Schloss Wilhelmsburg, 18th century castle in Barchfeld-Immelborn, Germany
Schloss Wilhelmsburg stands in the Werra valley and displays the western wing with its plastered facade and mansard roof as the remaining structure from the original complex. The castle was once a large multi-wing residence, of which only this section survives today.
Construction began in 1690 under Landgrave Wilhelm of Hessen as the residence of the Hessen-Philippsthal-Barchfeld noble family. The castle served as an important seat of power in the region until the period of the Napoleonic Wars.
The ceremonial hall from 1732 still displays its original double doors and decorated stucco ceilings, revealing how the residents once celebrated and entertained guests. These details show the importance of skilled craftsmanship in noble residences of that time.
The castle is visible from the road and located in a rural area near the river. Visitors should be aware that restoration work is ongoing and access may be limited depending on current conditions.
Between 1938 and 1990, the castle operated as a leather goods factory and later as a meat processing facility. This unexpected industrial use reveals how noble residences were repurposed for completely different purposes during the 20th century.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.