(c) by Sascha Bühner
Description [EN]
Wilhelmsburg CastleA Jewel of the Renaissance Above the Rooftops of Schmalkalden
High above the historic town centre of Schmalkalden stands Wilhelmsburg Castle – one of Germany’s most important and best-preserved Renaissance castles. With its impressive architecture, magnificent interiors and an almost completely preserved castle complex, it is an exceptional example of Renaissance heritage and a cultural highlight of the region.
Between 1585 and 1590, Landgrave William IV of Hesse-Kassel had his “new castle” built on the southwestern slope of the Queste as a secondary residence. On 23 May 1590, with the ceremonial consecration of the castle church, Wilhelmsburg Castle was officially opened for use.
To this day, the castle fascinates visitors with its exceptionally well-preserved historic room layout. Magnificent wall paintings, elaborate stucco decorations and impressive architecture offer an authentic impression of courtly life in the late 16th century.
Experience Architecture and History Up Close
One of the castle’s most remarkable features is the Castle Church, which was closely inspired by the famous Castle Church in Torgau. In Schmalkalden, the altar, pulpit and organ were arranged vertically on a single central axis for the first time – an important architectural and liturgical concept of the Protestant Renaissance.
Another highlight is the famous Giants’ Hall, known in German as the Riesensaal. It is one of the largest and most impressive ceremonial halls built in Germany during the late 16th century. Its extraordinary size and remarkable design still reflect the importance of Wilhelmsburg Castle as a princely residence.
A Unique Renaissance Ensemble
It is not only the castle itself that makes Wilhelmsburg so special. Its historic gardens and surrounding buildings form an exceptional ensemble that has remained largely intact for centuries. During the reign of Landgrave Moritz, numerous buildings and gardens were created in and around the castle complex from around 1600 onwards.
These include:
- The Rabbit Garden – around 1600
- The Castle Gardens – around 1600
- The Gatekeeper’s House – around 1600
- The Chancellery – 1604
- The Bakehouse – 1609
- The Pfalz building – 1610
- The Brewery – 1620
- The Prison Tower – around 1590
- The Stables and Renthof – originally built around 1400 and remodelled in 1618
The almost completely preserved complex gives Wilhelmsburg Castle its distinctive character. The castle, church, service buildings and gardens come together to form an impressive historical ensemble, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the Renaissance in Schmalkalden.
A Castle of Outstanding Importance
Today, Wilhelmsburg Castle is regarded as one of the most significant Renaissance monuments in central Germany. Its exceptionally authentic historic fabric, beautifully preserved interiors and remarkably complete castle complex make it a fascinating destination for anyone interested in history, architecture and culture.
Anyone visiting Schmalkalden should not miss Wilhelmsburg Castle – a place where history, architecture and the spirit of the Renaissance come vividly to life.
Services
Families with children
20,00 Euro
Adolescents, pupils
Kinder frei, Volljährige Schüler 4,00 Euro
Students
6,00 Euro
Adult
8,00 Euro
Seniors
8,00 Euro
Disabled person
4600 Euro
Car parking
Renthofstraße, 98574 Schmalkalden
Bus parking
Renthofstraße, 98574 Schmalkalden
wardrobe
ja
Lockers
nein
Loan Rollers & Rollers
nein
Lendable baby carriages and baby carriers
nein
Baby changing facilities
nein
WiFi
ja
Audioguides
ja
Publicly accessible library / archive / study rooms
nein
Cafe/Restaurant
nein
Museumsshop
ja
Event room / lecture rooms (rentable)
ja
Note regarding pets (if necessary, dog care on the spot)
Hunde dürfen mit ins Museum
Notes on using your smartphone or cameras
Nur für private Zwecke. Fotoerlaubnis für kommerzielle Zwecke über Stiftung Thüringer Schlösser und GärtenSchloßbezirk 107407 RudolstadtT: 0 36 72 – 44 70F: 0 36 72 – 44 71 19stiftung@thueringerschloesser.de
Guided tours and group offers
GruppenführungenSchlossführung: 25,- Euro zzgl. 1,- Euro pro Schüler/inSchlossführung ca. 90 Min.: 30,00 € zzgl. EintrittEinführungsrundgang 15 Min.: 25,00 € zzgl. EintrittSchlossführung mit Museumsdirektor ca. 90 Min.: 40,00 € zzgl. EintrittSonderführungsangebote f. Einzelbesucher: zzgl. zum Eintritt pro Person 2,- Euro
First aid room
nein
Accessibility
Access with ramp
Yes
Guidance system for visually impaired people, Tactile / acoustic map
No
Entrance soil indicators
No
Marking of step edges
No
Access stairless
No
Access with ramp
Yes
Elevator with tactile font / announcement
No
Disabled toilet
No
Labeling in pictograms
No
Inscription in braille
No
Tactile accessible exhibition objects
Yes
Print medium in braille inscription / large print
No
Tactile / audio tours
Yes
Guided tours in sign language
No
Tactile flooring system
No
Barrier-free Audioguides
Yes
Educational programs for visitors with learning difficulties
No