Wernigerode Castle
Niedersachsen
Wernigerode Castle is an impressive historic schloss located on a hill overlooking the town of Wernigerode in the Harz mountains, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. Its origins date back to the early 12th century when it was established as a Romanesque fortress for German emperors during their hunting trips. Over centuries, the castle underwent several architectural transformations, including Gothic expansions in the 15th century and Renaissance rebuilds in the 16th century, some medieval elements like a spiral staircase tower still remain. In the 18th century, it was remodeled in Baroque style before receiving its present Neo-Romantic half-timbered and stone appearance in the late 19th century under Count Otto zu Stolberg-Wernigerode. The castle complex includes a chapel built in the 1880s featuring stained glass by Carl Christian Andrea. Today, it houses a museum showcasing the lifestyle of German high nobility in the 19th century across nearly 40 rooms, including Renaissance, Baroque, and Classicism style chambers. Its picturesque architecture and rich history make it a captivating destination blending medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and historicist styles.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to explore the castle during the warmer months when the self-guided tours are fully accessible, ideally between late spring and early autumn. Tickets can be purchased onsite, but booking in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons to avoid queues. The castle offers special exhibitions and themed tours, including visits to the oldest accessible parts beneath the residential rooms and the bergfried tower. Accessibility is limited for visitors with mobility issues due to historic architecture and ongoing restoration work. Check the official website for current opening hours and special events before planning your visit.
Interesting facts
- •Wernigerode Castle's current Neo-Romantic style was inspired by the famous Schloss Neuschwanstein, though its foundations are much older.
- •The castle served as a hunting lodge and secure resting place for German emperors in the 12th century.
- •The castle chapel features stained glass designed by artist Carl Christian Andrea, a notable detail of its 19th-century renovation.
- •Count Otto zu Stolberg-Wernigerode, who led the 19th-century reconstruction, was a prominent political figure, serving as German Vice-Chancellor and ambassador.
- •The castle is considered a leading example of North German historicism architecture.
History
Wernigerode Castle was originally constructed between 1110 and 1120 as a Romanesque fortress for the German emperors.
It was first documented as a castle (castrum) in 1213.
The Counts of Wernigerode ruled from here until their line ended in 1429, after which the castle passed to the Counts of Stolberg.
It suffered damage during the Thirty Years' War and was rebuilt in Baroque style in the early 18th century.
In the late 19th century, Count Otto zu Stolberg-Wernigerode extensively renovated the castle in a Neo-Romantic historicist style, completing the transformation in 1893.
The castle chapel was rebuilt in the 1880s, maintaining its historical location and incorporating stained glass artworks.
Place Guide
Historic Courtyard and Foundations12th century
Explore the spacious inner courtyard where the original medieval castle chapel and bergfried once stood, now replaced by later structures. The foundations reveal the castle's Romanesque origins and medieval defensive design.
Spiral Staircase Tower16th century
A rare surviving element from the Renaissance rebuild, this spiral staircase tower offers insight into the castle's 16th-century architectural style and defensive features.
Castle Chapel1880-1883
Built between 1880 and 1883, the chapel was designed by Carl Frühling following plans by Friedrich von Schmidt. It honors saints Panthaleon and Anna and features stained glass by Carl Christian Andrea, blending historicist and Baroque elements.
Museum Rooms and Style Chambers19th century
Nearly 40 rooms showcase the living culture of German high nobility in the late 19th century, including Renaissance, Baroque, and Classicism style chambers, as well as the so-called 'King's Rooms'.
Contact
Phone: 03943 553030
