New Palace Meersburg

About

Perched high above the shores of Lake Constance, New Palace Meersburg (Neues Schloss) is one of southern Germany’s finest Baroque residences. Built from 1710 as the home of the Prince-Bishops of Constance, the palace was designed to display power, wealth, and sophistication. Its elegant façade, decorated in the Rococo style during later renovations, creates a striking contrast with the medieval Old Castle standing nearby. One of the palace’s most fascinating features is its monumental staircase, designed by the celebrated architect Balthasar Neumann. Considered a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, it was created to impress visitors from the moment they entered the residence. Equally remarkable is the palace church, integrated into the building and richly decorated with artistic details and religious symbolism. Inside, visitors can explore the magnificent state apartments and private rooms once used by the prince-bishops. These lavishly furnished interiors showcase everyday aristocratic life in the 18th century. Original objects on display include hunting equipment, musical instruments, ceremonial items, and furnishings that reveal the culture of the episcopal court. A particular highlight is the famous Naturalienkabinett, or cabinet of curiosities, which reflects the era’s fascination with science, nature, and collecting rare objects.

Meersburg Germany

Location

The New Palace in Meersburg sits high above the shores of Lake Constance in Baden-Württemberg, at Schlossplatz 12, 88709 Meersburg. This baroque residence was built in the early 1700s for the prince-bishops of Constance and still stands as one of the most striking spots in the old town, with its terrace offering wide views over the water and toward the Alps on a clear day.Right next door is the medieval Burg Meersburg, often called the oldest inhabited castle in Germany, where you can explore furnished rooms and old defenses. The palace itself has a garden terrace and a small pavilion, perfect for lingering with the lake below. A short stroll through the historic streets leads to the lower town along the waterfront, the ferry landing, and spots like the Prince’s Little House with its own views and connections to the poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff. The whole area feels compact and walkable, mixing the palace, the old castle, and the lakeside charm without any rush.