Wittgenstein Castle

Schloß Wittgenstein is a historic castle located in Bad Laasphe, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, perched on a hill at an elevation of 470 meters between the Lahn and Laasphebach rivers. Originally the residence of the Counts of Wittgenstein and later the Princes of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Hohenstein, the castle has a history dating back to the 12th century. Today, it operates as a commercial hospitality and event venue, offering overnight accommodations, seminar and workshop facilities, and spaces for celebrations such as weddings and anniversaries. The castle features a mix of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, with three wings extending approximately 125 meters. It provides modern amenities including WLAN, renovated rooms with showers, WC, and TV, and parking in the castle courtyard. The venue caters to both individual travelers and groups, with breakfast available for house guests of 10 or more. The castle is also a base for exploring the surrounding Rothaargebirge nature park and the historic town of Bad Laasphe, known for its well-preserved medieval core and museums. While the castle itself is a historic monument, its current operation as a hotel and event location constitutes a commercial brand in the hospitality sector.

The site of Wittgenstein Castle has been fortified since at least the 12th century. A fortification is first mentioned in 1187 as Widenkindigstein. In 1174, Count Werner I added the name of the castle to his own, becoming Werner I of Battenberg and Wittgenstein. The castle was likely built in the mid-12th century by a member of the House of Reichenbach/Ziegenhain and later passed to Count Werner I, who used it to establish an independent domain. In 1190, Werner I concluded a contract with the Archbishop of Mainz, Konrad I von Wittelsbach, to cede suzerainty of the castle to the archbishopric and receive it as a fief, but the contract did not take effect because the archbishop only made partial payment. Werner managed to free himself from Mainz after a few years. A second contract on 2 September 1223 with Werner's sons Werner II, Widekind I, and Hermann brought the castle under the authority of the new Archbishop Siegfried II. In 1238, the House of Wittgenstein and Battenberg split into two lines: Battenberg and Wittgenstein. The castle and its lordship passed to Siegfried I, who called himself Count of Wittgenstein. From then on, the castle was the center of the County of Wittgenstein, which bore its name for centuries. The town of Laasphe was founded below the castle a little later. When the male line of the Counts of Wittgenstein died out in 1359, the county and castle passed to the House of Sayn-Wittgenstein. In 1634, during the Thirty Years' War, the castle was occupied and severely damaged but later restored. Until 1950, it served as the residence of the Princes of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Hohenstein. When the princes left the castle for Schwarzenau Manor, Josef Kämmerling founded a boarding school for boys with a secondary school in rented parts of the palace in 1954. A Gymnasium was added five years later. Girls were admitted to the boarding school only in 1974, from which year external students could also attend the Realschule and Schloss Wittgenstein Gymnasium. From 1975, additional school buildings and boarding houses were constructed. In 2002/2003, the school acquired the palace and adjacent areas from the princely house. Meanwhile, many rooms of the castle were converted into classrooms where classes are regularly held. The existing kitchen and dining room of the boarding school were renovated in 2009 to accommodate day students. In March 2010, part of the film 'Dschungelkind' (Jungle Child) was shot at the castle. The castle is now operated as a hospitality and event venue, offering overnight stays, seminars, and celebrations.

• 2010

  Part of the film 'Dschungelkind' is shot at the castle.

• 2009

  Kitchen and dining room of the boarding school are renovated for day students.

• 2002

  The school acquires the palace and adjacent areas from the princely house.

• 1975

  Additional school buildings and boarding houses are constructed.

• 1974

  Girls are admitted to the boarding school; external students can attend Realschule and Gymnasium.

• 1959

  A Gymnasium (high school) is added.

• 1954

  Josef Kämmerling founds a boys' boarding school with a secondary school in rented parts of the palace.

• 1950

  Princes of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Hohenstein leave the castle for Schwarzenau Manor.

• 1634

  Castle occupied and severely damaged during the Thirty Years' War.

• First mention of a fortification at the site as Widenkindigstein.

• Count Werner I adds the castle's name to his own, becoming Werner I of Battenberg and Wittgenstein.

• Contract with the Archbishop of Mainz to cede suzerainty, but it does not take effect.

• Second contract brings the castle under the authority of the Archbishopric of Mainz.

• House of Wittgenstein and Battenberg splits; castle becomes center of the County of Wittgenstein.

• Male line of Counts of Wittgenstein dies out; castle passes to House of Sayn-Wittgenstein.

Historic castle offering modern hospitality and event services in a scenic German setting.

Product categories. Overnight stays · Seminar and workshop facilities · Event and celebration venues · Wedding venue · Conference facilities

1. 1Feiern, Tagen, Übernachten auf Schloß Wittgenstein in Bad Laasphe, NRWschlosswittgenstein.de
2. 2Wittgenstein Castle - Wikidatawikidata.org
3. 3Château de Wittgenstein - Wikipédiafr.wikipedia.org