Germany Schloss Waldenburg

Waldenburg Castle dates back to a castle complex built between 1165 and 1172 as a defensive post during the settlement of the Pleißenland region by Hugo von Wartha, judge in the royal Pleißenland region, and Rudolf von Brand, imperial marshal. The builder, Hugo von Waldenburg, was first mentioned in a document in 1199. The Waldenburg family, descendants of Hugo von Wartha, were the namesakes of the present castle. Their sphere of influence extended far into the Ore Mountains. In 1388, Waldenburg was besieged by the Margrave of Meissen. In 1430, the castle and the town of Waldenburg were attacked and largely destroyed by the Hussites. Under Vitus II (1418-1472), the castle was rebuilt as a late Gothic palace.

The complex burned down in 1519 and was rebuilt in the following years. The front palace was rebuilt from 1556 to 1567. Waldenburg Castle became a double castle complex. The rear part of the castle was destroyed by fire in 1619. Starting in 1755, the front part of the castle was renovated, while the rear part remained as a ruin. In 1783, the ruin was demolished and the moat was filled in.

In 1835, the interior was remodeled and refurbished. During the 1848 Revolution, the castle was stormed and burned down by the local population. In 1853, the keep was rebuilt. From 1855 to 1859, the castle was rebuilt in the Romantic style, and the castle park was redesigned. From 1909 to 1912, Waldenburg Castle was extensively remodeled and technically modernized. In 1932, parts of the castle were opened to the public as a museum. At the end of 1945, the owner was expropriated. Between August 1946 and July 1947, the Soviet occupying forces used the castle as a military hospital. From 1948 to 1998, the complex was used as a sanatorium and hospital.

Waldenburg Castle is now owned by the Zwickau district, which has been gradually renovating the complex since 2005. The castle is open to visitors.

Parking Am Lustgarten