Copper engraving print of Tübingen town from the west

Schloss Hohentübingen

Schloss Hohentübingen: Visiting Hours, Tickets & In-Depth Guide to Tübingen’s Landmark Castle

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Perched atop Schlossberg hill and overlooking the red-roofed townscape of Tübingen, Schloss Hohentübingen is a striking symbol of Swabian history, Renaissance architecture, and academic heritage. With roots reaching back to the early Middle Ages, the castle has evolved from a fortified noble residence to a Renaissance palace and, today, stands as both a museum and an academic institution at the heart of the University of Tübingen. Home to exceptional archaeological collections and a dynamic schedule of cultural events, Schloss Hohentübingen offers an immersive experience for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and casual travellers alike.

This comprehensive guide details everything you need to plan your visit: updated opening hours, ticketing options, accessibility, guided tours, and what to expect inside the Museum Alte Kulturen. For the latest updates, always check the University Museum Tübingen website and Visit Tübingen.

View of Tübingen from the upper Neckar river

German hawking near Tübingen 18th century

Siege of Hohentübingen Castle by the French army in 1647

Copper engraving of Eisleben and Tübingen with landmarks including Hohentübingen Castle, Stiftskirche, and Neckar Bridge

Historic view of Schloss Hohentübingen in Tübingen around 1870-1875

Colored steel engraving print of Tübingen and Neckartal view from Österberg around 1840

Lithograph of Tübingen town viewed from the southwest side showing historic buildings and landscape

View of Tübingen from the southwest with Hirschauer Steg bridge lithograph circa 1850

View of Tübingen from the west at Spitzberg showing vineyards, castle, city, Oesterberg hill, Neckar river with Eberhardsbrücke bridge and Neckarhalde

Copper engraving print of Tübingen from the south circa 1690

Wood engraving print of Schloss Hohentübingen castle from the southwest

Wood engraving print of Tübingen town from Schlossberg viewpoint

Copper engraving print of Tübingen from the south showing historic townscape with buildings and river

Schloss Hohentübingen from the southwest lithograph around 1830

Colored pen drawing of Tübingen in the 16th century

Colored etching print of Tübingen viewed from the evening side around 1800

Etching print of Tübingen viewed from the morning side, detailed cityscape with historical buildings

View of the castle in Tübingen from the south, chalk lithograph circa 1840

Copper engraving print of Tübingen from the south around 1700

Aquatint print showing a detailed view of the city of Tübingen from the southeast with surrounding landmarks

Lithograph of Tübingen cityscape with multiple smaller views of landmarks including Hohentübingen Castle portal, botanical garden, anatomical institute, old aula, and churches

Aquatint print titled 'Das Schloss vom Hirschauersteg' depicting a castle viewed from Hirschauersteg bridge, circa 1830

Chalk lithograph of Hohentübingen with Derendinger Steg bridge

Copper engraving map of Tübingen from the south with landmarks including Hirschauer Tor, Fürstliches Schloss, Schlossbrücke, Kloster (Evangelisches Stift), Rathaus, Universitätshaus (Alte Aula), Stadtkirche (Stiftskirche), Neckartor, Brückenwirtshaus, and the Neckar river.

Copper engraving print of Tübingen from the south, 1643

Historic copper engraving of Tübingen from the south side, Topographia Sueviae 1643

Schloss Hohentübingen viewed from Neckarhalde lithograph by Max Bach circa 1860

View of Tübingen from southeast showing Eberhardsbrücke, Neckartor with Kunstmühle Louis Schnaith, Café Müller, Neckar riverside with Stiftskirche church and Hohentübingen castle in the distance

Historic view of Tübingen from the Sennerei in 1875, glass plate photography

View of Tübingen from the southern Österberg hill color lithograph 1878

Watercolor painting of a city view of Tübingen from 1616

View of Tübingen with Neckar Bridge, Collegiate Church, and Castle lithograph

Eastern facade of Hohentübingen Castle in Tübingen, ink wash drawing

View of Schloss Hohentübingen from the Neckar river side, gouache painting 1817

Pencil drawing of a residential house and garden pavilion by Christian Friedrich Leins in Neckarhalde am Neckar, Tübingen with Hohentübingen Castle above

