Schloss Weikersheim

Current exhibitions

About the museum

For centuries, Schloss Weikersheim was the seat of the counts of Hohenlohe. On the site of a medieval moated castle, of which the striking tower among other parts survives, Count Wolfgang II and his wife Magdalena had a new residence built in the late 16th century. This is when the hall building with the famous Knights' Hall, the gabled facade facing the garden, and the complex's unusual triangular layout were created. Count Wolfgang also made the palace a place of scientific experiments and alchemical studies.

In the first half of the 18th century, Count Carl Ludwig and Elisabeth Friederike Sophie expanded the complex into a Baroque residence: magnificent living quarters were created, along with the curved Zirkelbauten (crescent buildings) on the market square and, above all, the palace garden with an orangery, fountains, and an exceptional wealth of sculptures.

When the Hohenlohe-Weikersheim line died out at the end of the 18th century, the palace lost its function and was hardly altered thereafter; after it passed to Württemberg at the beginning of the 19th century, it remained largely untouched. Precisely because of this, the furnishings of a rural residence from the Renaissance to the Rococo have survived in unusually complete form.

The state of Baden-Württemberg acquired the palace in the 1960s. Today the Staatliche Schlösser und Gärten Baden-Württemberg (State Palaces and Gardens of Baden-Württemberg) look after the complex, whose interiors can be visited on guided tours. Concerts of the Hohenloher Kultursommer and the Jeunesses Musicales also make the palace a cultural center of the region.

Highlights

• Richly decorated Renaissance Knights' Hall
• Baroque palace garden with orangery and numerous sculptures
• The princess's “Schöne Gemächer” (Beautiful Chambers) with mirror and porcelain cabinets
• Rare triangular palace layout
• Exhibition on alchemy at the court of Count Wolfgang II

Permanent exhibitions

• Alchemie in Weikersheim – The exhibition explains why the palace was a center of scientific and alchemical experiments around 1600 under Count Wolfgang II.
• Wasserkunst und Götterreigen – In the passage to the palace garden and in the orangery, the focus is on the history of gardens and Baroque garden art.

Operated by

Staatliche Schlösser und Gärten Baden-Württemberg

Admission & discounts

Regular price = palace and garden with the short palace tour (approx. 60 min.). The Schlosscard and Landesfamilienpass (state family pass) are valid.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• 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
• Audio description: no information

The palace garden is accessible; the palace itself is not. Website with information in Easy German (Leichte Sprache) and an introductory video in sign language.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Special tours for children and families, e.g., "Märchen im Schloss" (Fairy Tales in the Palace) or with Heinrich the woodworm for younger children; summer holiday program. Children's birthday parties for 6- to 8- and 9- to 12-year-olds (1.5–2 hours, bookable year-round).

Getting there & parking

By bike via the Taubertalradweg.

Amenities & dining

• Lockers

No dining listed at the palace; restaurants right on the Marktplatz (including Restaurant Grüner Hof at the palace entrance). Charging station for e-bikes.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 200 guests.

Eight spaces, including the orangery (up to 200 people for standing receptions/theater seating, 80 for banquets), chapel (120 seats), pillared hall, and outdoor areas such as the palace terrace, east bastion, and orchard.

Plan your visit