Kernerhaus
Home of physician and poet Justinus Kerner in Weinsberg; a memorial site since 1908, with Biedermeier rooms, the Ghost Tower and memories of Romanticism.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Justinus Kerner (1786–1862), district physician in Weinsberg and one of the poets of the Swabian Romantic movement, had the house built in 1822 at the foot of the Burgberg, below the Weibertreu. In 1827 a wooden annex, the so-called Schweizerhaus, was added. Under Kerner and his wife Friederike ("Rickele"), the house became a meeting place for guests from all walks of life: Ludwig Uhland, Gustav Schwab, Nikolaus Lenau, Count Alexander von Württemberg and many others stopped here. Lenau at times lived in the old prison tower of the town wall in the garden, which Kerner had bought and fitted out as a guest room – the "Ghost Tower".
After Kerner's death, his son Theobald lived in the house. In 1907 the Justinus-Kerner-Verein, founded two years earlier, acquired the property and opened it as a memorial site in 1908. During the Second World War the house was closed and its contents were moved to storage; it could be furnished again from 1950. A comprehensive renovation in 1985/86 aimed to restore its original character.
On the first floor, pictures, books, manuscripts and personal items trace Kerner's life, his circle of friends and his work as a physician, including the device with which he treated Friederike Hauffe, known as the "Seeress of Prevorst". On the second floor, the family's living quarters are shown with Biedermeier wallpaper and remnants of the original furnishings, including the study, living room and dining room and the "coffin room" under the roof. The house is still run by volunteers from the Justinus-Kerner-Verein together with the Frauenverein Weinsberg (women's association).
Highlights
- Study and living room with Kerner's self-built desk
- Ghost Tower in the garden, where Nikolaus Lenau lived
- Kerner's treatment device for the "Seeress of Prevorst"
- Dining room in the Schweizerhaus and "coffin room" under the roof
- Alabaster Madonna from the 15th century in the Marian room
Permanent exhibitions
- Justinus Kerner – Lebensstationen, Dichter und Arzt – On the first floor, pictures, manuscripts and personal items document Kerner's life, his circle of friends and his medical work.
- Wohnräume der Familie Kerner – On the second floor, the study, living room, dining room and Marian room are furnished again with Biedermeier wallpaper and original furniture.
- Founded
- 1908
- Operated by
- Justinus-Kerner-Verein Weinsberg e. V. und Frauenverein Weinsberg e. V.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4Pupils and students |
| Students & apprentices | €4 |
| Guided tour during opening hours (up to 10 people, admission included) | €60each additional person €6; groups of pupils and students €40 |
| Guided tour outside opening hours (up to 10 people, admission included) | €70each additional person €7; school classes €40 |
Prices are without a guided tour. School classes from the Weinsberg valley enter free. Special guided tours for family celebrations, conferences or company events by arrangement.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Weinsberg Bahnhof · 5-min walk
City rail S4 (Öhringen – Baden-Baden) to Weinsberg station, then a 5-minute walk.
By car
Parking available
Parking on the Grasiger Hag at the foot of Burg Weibertreu, a few meters away; also suitable for buses.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Book tours by phone during opening hours (07134 2553) or by email. The property includes the Ghost Tower in the garden and the Alexanderhäuschen across the way, Kerner's former guest house. |
