Veste Coburg – one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval castles
Known as the ‘Franconian Crown’, Veste Coburg sits enthroned like a giant gemstone atop the 464-metre-high Festungsberg hill, offering breathtaking views of Coburg and the surrounding region. The origins of the castle complex date back to 1056, and by 1353 it had passed into the possession of the House of Wettin. Due to its strategic importance, it was continuously expanded and reinforced with defensive rings and bastions. In the early 16th century, it experienced a heyday as a fortress of the electorate of Saxony. In 1530, the Reformer Martin Luther stayed at Veste Coburg for six months during the Diet of Augsburg. The Luther Room and the Luther Chapel still remind us of his time here today. Today, the Veste Coburg houses internationally significant art collections, including works by famous German artists like Cranach, Dürer, and Grünewald. In addition, valuable artefacts such as the Hedwig Goblet, which once belonged to Luther, are on display.