View from Österberg overlooking Tübingen and the Neckarvorstadt wood engraving print

Copper engraving print of Tübingen city from the south in 1643

Panoramic view of Tübingen from the west, colored wood engraving print from Malte-Brun

Historical watercolored steel engraving of Tübingen from the south in 1643

Historic lithograph of Tübingen from the upper Neckar river in 1857

Panoramic view of Tübingen from Österberg with landmarks including Uhland-Denkmal, Kaserne, Vorderes Schloßtor, Uracher Wasserfall, Wurmlinger Kapelle, Burg Hohenzollern, Kloster Bebenhausen, Burg Lichtenstein, Inneres Schlosstor, and Neue Aula

Woodcut print of Tübingen from the south in 1643

Historical lithograph of southern view of Tübingen from 1643

Lithograph of Tübingen from the southeast side showing Neckar valley, Neckarvorstadt, Platanenallee, Österberg with vineyards, Stiftskirche and Hohentübingen in 1850

Historic engraving of Tübingen featuring Uhland's landmarks including Uhland's grave, Äußeres Schlossportel, Uhlandhaus, Tübingen town hall, Uhland monument, Hohentübingen castle, Neue Aula, and Neckarfront with Hohentübingen castle

View over the Neckar River towards Hohentübingen from Hirschaur Steg in Tübingen, including houses along Neckarhalde

Moonlit view of Hohentübingen Castle from Alleenbrücke with Neckarhalde houses and Neckar river

View of Tübingen and surroundings from the east showing Neckar River, Eberhardsbrücke bridge, Platanenallee, Neckarvorstadt, Altstadt with Hohentübingen Castle, and a house on Olgastraße.

Woodcut print commemorating the 400th anniversary celebration of the University of Tübingen, detailed black and white artwork

Introduction
Historical Overview
Architecture & Features
Museum Alte Kulturen: Top Exhibits
Visiting Information
Travel Tips & Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
Source List

Historical Overview

Medieval Foundations

Schloss Hohentübingen’s earliest fortifications date to around 1037, established by the Counts of Tübingen. Wooden defenses were soon replaced by stone walls and moats, and by 1078, the castle was already a focal point in imperial power struggles, notably besieged during the Investiture Controversy (Burgenarchiv.de; Wikipedia). Throughout the High Middle Ages, it served as the stronghold of the powerful Counts Palatine of Tübingen, their strategic position controlling the Neckar Valley (Spotting History).

Renaissance Transformation

Financial woes led the Counts of Tübingen to sell the castle to the Württemberg dynasty in 1342 (Tübingen Info). Under Württemberg rule, the fortress was extensively rebuilt. The most significant changes came in the 16th century, when Duke Ulrich and later Duke Christoph transformed the medieval structure into a Renaissance four-winged palace, complete with bastions, arcaded courtyards, and the famous 1607 triumphal arch (Burgenarchiv.de). The old fortifications were modernized to withstand artillery, and the castle became a symbol of ducal power and culture.

University & Scientific Milestones

With the founding of the University of Tübingen in 1477, Schloss Hohentübingen soon pivoted toward academic use. From the 18th century on, the university gradually occupied the castle, culminating in its full transfer in 1816 (Spotting History). The castle was a cradle of scientific discovery: in 1869, Friedrich Miescher isolated DNA in its laboratories, and an observatory was established in the northeast tower (Burgenarchiv.de). Today, it houses the Institute of Classical Archaeology and the Museum Alte Kulturen, with collections spanning from Ice Age artifacts to ancient Egypt (My Germany Vacation; Places of Germany).

Architecture & Features

Layout and Bastions

The castle is a four-winged complex encircling a large rectangular courtyard. Its defensive architecture includes massive bastions, deep moats, and four prominent corner towers—each distinct in form and historical context (welt-der-wappen.de). The east-facing main entrance is heavily fortified, with a series of gates and the thickest wall section designed for defense.

The northeast and southwest corners feature robust round towers, while the southeast is marked by a pentagonal bastion, rebuilt in 1667 after wartime destruction. The layout exemplifies the evolution from medieval fortress to Renaissance residence.

