Veitshöchheim Palace

One of Germany‘s most impressive luxury homes, Veitshöchheim Palace was built between 1680 and 1682 as the summer residence of the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg under the stewardship of Peter Philipp von Dernbach. The palaces of southern Germany are a sight to behold and Veitshöchheim is no different, also renowned for its stunning surrounding rococo garden.

Veitshöchheim Palace history

Described as a ‘late Baroque gem’, the original structure at the palace, a two-storey arched building, was enlarged in 1753 by renowned German architect Balthasar Neumann. Neumann refined the Baroque style by incorporating Austrian, Bohemian, Italian and French architectural elements in not only Veitshöchheim Palace but also the Würzburg Residence and the Basilica of the Fourteen Holy Helpers in Bamberg.

In 1810, some of the rooms were decorated for Grand Duke Ferdinand of Tuscany and the extremely rare paper wall-coverings are worth the entrance fee alone. With the abolition of the Grand Duchy of Würzburg in 1814, the property passed to the Bavarian monarchy who rarely used the Veitshöchheim.

The Veitshöchheim Court Garden was developed in 1702 and under successive Prince-Bishops, there grew a magnificent rococo space with beautiful lakes and water features as well as over 200 sandstone sculptures of deities, animals and allegorical figures by renowned court sculptors Peter Wagner and Ferdinand Tietz.

Veitshöchheim Palace today

After World War One, the palace and gardens fell into the Free State of Bavaria who have opened the palace as a museum for visitors since 1932 – free of charge. Open between 8am and dusk, visitors continue to wander the palace and grounds at Veitshöchheim.

Hedge-lined paths reveal visions of hedged compartments, pavilions, arbours and circular flowerbeds and the cosmological designs portrays Veitshöchheim Palace as ‘the symbol of heaven’. You can also pick up an audio-guide and explore at your own pace through the courtyard garden.

Getting to Veitshöchheim Palace

Sat right next to the Veitshöchheim railway station, it is easy to reach the palace on foot or via public transport. The station has regular train links with Karlstadt and Bamberg. For those driving, the palace is just off the 27 motorway close to Würzburg and an hour and a half drive from Frankfurt. There is a car park on the other side of the gardens.