Schloss Königs Wusterhausen
Hunting lodge of the "Soldier King" Frederick William I southeast of Berlin, with the Tabakskollegium (Tobacco Council), paintings by the king himself, and a Baroque garden.
About the museum
The palace dates back to a moated castle first mentioned in 1320. At the end of the 17th century, the Hohenzollerns acquired the estate; the future King Frederick William I received it while still crown prince and made it his favorite retreat. Here he commanded his first regiment and began assembling the "Lange Kerls" (Potsdam Giants). From 1717, the town bore the prefix "Königs" (King's).
As king, Frederick William I came to Wusterhausen with his family every fall to hunt. The evening Tabakskollegium (Tobacco Council), where he smoked, drank, and discussed politics with confidants, became legendary. After his death in 1740, the palace lost importance, since Frederick II preferred other residences; only in the 19th century did Frederick William IV and William I have it restored as a hunting lodge, and court hunts were held here until 1913.
In the 20th century, the building served various purposes, including as the seat of the district administration in East German times. From 1991, the palace was extensively restored and opened as a museum by the Stiftung Preußische Schlösser und Gärten on September 30, 2000. The tour includes the Officers' Gallery, the Tabakskollegium, the Queen's bedchamber, and some 40 pictures painted by the king himself. Two cavalier houses frame the palace courtyard, and the Baroque garden laid out to plans by Siméon Godeau has been reconstructed.
Highlights
- The Soldier King's Tabakskollegium
- Some 40 pictures painted by the king himself
- Officers' Gallery decorated with antlers
- The Queen's bedchamber and spiral staircase
- Reconstructed Baroque garden
Permanent exhibitions
- Jagdschloss des Soldatenkönigs – Guided tour of the royal rooms, including the Tabakskollegium, the Officers' Gallery, and paintings by Frederick William I's own hand.
- Founded
- 2000
- Operated by
- Stiftung Preußische Schlösser und Gärten Berlin-Brandenburg
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €6School students, university students, apprentices, recipients of unemployment benefits (ALG I) and social benefits, refugees, people with disabilities (GdB 50 or more) (SPSG rate, with proof) |
| Children & teens | €6free up to age 6 · Children under 7 free; school students pay the reduced price. |
| Seniors | –No senior discount. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €6companion free · Reduced rate with a disability degree (GdB) of 50 or more, free with GdB 100. |
| Students & apprentices | €6 |
| Groups | –Private group tour (40 min., max. 20 people, German or English) flat rate €120; school and youth groups up to age 27 at the student rate; booking through the SPSG group service (phone 0331 9694-222, gruppenservice@spsg.de). Special openings for an extra charge. |
| Families | €16Familienkarte Märkische Schlösser (family ticket) for up to 2 adults and up to 4 children under 18. |
| Annual pass for palaces (SPSG) | €80Reduced €60; valid for all open SPSG palaces. |
Free admission with the SPSG annual pass. Garden free.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- 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
The exhibition rooms are not suitable for wheelchairs. For conservation reasons, strollers are not allowed in the exhibition rooms. Assistance dogs welcome.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €16 · Familienkarte Märkische Schlösser (family ticket) for up to 2 adults and up to 4 children under 18. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Stroller-friendly: not available
The annual program includes family events for children ages 5 and up, including adventure tours for 5- to 10-year-olds, as well as costumed tours. Strollers are not allowed in the exhibition rooms.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Königs Wusterhausen, Schloß
Stop "Königs Wusterhausen, Schloß".
By car
Parking available
Only a few parking spaces available.
Amenities & dining
- Lockers
A few lockers (max. 35 × 35 × 50 cm).
Events & venue rental
The palace is not on the SPSG's list of event venues.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 40 min |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Tour of the palace only with a guided tour. The annual program includes palace concerts, lectures, costumed and themed tours, as well as the Hubertusfest and Christmas tours. Group tours last 40 minutes; the SPSG gives no duration for tours for individual visitors. |
