained by the town when SV Wacker Burghausen Soccer Sports Association and the annual Jazz event came into existence.
The city:
Burghausen is an enchanted town, the name which means extra long cultural enjoyment and the name holds true in almost all its circumferences. May it be the multicolored houses decorated with gabled roofs lining in the spacious area of the town or the Burghausen Castle. The town is synonymously related to jazz since 1970. It is a Mecca for hosting major international jazz events.
Various exciting leisure activities and scenic beauties around the town are all provided to its visitors.
Why visit:
It is a town with packages of culture, customs, arts, and literature. Anyone who wants to explore the beauty of nature and explore hidden secrets of a castle can visit this place without any doubts. The castle with high towers and various decors, banquet hall, excellent interiors is the centerpiece of attraction of this town.
The town holds a picture of nostalgia everywhere along the streets, churches and the buildings with gabled roofs across the river Salzach, everything justifying for bearing the name of this town.
Most of all, when it is Burghausen, it is Jazz. The International Jazz week is a major event hosted by the town causing the attraction of thousands and thousands of Jazz fans all over the world.
Also, other highlights such as the Summer Jazz Night, Jazz Festival bring this place to the limelight.
Hospitality is one another reason to make people visit this place again and again. Numerous pubs, restaurants, bathing facilities at Worthersee Lake, and in the new town provides sufficient space for relaxation to its visitors.
Travelling in the city:
It is said as a paradise of the river with excellent and fabulous scenic beauty all over. The best way this town can be explored is through cycling. Its climatic conditions also serve as another reason to help the explorer ride through cycle over the town. It is a real treat to the cyclist to enjoy and feel the refreshed air.
Major attractions:
With the blend of various contrasts and similarities, Burghausen is a town with a package of different attractions. The major attractions of the place are:
Burghausen Castle:
This castle situated between the old town of Burghausen and the Worthersee Lake is the longest castle in the world. The castle witnesses thousand years old past of the Bavarian state. This castle which was actually built in response to the Turkish siege is also a museum showcasing many artifacts of the past eras which the castle had witnessed. This castle also has a photography hall showcasing various photographs over 15 display rooms. There is also an observation platform which offers the viewers to enjoy a panoramic view of the longest castle, including the scenic beauty of the glorious surroundings and the views of the landmarks of the old town. Exciting is the part when the middle age Era of the castle comes to life while hosting the Castle Festival which is held every year in the seventh month of the calendar year. This Gothic castle is the centerpiece that attracts thousands of visitors to see and explore this place.
The tall towers, walls of the Gothic fortress, lawns and gardens are like paintings of canvas in the eye of the observer. The castle has six courtyards and is built in an ancient architectural design pleasing many visitors. The Powder Tower which is on the other side of the castle is also really pleasant to explore.
St. Jakob church:
This church serves as a major source of attraction of the old town attracting many tourists from all over the world.
The old town:
The old town of Burghausen is itself a major source of attraction for the travelers. The town is fabulously romantic, bearing various old buildings, museums beside the river Salzach serving as an oasis of natural beauty.
Regierungsgebaude:
Built in the 16th century this ancient Government building with three different turrets serves as a source of attraction for the viewers.
The town hall:
With its origin from the 14th and 15th-century, it resembles Neoclassical façade of the past eras. Its buildings are situated at the grand central square of the town known as the Stadtplatz. The former Jesuit Church St. Joseph is to its north while Holy Spirit Church to the south thus forming a majestic religious square center.
Worthersee Lake:
This shining lake with romantic scenario nestling the longest castle in the world, the Burghausen Castle, provides immense scope for the visitors to feel the refreshed environment of the old town.
The Baroque pilgrimage church known by the name of St. Maria Himmelfahrt, is situated in Marienberg is another major attraction.
Other places nearby:
After exploring the unique and enchanting trail of the town, one can visit the places nearby to the town for knowing the diversity of cultures and customs of the region. One such nearby place that can be visited while visiting and exploring the old town of Burghausen is:
Klostergasthof Raitenhaslach:
Although it is a hotel, yet people while visiting the town Burghausen usually give this place a visit as it occupies some of the major buildings that were once under the ownership of Cistercian Monastery. The ceiling paintings, depicting the life of St. Bernard, form one of the major tourist attractions of the region. This ancient church was founded in the 1100’s. These notable paintings of the Baroque painters still hypnotize viewers with its colorful trail. During the evening time, visitors can stroll leisurely across the old buildings admiring the classic beauty of the ancient monasteries. Antiques and paintings adore the place like an ornament, all these being reasons behind exploring the same.
Apart from this, there are many sites for leisure and enjoyment near to the old town which could be visited by the visitors.
Thus, Burghausen is a paradise of beauty adored with ancient buildings and landmarks and is one of the prettiest towns to visit in Germany. Go ahead and plan a visit to this place and explore the various locations with family and friends.