Friedrichstein Castle in Bad Wildungen

The original Gothic-style castle was built here in 1200. It was built by Friedrich of Thuringia, who received money and became a count through marriage. In 1260, the Counts of Waldeck, whose main castle we visited earlier, became the owners of the castle and the county of Wildungen.


In 1663, Count Josias II von Waldeck began the Baroque reconstruction of the castle. In 1678, the Count's widow ordered the demolition of the old wing of the castle, which was still standing, and the construction of a new wing. However, the Gothic round tower of the medieval castle with its dome and lantern has been preserved.


Count Friedrich Anton Ulrich von Waldeck restored the castle between 1707 and 1714. He used the impressions of his extensive travels and the experience he had gained earlier during the construction of the castles in Bad Arolsen and Bad Piermont. He completed the project he had started by building the south wing with a terrace. He also built two smaller side wings. Count Friedrich Anton Ulrich von Waldeck gave his name to Friedrichstein Castle.








In 1715-1719, the stucco in the Grand Ballroom of the south wing was created by the Italian master Andrea Gallasini and the ceiling painting by his compatriot Carlo Ludovico Castelli. The ceiling painting shows the apotheosis of the Waldeck house. Friedrich Anton Ulrich von Waldeck received the title of prince in 1711.


During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870/1871, a military hospital was set up in the lower rooms of the castle. The north wing was then used as a forest ranger's flat. In 1906 the rooms were renovated and served as a summer residence for the princely Waldeck family.

After the First World War on 26 August 1920, the castle was taken over by the municipality and was rented out for residential use. In the spring of 1921, a youth hostel was organised in the lower rooms. In the 1930s, a Nazi Party training centre was established in the castle. At this time, Hermann Goering was a guest at Friedrichstein Castle several times.


After the Second World War, the castle was taken over by the state of Hesse. Today it is a branch of the Hesse State Museum in Kassel.




Along with a visit to the castle, it makes sense to stroll through the old town of Bad Wildungen.


Getting there: car park near the castle 51.125167, 9.127972. Bad Wildungen train station is 1500 metres from the castle.