Schloss Königs Wusterhausen

Schloss Königs Wusterhausen, nestled in the charming town of Königs Wusterhausen in Brandenburg, Germany, stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural elegance of the region. This castle, once the favored residence of King Frederick William I, known as the Soldier King, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the past, blending historical significance with serene natural beauty.

The History of Schloss Königs Wusterhausen

The origins of Schloss Königs Wusterhausen trace back to the 14th century when it was initially established as a moated castle. The first documented mention of the castle dates to 1320, with another reference as castrum wusterhuse in 1375. The estate was acquired in 1682 by the Great Elector Frederick William for his son, Frederick I, who later passed it on to his own son, Frederick William I.

The Castle under the Soldier King

Frederick William I, the Soldier King, held a deep disdain for the baroque opulence of his father's reign, which had nearly bankrupted Prussia with extravagant castle constructions in Potsdam and Berlin. He preferred the simplicity of Schloss Königs Wusterhausen, using it as a hunting lodge and summer residence. The King frequently retreated to the castle during autumn, a period he fondly referred to as Herbstlust.

In 1717, the town of Wusterhausen was honored with the addition of Königs to its name, reflecting the King's affection for the place. Here, the Soldier King conducted his famous Tobacco Collegium meetings, where he discussed state affairs while indulging in one of his few aristocratic pleasures—hunting. The castle grounds were expanded in 1725 with the creation of the Tiergarten Neue Mühle, a game reserve directly adjacent to the castle park.

However, Schloss Königs Wusterhausen was not merely a place of leisure. It was within these walls that Frederick William I signed the decree in 1730, ending his son Frederick II's planned escape to England and resulting in the tragic execution of his friend Hans Hermann von Katte.

The Castle after Frederick William I

Following the death of the Soldier King in 1740, his favorite son, August William, inherited the castle and its estates. Archaeological excavations around the castle have uncovered numerous artifacts from this period, indicating its continued use. Despite this, the castle occasionally stood vacant and was even used as a residence for a war council and its officers.

Frederick II, who had unhappy memories of his childhood at the castle and his strict father, preferred the splendor of Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam. However, his brother Henry occasionally resided at Schloss Königs Wusterhausen after Frederick William III granted it to him in 1798. From 1799 until his death in 1802, Henry spent March and often October at the castle, reminiscing about his mother and siblings.

In the 19th century, the castle regained its status as a royal hunting lodge under the Prussian kings Frederick William IV and William I. The castle was restored and refurnished, hosting royal hunts once more. A notable event was the grand hunt in December 1883, attended by King William I, the Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, and the Duke of Saxe-Altenburg. The last grand hunt took place in 1913 under Kaiser Wilhelm II.

During the Weimar Republic, the castle briefly served as a museum and was later used as a military hospital during World War II. In the era of the German Democratic Republic, it housed the district administration of Königs Wusterhausen. Extensive restoration work began in 1991, and on September 30, 2000, the castle and gardens were reopened to the public, once again serving as a cultural center and museum.

Architecture of the Castle

The two-story, almost square structure of Schloss Königs Wusterhausen was constructed using fieldstones up to the upper floor, showcasing the Renaissance style of a fortified house. The north and south sides of the building feature characteristic gabled facades with steep, parallel saddle roofs. The northern courtyard facade is adorned with a prominent stair tower, topped with a slate-covered hood.

Inside the castle, the grand hall houses approximately 40 paintings created by the Soldier King between 1735 and 1739 at Schloss Kossenblatt. These artworks were relocated to Wusterhausen in 1863. The castle's entrance is flanked by two cavalier houses, forming a trapezoidal courtyard.

The Castle Garden

The Renaissance garden, initially located to the west of the castle, was complemented by a French Baroque-style garden on the eastern side between 1696 and 1698. Commissioned by Electress Sophie Charlotte, the garden was designed by Siméon Godeau, a pupil of the renowned André Le Nôtre from Paris. Today, the baroque garden structure, along with elements from the 19th century and the 1960s, has been meticulously restored.

Schloss Königs Wusterhausen stands as a captivating blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the rich heritage of the Soldier King, marvel at the castle's Renaissance and Baroque features, and enjoy the serene gardens that have been lovingly restored to their former glory. This historic site offers a unique journey through time, making it an essential destination for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike.