Excellent exhibitions of art, crafts, medals and weapons occupy the rooms of this imposing fortress that was once the palace of the Electors of Saxony.
With its half-timbered medieval buildings, huge ramparts and tall towers, Coburg Fortress (Veste Coburg) is a jewel of Coburg’s architectural landscape. Set on a hilltop, it is one of Germany’s largest castle complexes and has been in use since the 11th century. During its 16th-century heyday, Coburg Fortress was ruled by the Electors of Saxony and later the dukes Coburg. Today it houses museums dedicated to the arts, armory, numismatics and more.
Appreciate the aristocratic lifestyles of the fortress’s former residents by visiting a selection of opulent rooms. See a wood-beamed ballroom called the Great Courtroom and the late Renaissance-style Intarsia hunt room, decorated with inlaid wood panels that portray hunting scenes. Outside, views stretch over Hofgarten park and the lush Coburg countryside from the courtyards, ramparts and towers.
The exhibitions spread throughout the three interconnecting wings of the fortress. Admire works by old German masters such as Lucas Cranach the Elder, Lucas Cranach the Younger and Matthias Grünewald. Lucas Cranach the Elder was employed as the official painter of the Saxon Court in 1506. Discover over a millennia of European glass-making history and a collection of prints and drawings, which represent 9,000-plus artists.
In the weaponry gallery you’ll find everything from knight’s armor and artillery to hunting and torture tools. Study a collection of loot amassed by Prince Friedrich Josias of Coburg at the 1789 Battle of Rymnik. See examples of 16th-century bridal carriages and orders presented to the dukes of Coburg. The numismatic display has around 20,000 Saxon-era coins in addition to Russian and English gold medals.
The fortress stands at the top of Hofgarten urban park, in the city of Coburg. Get here by walking for half an hour from Schlossplatz or catch the tourist train from Herrngasse street. There’s free visitor parking.
Coburg Fortress is open daily in summer and from Tuesday to Sunday in winter. There’s an admission fee and an audioguide in English is available for an additional fee. Purchase a combined ticket for entry to the fortress, Ehrenburg Palace and Rosenau Palace.
