Landshut is a storybook town crowned by a centuries-old castle. It’s set on the River Isar and features a beautifully preserved medieval Old Town filled. Stroll along cobbled streets lined with centuries-old houses, admire the handsome Gothic church and indulge in delicious Bavarian cuisine.
Things to do in Landshut
Sherbet-coloured townhouses line the cobbled streets of the Old Town. The district has remained virtually unchanged since the 16th century. Cafes and bistros spill onto the sidewalks and add to the lively atmosphere. Claim a table and order Bavarian specialties like coffee spiked with peppermint schnapps and “apfelkucherl” apple fritters.
Trausnitz Castle towers over the Old Town and recalls Landshut’s medieval past. Tour lavishly decorated rooms and enjoy spectacular views from the open-air terrace, which was once used to host extravagant parties. The castle houses the Chamber of Art and Curiosities, where you can see treasures collected by Bavarian dukes. Deer, goats and peacocks roam the castle gardens and delight children and adults alike.
Every year hundreds of thousands of people descend on the town to attend the annual Landshuter Hochzeit festival. It’s one of the biggest medieval festivals in Europe and recreates the pageantry of a bygone era. The entire town transforms into a Middle Ages film set, complete with medieval costumes, jousting tournaments and feasts.
St Martin Church welcomes you with a dramatic Gothic facade. It’s topped by a 130-metre-tall red-brick spire and is one of the tallest churches in Bavaria. The ancient church was dedicated in the 16th century and decorated with works by famous Gothic sculptors like Michel Erhart and Hans Leinberger.
Getting around Landshut
Landshut is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The town is a one-hour drive from Munich and 45 minutes by train. Munich International Airport is a 30-minute drive away.