Blutenburg Weiher

Blutenburg is a historic castle complex in Munich's Obermenzing district, surrounded by the Würm River and artificially created ponds. The complex dates back to a 13th-century moated castle that was expanded into an impressive country estate in the 15th century. Duke Albrecht III and his son Sigismund had the late medieval structure built, with the castle chapel completed in 1488. Blutenburg originally served as a hunting lodge and was connected by a sight line to Nymphenburg Palace. After centuries of decay and changing uses, including as an inn and a retirement home, the castle underwent extensive renovation in the 1980s. Today it houses the International Youth Library, founded by Jella Lepman, as well as the headquarters of the Erich Kästner Society.

Visitors can explore the well-preserved late medieval architecture, which consists of an older main castle with a manor house and a forward outer bailey. Four towers with curved pointed caps define the look of the inner castle, while the outer bailey is marked by the gatehouse tower and the porter's building. A highlight is the Chapel of the Holy Trinity, considered one of the best-preserved Gothic sacred buildings in the region. It contains an almost complete late Gothic interior, including a net vault, original stained-glass windows, and a cycle of apostle figures. The high altar depicts a Throne of Mercy motif, and the series of coats of arms on the walls tells the story of the noble builders.

Inside the castle you will also find several reading museums, including the Michael Ende Museum, the James Krüss Tower, and the Erich Kästner Room. Outside, a monument commemorates Agnes Bernauer, the bathkeeper's daughter who was linked to Duke Albrecht III. Every May, the castle's inner courtyard turns into a festival ground for the Southern Wine Route wine festival. The combination of historic architecture, cultural use, and scenic setting makes Blutenburg an important cultural site in Munich.