Residenzschloss Rastatt
The first Baroque residence on the Upper Rhine: the state rooms of the “Türkenlouis” on guided tours, plus the palace church and the Wehrgeschichtliches Museum (military history museum).
About the museum
Margrave Ludwig Wilhelm of Baden-Baden, nicknamed “Türkenlouis” for his successful campaigns against the Ottomans, moved his residence to Rastatt after Baden-Baden was destroyed in the Nine Years' War (War of the Palatinate Succession). Starting in 1697, the Italian master builder Domenico Egidio Rossi built a sprawling residence modeled on Versailles there, in place of the hunting lodge originally planned; the shell was largely complete by around 1702. At the same time, Rastatt was developed into a planned residential town.
After the margrave's death in 1707, his widow Sibylla Augusta continued furnishing the palace and had, among other things, the Schlosskirche Heilig Kreuz (Palace Church of the Holy Cross) built, as well as the pleasure palace Favorite nearby. In 1714 the Peace of Rastatt was concluded in the palace, ending the War of the Spanish Succession between France and the Emperor; from 1797 to 1799 the Congress of Rastatt met here.
When the Baden-Baden line died out in 1771, Rastatt lost its role as a residence, and in the 19th and 20th centuries the palace served mainly as barracks and government offices. Unlike many other residences, it came through both world wars without serious damage, so its state rooms survive with their original stucco and frescoes.
Today the Staatliche Schlösser und Gärten Baden-Württemberg look after the Beletage (principal floor) with the Hall of Ancestors and the state apartments, which can only be seen on guided tours. The palace also houses the Wehrgeschichtliches Museum and the Bundesarchiv's Erinnerungsstätte für die Freiheitsbewegungen in der deutschen Geschichte (memorial to freedom movements in German history).
Highlights
- Hall of Ancestors with ceiling painting and figures of shackled Turks
- Baroque state apartments of the margrave and margravine, preserved in their original condition
- Schlosskirche Heilig Kreuz (guided tour only)
- Site of the Peace of Rastatt in 1714
- Wehrgeschichtliches Museum inside the palace
Permanent exhibitions
- Barockresidenz – Beletage und Ahnensaal – Guided tour of the largely original state rooms of Margrave Ludwig Wilhelm and Margravine Sibylla Augusta.
- Wehrgeschichtliches Museum – Military history of southwestern Germany with weapons, uniforms and equipment spanning several centuries.
- Founded
- 1697
- Operated by
- Staatliche Schlösser und Gärten Baden-Württemberg
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5Children aged 6 and over, school and university students up to age 28, people in voluntary or military service, people with severe disabilities (degree of disability 50 or higher) |
| Children & teens | €5free up to age 5 · Children under 6 free |
| Seniors | –No senior discount listed |
| Visitors with disabilities | €5Reduced with a degree of disability of 50 or higher |
| Students & apprentices | €5School and university students up to age 28 |
| Groups (20+ people) | €9 per personPer person, for groups of 20 or more |
| Families | €25 |
| Palace church (guided tour) | €8Reduced €4, families €20, groups €7.20 per person |
| Combination ticket Residenzschloss, Wehrgeschichtliches Museum & Schloss Favorite | €16Reduced €8, families €40, groups €14.40 per person |
| Combination ticket Residenzschloss, museum & palace church | €14Reduced €7, families €35, groups €12.60 per person |
| Special guided tour | €14Reduced €7, families €35, groups €12.60 per person |
The basic ticket covers the guided tour of the Baroque residence and the Wehrgeschichtliches Museum. The Erinnerungsstätte für die Freiheitsbewegungen (Bundesarchiv) is free. The Schlosscard, Museums-PASS-Musées and Landesfamilienpass are accepted.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
According to the palace administration, accessible; elevator in the Wehrgeschichtliches Museum. Two rollators and folding stools available to borrow; walking sticks only with rubber tips. Website available in Easy Language (Leichte Sprache) and sign language.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €25 |
- Family tours & workshops
- Kids’ birthday parties
Children's and family tours according to the events calendar, such as “Wir bewachen das Schloss” (We guard the palace) for children aged 8 and up (about 1.5 hours), which can also be booked as a children's birthday party. Family ticket available for the palace tour.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Schlossgalerie
From Rastatt station, a 10–15-minute walk, or bus 222, 231, 239 (Mon–Sat) to “Schlossgalerie”, or bus 232, 235 to “Schloss”.
By car
Paid parking
Around 50 paid car parking spaces a short distance away; two free public spaces for coaches.
Amenities & dining
- Café: not available
- Restaurant: not available
No restaurant or café in the palace itself; the Park-Restaurant Rastatt (Poststraße 21) is nearby. Dogs allowed on a leash in the palace garden only.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
- Weddings / ceremonies
Up to 200 guests.
Hall of Ancestors with foyer (280 m², civil wedding ceremonies) and Sala Terrena (280 m², up to 200 people standing, 110 for banquets). Inquiries via the palace administration (07222 978570).
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 50 min |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | no |
| Photography | Private photos allowed; in the museum rooms without flash, tripod or selfie stick. Wedding and commercial photography requires permission. |
| Good to know | State rooms by guided tour only; additional themed, costumed and family tours according to the events calendar. No air conditioning – rooms can reach about 30 °C in summer. |
