This Bavarian city along the Isar River has Gothic landmarks like St. Martin's Church and a Renaissance castle. It's an economic hub, home to Siemens AG and BMW's birthplace.
In Landshut, medieval buildings line narrow streets where merchants once traded their goods. You'll find Gothic churches, Renaissance merchant houses, and a hilltop castle overlooking the Isar River. This Lower Bavarian capital comes alive every four years when 2,500 residents dress in medieval costumes to recreate the 1475 royal Landshut Wedding, creating Europe's largest medieval festival.
Walking the Medieval Streets
Two parallel market streets run through Landshut's historic center in the Altstadt and Neustadt districts. Gothic and Renaissance buildings from the 13th to 16th centuries maintain their original layout, creating an authentic medieval atmosphere. As you walk between merchant houses painted in soft pastel colors, you'll discover small shops and cafes in their ground floors. A complete walk through the historic center takes about two hours.
Inside St. Martin's Church
The brick tower of St. Martin's Church reaches 130 meters into the sky - the tallest brick church tower in the world. Built between 1389 and 1500, its Gothic vaulted ceilings soar 28 meters high. Look for medieval sculptures and a detailed wooden altar from the 15th century inside. Visit between 8:00 and 18:00 daily, except during religious services.
Visiting Trausnitz Castle
A 15-minute uphill walk takes you to Trausnitz Castle, constructed in 1204 by Duke Louis I. In the Knight's Hall, you'll find medieval woodwork and paintings depicting Bavarian historical scenes. Walk through the Landshuter Hofgarten's 27 hectares of medieval-era gardens. Daily guided tours take you through the castle's most important rooms.
The Landshut Wedding Festival
The three-week Landshut Wedding festival (next in 2027) commemorates the 1475 marriage of Duke George the Rich of Bavaria to Polish Princess Hedwig. Local residents wear historically accurate medieval costumes and stage knights' tournaments at the castle. Each Sunday, watch the main procession through the old town, complete with musicians, dancers, and horseback riders in medieval dress.
Markets and Seasonal Events
Meet local ceramics artisans at the Haferlmarkt each September on the Freyung grounds east of Neustadt. The tradition continues with a spring ceramics fair near Mother's Day and the Haferlwinter market in November. In December, wooden stalls fill the Christmas market, selling traditional crafts, mulled wine, and seasonal foods. Visit daily from 10:00 to 20:00 throughout Advent.
Art Collections and Museums
The KOENIGmuseum, located below Trausnitz Castle, exhibits works by local artist Fritz Koenig, including models of his "Sphere" sculpture from the World Trade Center plaza. Several smaller museums in the center contain medieval and contemporary art collections. Most museums open Tuesday through Sunday, with tours in German and English.