Notable Portals and Courtyards

Obere Schlosstor (Upper Castle Gate): Embellished with the Württemberg coat of arms and Renaissance ornamentation, this grand portal is both ceremonial and defensive (welt-der-wappen.de).
Renaissance Courtyard: The arcaded galleries and Knights’ Hall reflect the palace’s 16th-century transformation, with decorative portals and frescoes.

Interior Highlights

The interiors combine late 19th-century restorations with original elements. The Knights’ Hall, castle chapel, and ducal apartments are standouts, while the ancient wine cellar – home to the world’s oldest preserved giant wine barrel – testifies to the region’s viticultural traditions (Places of Germany).

Museum Alte Kulturen: Top Exhibits

Located within the castle, the Museum Alte Kulturen presents over 4,600 objects from seven university collections (alpen-guide.de). Highlights include:

Ice Age Art: Oldest ivory figurines from UNESCO-listed Swabian Jura caves.
Ancient Egypt: A reconstructed burial chamber with hieroglyphics and artifacts.
Weapons and Armor: The Tübinger Waffenläufer collection.
Prehistoric Finds: Artifacts from Lake Constance’s pile dwellings (holidaywolf.de).

Interactive displays and thematic rooms make the museum engaging for all ages. Guided tours and educational programs are available (tuebingen-info.de).

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

Standard Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00–17:00; Thursdays until 19:00. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Seasonal Variations: Always verify times before your visit via the official museum website or Visit Tübingen.

Tickets & Discounts

Museum Admission: Modestly priced with discounts for students, children, and families.
Castle Courtyard: Often free to access.
Special Exhibitions & Tours: May require separate tickets (familienausflug.info).

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access: Main exhibition spaces are accessible, though some historic areas have stairs and uneven surfaces.
Facilities: Accessible restrooms, museum shop, and seating areas are available.
Assistance: Visitors with mobility needs should inquire in advance (loving-travel.com).

Guided Tours

Themes: Ice Age art, ancient Egypt, regional history, and more.
Booking: Recommended online or at the ticket desk, especially in peak seasons (tuebingen-info.de).

Travel Tips & Nearby Attractions

Arrival: The castle is a short uphill walk (450 m) from Tübingen’s Marktplatz (holidaywolf.de).
Public Transport: Good bus and train connections; parking is limited.
Combine Visits: Explore the Altstadt, Stiftskirche, Neckar riverfront, and the Alter Botanischer Garten.
Dining: Numerous cafés and restaurants are located in the old town.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Schloss Hohentübingen visiting hours?
A: Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00–17:00 (Thursdays until 19:00); closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Check the official website for seasonal changes.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: Admission to the Museum Alte Kulturen is modest, with discounts for students and families. Courtyard entry is often free.

Q: Is the castle wheelchair accessible?
A: Main exhibition areas are accessible; some historic sections may be challenging. Contact the museum for detailed support.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, with varied themes and for all age groups.

Q: Is photography allowed?
A: Photography is permitted in most areas (no flash/tripods in some exhibits).

Q: Can I visit in bad weather?
A: Yes, indoor exhibits make it a good option year-round.

Conclusion

Schloss Hohentübingen offers a fascinating journey through time, from medieval stronghold to Renaissance palace and vibrant academic center. Its panoramic views, immersive museum, and rich cultural program make it a top destination in Baden-Württemberg. Whether admiring Ice Age art, joining a guided tour, or enjoying the serene courtyards, visitors are assured a memorable experience. For updated information, always consult the University Museum Tübingen and Visit Tübingen.

Explore more with the Audiala app for audio tours, browse related articles on Tübingen’s historical sites, and follow us on social media for events and tips. Schloss Hohentübingen awaits as a beacon of history, culture, and discovery in one of Germany’s most beautiful university towns.

Visuals and Accessibility

Include high-quality images of the castle’s façade, the Renaissance courtyard, the triumphal arch, and museum highlights like the Ice Age ivory figurines. Use descriptive alt text such as “Schloss Hohentübingen visiting hours view” and “Renaissance courtyard at Schloss Hohentübingen.”