Wildeck Castle, Medieval castle in Zschopau, Germany
Wildeck Castle is a white Renaissance structure perched on a rocky outcrop above the Zschopau River with a triangular layout dominated by two distinctive towers. The building combines defensive elements with later residential features that reflect its evolution across centuries.
The site originated as a military fortification in the 12th century before Duke Maurice of Saxony transformed it into a hunting lodge during the mid-16th century. This conversion marked the shift from purely defensive architecture to a residential palace for nobility.
The castle houses collections of DKW motorcycles, MZ vehicles, and racing bikes that reflect the region's motorcycle manufacturing heritage. These machines tell the story of local craftsmanship and engineering skill developed over generations.
The castle is accessible by the Erzgebirgsbahn train to Zschopau station or via the B174 highway with on-site parking. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the terrain is steep with several flights of stairs to navigate.
The castle features two strikingly contrasting towers: the robust 30-meter-high Fat Henry with thick defensive walls and the slender Margaret staircase tower. These opposing structures showcase different building phases and the site's varying defensive needs.
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