Can Zerbst Castle still be visited?

Only the east wing and a fragment of the main block remain, currently under restoration, so it is not a complete palace open for touring.

Why was the castle destroyed?

After bomb damage in April 1945, reconstruction on the surviving foundations would have been possible, but demolition was chosen for political reasons.

What is the connection to Catherine the Great?

Born a princess of Anhalt-Zerbst, she spent part of her childhood at this castle before becoming Empress of Russia.

Where is Zerbst Castle located?

In Zerbst/Anhalt, in the Landkreis Anhalt-Bitterfeld, Saxony-Anhalt.

Zerbst Castle

Zerbst/Anhalt

Visit

Hours to be confirmed

Book a visit

You are leaving for the château’s own website

Where: Zerbst/Anhalt

Hours and prices not verified at the source yet.Check on the official website

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

Wasserburg GommernAccommodation on site21 km

Schloss Zerbst stands in Zerbst/Anhalt (Landkreis Anhalt-Bitterfeld), in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. The building is a listed Baudenkmal. Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

Zerbst Castle, in Saxony-Anhalt, is what remains of a large Baroque residence built for the Princes of Anhalt-Zerbst, reduced to ruins after 1945. Standing on the site of an earlier Slavic and then Ascanian stronghold, the family raised a three-wing complex from 1681 onward, modelled on Dutch architecture, where the future Catherine the Great of Russia spent part of her childhood. Struck by bombs in April 1945, the building was largely demolished afterwards for political reasons, leaving only the east wing and a fragment of the main block standing. These surviving parts have been under a restoration and conservation effort since the mid-2000s.

Written from Zerbst Castle

What to know

Only one wing and a fragment of the main building survive, the rest having been demolished after 1945.
The site is listed as a Kulturdenkmal in Germany.
A visit means seeing ruins under ongoing restoration rather than a rebuilt palace.
The nearby Baroque riding hall from the 18th century still stands and is now used as an event space.
No opening hours, admission fees or access details are currently available.

Practical information

Opening hours

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	11:00-12:00 · 13:00-17:00
Wednesday	11:00-12:00 · 13:00-17:00
Thursday	11:00-12:00 · 13:00-17:00
Friday	11:00-12:00 · 13:00-17:00
Saturday	11:00-12:00 · 13:00-17:00
Sunday (today)	Closed

Opening hours published by the château on its Google listing. We have not yet confirmed them on its official website.

Visit duration: Not verified
Wheelchair access: Not verified
Dogs: Not verified
Parking: Not verified

Where this château is

Zerbst/Anhalt · Landkreis Anhalt-Bitterfeld · Sachsen-Anhalt

Loading the map…

This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Katharinenweg, 39261 Zerbst/Anhalt

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

Get directions View on a map

Château phone number

+49 179 7282023

Call

The safest check before setting off: today’s hours, guided-tour availability, where to park.

4.3 / 5from 180 Google reviews

Heritage status: Kulturdenkmal in Deutschland

In pictures

Frequently asked

Can Zerbst Castle still be visited?: Only the east wing and a fragment of the main block remain, currently under restoration, so it is not a complete palace open for touring.
Why was the castle destroyed?: After bomb damage in April 1945, reconstruction on the surviving foundations would have been possible, but demolition was chosen for political reasons.
What is the connection to Catherine the Great?: Born a princess of Anhalt-Zerbst, she spent part of her childhood at this castle before becoming Empress of Russia.
Where is Zerbst Castle located?: In Zerbst/Anhalt, in the Landkreis Anhalt-Bitterfeld, Saxony-Anhalt.