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### Discovering Castle Information in Hessen with EBIDAT
EBIDAT, operated by the European Castle Institute and the German Castle Association, is a comprehensive database providing detailed information on historical castles, fortresses, and palaces across Germany, including the state of Hessen. To find castle data for your travel plans, follow these steps and best practices:
#### Accessing EBIDAT
- **Navigate to the official EBIDAT website** (search for “EBIDAT Deutsche Burgenvereinigung” in your browser to find the correct address). - **Select “Database” or “Burgenlexikon”** from the main menu to access the search interface. - **Use the advanced search function** to filter for castles in Hessen (“Bundesland: Hessen”).
#### Information Available
- **Type of Structure**: EBIDAT classifies each site as a castle, fortress, palace, manor, ruin, etc. - **History**: Detailed historical summaries, including construction dates, ownership changes, architectural phases, and historical events. - **Location**: Precise geographical data, often with maps and GPS coordinates, as well as directions from nearby towns or roads. - **Tourist Details**: Includes information on accessibility (public/private, opening hours), guided tours, visitor centers, exhibitions, and nearby amenities. **Note**: For the most current visitor information (e.g., entrance fees, events), always cross-check with local tourism offices, as EBIDAT may not always have real-time updates. - **Photos and Plans**: Images, floor plans, and sometimes 3D reconstructions are available for many entries.
#### Search Tips
- **Use German Place Names**: For best results, search using the official German names of towns and castles. - **Narrow by Region**: Hessen is large; refine your search by county (Landkreis) or town for more targeted results. - **Download or Print**: Many entries allow you to print or save a summary for offline use during your trip. - **Cross-Reference**: For the latest tourist info (e.g., special events, closures), visit the official websites of the castles or regional tourism boards.
#### Alternative Resources
If EBIDAT does not provide sufficient detail for your needs, consider: - **Local Tourism Websites**: Often provide up-to-date practical information. - **Guidebooks**: Specialized German castle guides (e.g., “Burgen und Schlösser in Hessen”) offer curated itineraries. - **Academic Publications**: For in-depth historical analysis, check university libraries or online journals.
#### Comparison Table: EBIDAT vs. Tourism Sources
| Feature | EBIDAT | Regional Tourism Sites | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------| | Historical Detail | Extensive, academic | Basic summaries | | Current Visitor Info | Limited (check dates) | Updated regularly | | Photos/Plans | Often available | Variable | | Accessibility | Academic/historical focus | Practical/tourist focus | | Language | Mostly German | Often English available |
#### Practical Advice
- **Start with EBIDAT for historical and architectural context**. - **Verify opening hours, events, and accessibility via local tourism portals**. - **Combine both sources for a comprehensive vacation plan**.
EBIDAT is the go-to source for castle research in Germany, but for the most practical trip planning, supplement its data with information from regional tourism authorities. EBIDAT catalogues structures from the early Middle Ages to the 15th century and provides information on castles not only in Hessen but also in various European countries such as the Netherlands, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Denmark, Latvia, and Finland.
Incorporating EBIDAT's extensive historical and architectural details into your travel plans can enhance your understanding of the castles in Hessen. By supplementing this information with practical travel details from local tourism authorities, you can ensure a seamless and enjoyable visit to these historical sites. Your lifestyle and choices in travel may be influenced by the beautiful castles and rich history that Hessen has to offer.
