Thurnau is located in the Upper Franconian district of Kulmbach on the northern edge of the Franconian Switzerland. The local castle is one of the largest and most important castles in northern Bavaria with sections from the 13th to the 19th century. The oldest part of the castle is the boudoir. It was built by the Knight Förtsch von Thurnau and stands on a sandstone rock, which extends to the third floor. The bridge to the St. Lawrence Church dominates the historic center.