The imperial palace of Wimpfen

The imperial palace of Wimpfen

The biggest imperial palace north of the Alps was established in Bad Wimpfen at the end of the 12th century under the Staufer dynasty, to which Friedrich I (Barbarossa) belonged.
The skyline of the former Imperial Town sits majestically on top of the hill with its two keeps which have survived until the present day - the “Blue” and “Red” Towers – as well as the Imperial Palace Chapel, the Palace Arcades and the “Stone House”.

Red tower

This is the eastern watchtower of royal palace. It was conceived as a refuge for the lord of the castle and was therefore lavishly equipped (fireplace, niches and lavatory).Climb the keep and visit the exhibition and watchmen's room from around 1200 AD. Includes knights, armour, weapons and ceramics.
Opening times:
from Easter until the second Weekend in October
Sat. and Sun: 12 am – 5 pm
Tickets:
Adults: 1,00 € , Students 0,50 €

Arcades

This is where the largest imperial hall was situated. The pilars, of varied design, are among the finest examples of Romanesque architecture.

Palace Chapel:
Dedicated to St. Nicholas with imperial gallery at the entrance from the palace hall. Converted in 1837 into a farmhouse with a barn and stables, the building was restored to its original state after 1908. Today it houses the churche history musem with exhibits from the treasure vaults of the town`s monasteries and churches.
Opening times:
from Easter until the second Weekend in October
Monday: closed
Tue – Sun 10 –12 am and 2 – 4:30 pm
Tickets:
Adults: 2,00 €, Students, spa guests 1,50 €, 
School classes 0,50 €

Staufer Palatinate
Probably originally the women´s apartments in the Staufen palace, it is the largest Romanesque dwelling in Germany. Late Gothic stepped gable and seven-sectional window. On the first floor there are valuable medieval and Late Gothic mural paintings. The building now houses the Bad Wimpfen Municipal Museum of History. 
Opening times:
Open from Easter until the second Weekend in October
Monday closed
Tue - Sun 10 - 12 am and 2 - 4:30 pm
Tickets:
Adults: 2,50 €, Students/ spa guests 2,00 €, 
School classes 0,50 €

Blue Tower

The symbolic landmark of Bad Wimpfen. Built around 1200 as the keep on the west side of the Staufen Imperial Palace it was used until well into the nineteenth century as a watchtower, completing what was probably the oldest continuous tradition of tower wardens in Germany. From the top there is a magnificent view of the Old Town and the Neckar Valley.

Opening times:
currently closed for renovations expected to 2021
Monday closed
Tue - Sun 10 - 12 am and 2 - 4:30 pm
Tickets:
Adults: 2,50 €, Students/ spa guests 2,00 €, 
School classes 0,50 €

Kultur- & Tourist-Information
Hauptstraße 45
D-74206 Bad Wimpfen
Phone +49 (0)7063 / 9720-0
Internet: www.badwimpfen.de