Seehof Palace

Seehof Palace is situated in Memmelsdorf, a few kilometres east of Bamberg. The extensive Baroque complex was once the summer residence and hunting lodge of the Prince-Bishops of Bamberg. Today, it is particularly famous for its Rococo garden with its water cascade.

📜 History

From 1686 onwards, Prince-Bishop Marquard Sebastian Schenk von Stauffenberg had the complex built according to plans by Antonio Petrini: a two-storey, four-winged building with four striking corner towers. In the 18th century, the Rococo garden was added, which the Franconian sculptor Ferdinand Tietz adorned with over 400 sandstone figures. The grand cascade was created under Prince-Bishop Adam Friedrich von Seinsheim. The magnificent White Hall in the west wing was furnished in 1751 by Prince-Bishop von Franckenstein, featuring a ceiling fresco by Giuseppe Appiani.

⛲ Garden & Cascade

The Rococo garden is one of the most significant of its kind in Franconia. At its heart is the meticulously restored cascade: from May to early October, the water features run daily from 10 am to 5 pm, every hour on the hour. The palace rooms themselves can only be viewed as part of a guided tour.

🍽️ Seehof Castle Restaurant & Café

In the castle’s outbuildings, the Restaurant & Café invites you to take a break, with a lovely terrace in the castle grounds and a view of the castle. Franconian cuisine and homemade cakes are served: from breakfast in the morning through to a set lunch, followed by coffee and cake in the afternoon, and hot meals in the evening. Vegan dishes are also available on the menu. Closed on Mondays (or the following Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday). Table bookings on 0951 / 4071640.

🕒 Castle opening hours

Guided tours of the castle take place hourly from 9.15 am to 5.15 pm (approx. 45 minutes).

Practical information