Schloss Finsterwalde

Schloss Finsterwalde is a Renaissance castle with two clearly separated sections: the Vorderschloss with buildings of varying heights and the Hinterschloss, which forms four wings around a central courtyard. The facades feature intricately designed sandstone frames that emphasize the Renaissance design.

The first documented record dates to 1282, and in the 14th century it served as a stronghold for a robber knight named von Gorenzen. The von Dieskau family acquired the property in 1533 and transformed it into its present Renaissance form.

The von Dieskau family name is closely tied to this place, as they established themselves here in the 16th century and shaped its Renaissance character. You can still see their mark in the facades and courtyard layout today.

Access to the interior spaces and courtyard is possible on weekdays during the administration's business hours, as government offices remain housed here today. On weekends, visitors can explore the castle park during daylight, which offers a quieter experience.

In the 19th century, the Vorderschloss housed two cloth factories that shaped the local economy of the town. This industrial past is hardly visible today, yet it shows how this historic site reinvented itself multiple times.

Location: Finsterwalde

GPS coordinates: 51.62820,13.71010

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:26