The town of Langenburg is located in the beautiful central Jagst valley in the Hohenlohe region. It is not only a climatic health resort. With its idyllic old town centre, it is also a popular excursion destination for tourists. The history of the small town dates back to 1226, when it was first mentioned as ‘Langenburg castrum et oppidum’. There is plenty to discover on a tour of the historic old town. Explore the gate tower and the parish church as well as the town hall with the Carl-Julius-Weber-Stube. Numerous old court and town houses invite you to admire them. A special attraction is the mausoleum of the princely family outside the town. Equally impressive is the crypt in the Unterregenbach district, known as the ‘Riddle of Regenbach’.
Places of interest: Town and castle of Langenburg
The small town is full of historical and cultural treasures. The town hall of Langenburg is not only exciting due to its well-preserved architecture. Inside the building you will also find the birthplace of the famous writer Carl-Julius Weber.
Like the town hall, the burial chapel, the so-called ‘mausoleum’ of the Princes of Hohenlohe, is of particular importance.
Langenburg is not big. The idyllic small town has just 2,000 inhabitants. If you walk along the main street, you can see beautiful half-timbered houses. You can stop for a bite to eat in a café or restaurant. At the end of the main street you will find the Schlosscafé. Here you can sit comfortably outside in fine weather. You will be rewarded with a wonderful view over the hills of the Jagst valley. Once you’ve recharged your batteries, you can continue on to the adjacent castle.
The descendants of the princely Hohenlohe-Langenburg family still live in Langenburg’s most famous sight: Langenburg Castle. It is still used for many purposes today. In the castle, you can choose from many exciting offers. The candlelit tours are particularly romantic and a real highlight. We highly recommend them. You can experience Langenburg Castle in a very special atmosphere. The large halls and flowering gardens offer a unique ambience for events and weddings. Here you can experience an unforgettable day. Whether cultural events or other occasions – there is a place for everything at the castle!
History: Langenburg first mentioned in 1226
Archaeological finds in particular provide many traces of the history of the idyllic small town. For example, the settlement of today’s Langenburg can be traced back to the Stone and Bronze Ages.
You can see probably the most impressive of all traces with your own eyes in the ‘crypt’ in the suburb of Unterregenbach: the floor plan of a large basilica from the 11th century. According to historians, it was one of the largest and most important buildings of its time.
As you approach the town, you can see it from afar on a mountain ridge. It is therefore not surprising that the town was first mentioned in 1226.
The town had a chequered history in the Middle Ages and was severely devastated during the Thirty Years’ War. In the 19th century, Langenburg was part of Napoleon’s territory for a time. However, this changed with the Congress of Vienna in 1815.
Like the town itself, the castle has its origins in the 13th century. Since then, it has been owned by the princely Hohenlohe family and is still the residence of the Prince of Hohenlohe-Langenburg.
Special tips: Langenburg Car Museum and one of the largest garden fairs in southern Germany
The Langenburg Car Museum is known far beyond the region’s borders. You absolutely must visit it when you are in Langenburg. Not only car enthusiasts will be amazed here.
The Langenburg Car Museum has an interesting history: in 1969, Prince Kraft zu Hohenlohe-Langenburg and racing driver Richard von Frankenberg decided to lay the foundation stone for the Langenburg Car Museum on a wine-fuelled evening.
Today, you can admire numerous vehicles there, especially racing cars from motorsport. The Langenburg Car Museum attracts visitors from all over the world. It is a destination for car and motorbike clubs as well as employees of large international companies.
Are you enthusiastic about beautiful gardens or a hobby gardener looking for inspiration? Then you’ve come to the right place. One of the most beautiful and largest garden fairs in southern Germany, the ‘Fürstliche Gartentage’, takes place here on the first weekend in September. 170 exhibitors show you ideas for gardening and living. The stylish Langenburg Castle Gardens provide an enchanting backdrop. The entire event combines elegance and romance and invites you to marvel and discover. Let yourself be inspired while the garden fair is accompanied by a varied supporting programme. You can also savour the delicacies of regional cuisine in this stylish setting.
Surroundings: wine-growing, idyllic nature and beautiful towns
Langenburg’s surroundings are particularly famous for wine growing. 200 years ago, winegrowers discovered the ideal slopes for their vines around Langenburg, which can still be admired today.
In the valleys, on the other hand, flows the Jagst, a beautiful tributary of the Neckar. Even in the Middle Ages and early modern times, the settlers of towns such as Langenburg benefited from this river. Idyllic paths lead you to mills from this period located on the banks of the river. The area around Langenburg is a wonderful hiking paradise. Many protected animal species find shelter in the Hohenlohe countryside.
If you are planning an excursion, you can choose from several historically beautiful towns: The old salt-boiling town of Schwäbisch Hall with its beautiful old town is around 25 kilometres away. The famous Rothenburg ob der Tauber is around 33 kilometres away. Both are very worthwhile excursion destinations.
