Wernigerode Castle (Schloss Wernigerode) is a stunning sight that may make some feel as if they have been transported into a fairy tale world. With the spectacular backdrop of the Harz Mountains, Schloss Wernigerode is a German castle that’s not to be missed.
About The Wernigerode Castle And Its History
This 12th century Romanesque-style castle was originally used as a hunting lodge for the old emperors of Germany. Wernigerode Castle has had an identity crisis of architectural styles during its long history.
In the 15th century, large arched windows showed off its Neo-Gothic flair. By the 16th century, Schloss Wernigerode had morphed into a Renaissance fortress, until the ravages of the Thirty Years’ War damaged much of it. In the 18th century, Schloss Wernigerode was trying on another architectural style, this time as a Baroque masterpiece.
However, this wasn’t to last very long either. A new ruler in the 19th century, Count Otto, rebuilt portions of the castle in the Neo-Romantic Gründerzeit style.
What we see today is an elegant smorgasbord of architectural designs.
The castle has been open to visitors since 1930.
Wernigerode Castle Highlights And Features
Castle Tour
Don’t miss out on the lavishly decorated rooms and furnishings of the counts of Wernigerode Castle. There are two different guided tours you can take. Each one is just forty minutes long and will introduce you to a different side of the castle.
Special Events
Every year, Wernigerode Castle hosts a wide range of special events. There are the ever-changing exhibits about the castle and castle life. Schloss Wernigerode is often the site for scientific symposiums and other such conferences. You might be invited to a banquet in the main dining hall of the castle.
The castle is even available for those desiring a true fairy-tale princess wedding!
The view
From its lofty location in the Harz mountains, it is an undeniable fact that the castle offers a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding hills and city of Wernigerode.
But also, don’t forget about the spectacular views from the ground. Wernigerode Castle is a beautiful gem that lends itself perfectly to photo opportunities. The fairy tale castle in the misty mountains is something right out of a fantasy movie.
Wernigerode Castle Location And Opening Hours
Schloss Wernigerode can be found in the city of the same name, Wernigerode, in the Saxony-Anhalt region of Germany. Wernigerode Castle is nestled in the Harz mountains looking over the city.
For the technically-savvy with navigation system on board, the street address for the castle is Am Schloß 1 in Wernigerode. The Wernigerode Castle’s Web site also offers a convenient how-to-get-here navigation guide.
The closest Autobahn is the A395 which links up to the Bundesstraße B6. From there, simply follow the exits and signs to Wernigerode and its majestic castle.
With its close proximity to Brunswick, you shouldn’t have a problem arriving by public transport. There are shuttle buses running the 70 km (43 mi) distance every twenty minutes.
The Wernigerode main train station will set down you not far at all from the castle and town center. It’s a journey of 2.2 km (1.3 mi) from the station to the castle.
The Bimmelbahn, for a small fee, can climb the hills and get you to the top of the mountain where Wernigerode Castle sits.
Wernigerode Castle Opening Hours
Opening hours for Wernigerode Castle change with the seasons. In the summer months of May through October, you can visit daily any time from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. (Last entrance is at 5:30 p.m.)
The hours are the same in the winter months of November to April, except that the castle is closed on Mondays.
