Weißenfels, Urban municipality in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
Weißenfels is a town in Burgenlandkreis in Saxony-Anhalt, spreading along the Saale River. Neu-Augustusburg Castle rises above the riverbank and forms a landmark in the townscape.
In 1656 Duke Augustus founded the Duchy of Saxe-Weissenfels and turned the town into a political center. The duchy existed until 1746, when it was reunited with Saxony.
The name Weißenfels likely comes from the white rock on which the castle stands, shaping the town's identity to this day. Visitors can walk through streets where residential houses, shops and taverns alternate with views of the Saale.
The old town is easy to explore on foot, with paths along the river and narrow lanes between the older buildings. Access to the castle grounds leads up a ramp with steep sections.
The shoe industry shaped the town in the 19th century and led to Weißenfels being considered a center of German shoe production for a time. Today only a few buildings recall this commercial past.
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