Bavarian State to Sell Prison - First Interested Parties - Bavaria Sells Historic 16th-Century Prison with Strict Buyer Criteria
Bavaria is preparing to sell the former Neuburg an der Donau prison after its closure last year. The decision follows a review by the Bavarian Ministry of Justice, which found the site no longer viable for modern penal use. The historic property includes three buildings, some dating back to the 16th century, and will be listed on major real estate platforms soon.
The prison, officially named Justizvollzugsanstalt (JVA) Neuburg an der Donau, was shut down in 2023. A ministry assessment concluded that renovations and ongoing costs made it impractical to keep running. Until a buyer is found, the Free State of Bavaria will continue covering maintenance expenses.
The site features three protected buildings, including the Wittelsbacher Hofreitschule from 1577, once used as a workshop where inmates assembled toy cars. A chapel and preserved prison elements—such as barred windows, corridor doors, and barbed wire in the yard—remain intact. The facility once housed 73 inmates in single and shared cells, some with views of the old town.
A detailed sales prospectus will soon be published, outlining deadlines, selection criteria, and procedural rules. The state has not disclosed renovation costs but will prioritise bids based on the prospectus conditions rather than price alone. The property will appear on the Immobilien Freistaat Bayern website and other major real estate portals.
Assessments are still underway to confirm the exact square footage, heritage protection needs, and the number of usable rooms.
The former prison will be sold under specific criteria, not just the highest offer. Potential buyers will need to meet the conditions set out in the official prospectus. Once sold, the site's future use will depend on the new owner's plans, subject to heritage preservation rules.
