To get to the first courtyard you must cross a wooden bridge over a moat which is 8 meters deep and 27 meters wide. Then go through the gate into a forecourt and then pass through another gate in the Shield Wall. Your finally in the very small and intimate first courtyard that is breathtaking. As you whirl around looking, you feel as if you have been transported back in time to the Middle Ages. Romanesque and Gothic stone arches as well as stained glass and bay windows are everywhere.
Looking south you will see the main castle which is the second residence of the Lower Bavarian Dukes. On the right side is the Kemnate or Ladies' Bower. This is where the women and children resided. While on the left side is found the Durnitz and Gothic Hall which served the duke, his knights and his council. Between the Kemnate and Durnitz can be found the Treasury built by George. Interestingly above the Gothic Hall was a dancing hall for servants. There are many different passage ways for protection and security purposes throughout the first courtyard. The Bergfried Tower, a fortified tower seven stories high links the Shield Wall to the Durnitz. Sometimes it was also used as a prison which housed special prisoners, like the cousin of Duke Heinrich, Ludwig who died there in 1447.
Looking south you will see the main castle which is the second residence of the Lower Bavarian Dukes. On the right side is the Kemnate or Ladies' Bower. This is where the women and children resided. While on the left side is found the Durnitz and Gothic Hall which served the duke, his knights and his council. Between the Kemnate and Durnitz can be found the Treasury built by George. Interestingly above the Gothic Hall was a dancing hall for servants. There are many different passage ways for protection and security purposes throughout the first courtyard. The Bergfried Tower, a fortified tower seven stories high links the Shield Wall to the Durnitz. Sometimes it was also used as a prison which housed special prisoners, like the cousin of Duke Heinrich, Ludwig who died there in 1447.