Altenburg, Bamberg

The Altenburg is a historic castle situated on the tallest of the seven hills in Bamberg. Perched on this prominent location, the castle offers a commanding view of the town below. The origins of the Altenburg can be traced back to at least 1109, although it is believed to have been constructed on the site of an earlier palisade castle.

Originally serving as a "Fliehburg" or refuge castle, the Altenburg was not regularly inhabited but primarily used for the defense of the city. In times of danger, the local residents could seek shelter within its walls.

The castle faced a devastating event in 1553 during the Second Margrave War. The army of Albert Alcibiades, Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach, set fire to the castle, leaving it in ruins. Following the destruction, the castle was repurposed and used as a prison for a period of time.

In 1801, the castle came under the ownership of Adalbert Friedrich Marcus, a physician from Bamberg. Marcus took on the task of restoring the dilapidated castle, rebuilding it from the ground up. The renowned author E. T. A. Hoffmann, who was a friend of Marcus, was so captivated by the Altenburg that he frequently stayed in one of the wall towers between 1808 and 1813.

Within the castle grounds, there is a restaurant named the "Restaurant Altenburg," which provides a unique dining experience in the medieval setting. Additionally, the castle features the Knights Hall, a grand hall often utilized for special events, including weddings and other celebrations.

An interesting aspect of the Altenburg's history is its association with a brown bear named Poldi. From 1952 to 1982, Poldi resided in a defensive enclosure known as the Zwinger within the castle. While the Zwinger still stands today, it now houses a stuffed bear, preserving the memory of Poldi's presence within the castle.