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Burg Zwingenberg, Zwingenberg

Zwingenberg Castle

Zwingenberg

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Zwingenberg

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Burg Zwingenberg stands in Zwingenberg (Neckar-Odenwald-Kreis), in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

Zwingenberg Castle stands on a rocky spur some fifty metres above the River Neckar, where it carves its way through the Odenwald hills. Built in the 13th century, likely by the Hohenstaufen ministerialis Wilhelm von Wimpfen, it was destroyed in 1363 after its occupants turned to robbery and were expelled by imperial order, then rebuilt in the early 15th century by the lords of Hirschhorn. The site is also linked to events of November 1918, when the last Grand Duke of Baden took refuge here before relinquishing power. Each summer the castle courtyard hosts the Schlossfestspiele, an open-air festival centred on the opera Der Freischütz, said to have drawn inspiration from the nearby Wolfschlucht gorge.

Written from Zwingenberg Castle

What to know

  • The castle remains in the ownership of the House of Baden, descendants of the former grand dukes.
  • An open-air opera festival takes place every summer in the castle courtyard.
  • The site sits on a spur above the River Neckar, so reaching it involves a climb.
  • Nearby stand the ruins of Fürstenstein Castle.

Where this château is

Zwingenberg · Neckar-Odenwald-Kreis · Baden-Württemberg

Map of the area around Burg Zwingenberg

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Zwingenberg, Neckar-Odenwald-Kreis

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status
Protection status unknown

Base map © IGN, Géoplateforme

In pictures

Frequently asked

Who built Zwingenberg Castle?
It was likely built in the 13th century by the Hohenstaufen ministerialis Wilhelm von Wimpfen.
Why was Zwingenberg Castle destroyed?
In 1363 the Elector Palatine Ruprecht I expelled the lords of Zwingenberg, who had turned to robbery, and had the castle slighted by imperial order.
Who owns Zwingenberg Castle today?
It belongs to Louis, Prince of Baden, a descendant of Grand Duke Karl Friedrich of Baden.
What happens at the castle in summer?
The castle courtyard hosts the Schlossfestspiele, an open-air opera festival centred on Der Freischütz.

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Sources

Identity, location and official references from Wikidata and the Land's heritage lists.

Within an hour’s drive

The most visited in this department — Neckar-Odenwald-Kreis