Schloss Berleburg
Princely residence of the Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg family, inhabited for almost 800 years, with guided tours in summer and a Baroque palace park.
About the museum
The complex on the spur of the hill above Berleburg was built as a castle in 1258, initially under the shared rule of Count Siegfried I of Wittgenstein and a co-owner. From 1322 it was solely in Wittgenstein hands; through inheritance it passed to the House of Sayn-Wittgenstein, whose Berleburg line still lives in the palace today.
After the county was divided in 1506, Count Johann VII made the old hunting castle his residence and began new construction in 1531. The north wing was extended and a gatehouse added in the 16th century. Between 1731 and 1739, the three-story Baroque central building was erected to plans by Julius Ludwig Rothweil, and around 1780 the courtyard was opened up into a three-wing complex on the French model. During a renovation in 1912, Friedrich von Thiersch added the flanking towers.
The palace is still the residence of the princely family; since 2020, Gustav Prince of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg has been its owner. In summer, visitors can explore it on historical guided tours that lead from the court vault through the Fürstlicher Marstall (princely stables) with the state coach to the palace chapel, which is still in use.
The ensemble includes the Fürstlicher Park, about twelve hectares in size, whose layout has remained largely unchanged since around 1750, with an orangery and allegorical sandstone figures from 1752. A ten-year restoration project for the palace and park has begun.
Highlights
- Residential palace still inhabited by the princely family
- Fürstlicher Marstall (princely stables) with state coach
- Court vault and palace chapel
- Baroque central building (1731–1739) to plans by Julius Ludwig Rothweil
- Twelve-hectare Fürstlicher Park with orangery and sandstone figures from 1752
- Operated by
- Fürstliche Familie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg (privat)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €8People with severe disabilities with ID |
| Children & teens | €7Price for children aged 6 and over; no price stated for under 6. |
| Seniors | –No senior discount stated. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €8With severe disability ID (Schwerbehindertenausweis). |
| Students & apprentices | –No student discount stated. |
| Groups | –Group tours on request (tel. +49 2751 9360 100). |
| Private guided tour (by arrangement) | €25Per person, minimum fee €250. |
Prices for the historical guided tour according to the visitor page (which still lists 2025 dates). Palace park currently free.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
No accessibility information on the website; the tour takes place mostly outdoors. Guide dogs for the blind are allowed in the palace.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
The historical tour is explicitly described as ideal for visitors with children; it takes place mostly outdoors. No restroom use is possible during the tour.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
Several designated public parking lots outside the palace complex, free of charge. Parking is not permitted in the palace courtyard.
Amenities & dining
- Coat check: not available
- Lockers: not available
Backpacks, large bags, and tripods are not allowed in the palace (leave them in the car). Restrooms are in the ticket area, not available during the tour.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
- Weddings / ceremonies
Up to 60 guests.
Civil weddings in the 18th-century orangery (up to 30 guests); courtroom for conferences and corporate events (up to 60 people).
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | no |
| Photography | Prohibited inside the palace (including the Marstall and the Richtersaal); permitted for private use in the palace courtyard and park; commercial photography and wedding photos only with permission; drones prohibited. |
| Good to know | Visits only with a guided tour; weatherproof clothing recommended, as much of it takes place outdoors. Dogs only in the palace courtyard and park, on a leash. Food, drinks, and smoking are not permitted in the palace. |
