Löwenburg Castle, Kassel

Castle in Kassel

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Jens Haines

Löwenburg Castle sits tucked into the wooded slopes of Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, a playful creation of the late 18th century that blends theatrical design with genuine medieval inspiration. Built as a mock-ruin between 1793 and 1801, it remains one of the top attractions in Kassel, inviting visitors to step into a world of chivalry, armour, romance, and dramatic architecture. Despite ongoing restoration work, large sections of the castle are still open, allowing today's visitors to wander through courtyards, gaze at battlements, and explore the castle's armament and chivalry museums.

Reaching the castle is part of the experience, especially as it is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Kassel. The approach takes you through meadows, woodland paths, and sweeping views of the park's grand water features before the towers and crenellations of Löwenburg suddenly rise above the trees. For many, this spot is one of the best places to see in Löwenburg Castle, capturing the full romantic spirit that Landgrave Wilhelm IX intended when he envisioned a medieval dreamscape on a hillside.

History and Significance of Löwenburg Castle
Things to See and Do in Löwenburg Castle
How to Get to Löwenburg Castle
Practical Tips on Visiting Löwenburg Castle
Where to Stay close to Löwenburg Castle
Is Löwenburg Castle Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Löwenburg Castle
Nearby Attractions to Löwenburg Castle

History and Significance of Löwenburg Castle

Löwenburg was commissioned by Landgrave Wilhelm IX as an extravagant expression of his love for medieval art and chivalric ideals. Rather than constructing an authentic fortress, he instructed architect Heinrich Christoph Jussow to design an imaginative and theatrical structure that resembled centuries-old ruins. Completed in 1801, the castle blended Gothic elements, crumbling walls, towers, and an artificial sense of decay to evoke the romantic fascination with the Middle Ages that was sweeping Europe at the time.

Although its appearance suggests antiquity, the castle housed modern comforts and princely apartments, providing Wilhelm IX with a retreat that balanced fantasy with function. The museums of armaments and chivalry within its walls displayed the Landgrave’s extensive collections, reinforcing the site’s role as both a private residence and a cultural showcase.

Löwenburg suffered significant damage during World War II, particularly in its chapel. Today, it is undergoing a multi-year restoration aimed at stabilising the structure and recreating the gardens, tilt-yard, and landscaping originally planned in the 18th century. Even during restoration, it remains a significant cultural monument within the UNESCO-listed Bergpark.

Things to See and Do in Löwenburg Castle

Visitors can explore a number of atmospheric rooms preserved or reconstructed during restoration efforts, including princely apartments, armour galleries, and sections of the chivalry museum. These displays offer insight into the Landgrave's collection of weapons, armour, and medieval-inspired furnishings, making the castle one of the must-see places in Kassel for those who enjoy imaginative historical spaces.

The courtyards and battlements offer wonderful photo opportunities, with views across the surrounding woodland and glimpses of the nearby water features. Temporary exhibitions or special tours are occasionally offered depending on the stage of restoration, allowing visitors to learn more about the craftsmanship and historical themes behind the castle’s decorative details.

Outside, the approaching pathways and surrounding gardens retain the romantic feel Wilhelm IX intended. When the restoration project is complete, planned reconstructions of the medieval gardens and tilt-yard will further enhance the castle’s evocative charm.

How to Get to Löwenburg Castle

The closest major hub is Frankfurt Airport, which offers the most convenient international access to Kassel. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Kassel on Booking.com. From Frankfurt and other German cities, visitors can take frequent trains to Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe station, which lies just below Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe and connects easily to local trams. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. From the Wilhelmshöhe visitor centre at the end of tram line 1, it is a scenic 30-minute walk through the park to the castle.

Travelling by car provides additional flexibility, with clearly marked routes leading to parking areas near the lower sections of Bergpark. If you are looking to rent a car in Germany I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. From there, walking paths and occasional seasonal bus connections make reaching the castle straightforward.

Practical Tips on Visiting Löwenburg Castle

Suggested tips: Wear sturdy shoes, as paths can be steep or uneven.
Best time to visit: May to October for pleasant weather and water display days.
Entrance fee: adult/concession €4/3
Opening hours: Hours vary by season and restoration schedule; check ahead.
Official website: https://www.heritage-kassel.de/en/locations/loewenburg
How long to spend: Around one to two hours, plus walking time through the park.
Accessibility: Limited due to historic structures and uneven terrain.
Facilities: Toilets and small visitor facilities located near the castle.
Photography tip: Approach from the east path for dramatic views of the towers.
Guided tours: Required for access to many interior rooms and museums.
Nearby food options: Cafés near Wilhelmshöhe Palace and by the park entrances.

Where to Stay close to Löwenburg Castle

Staying near Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe allows you to enjoy relaxed mornings or evenings around the castle. The refined Schlosshotel Bad Wilhelmshöhe offers an elegant option near the palace and park entrance. Another nearby choice is Mountain Park Kassel, providing modern comforts with easy tram connections. For a simpler stay, Hotel Am Bergpark gives you quick access to walking paths leading into the park.

Is Löwenburg Castle Worth Visiting?

Yes, Löwenburg Castle is very much worth visiting. Its playful architecture, romantic setting, and atmospheric interiors make it one of the top attractions in Kassel, especially for travellers who enjoy imaginative historic sites. Even during restoration, its charm and unique design make it a memorable stop within Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (3,601)

Löwenburg is a late-18th-century castle set in parkland at Schlösspark 9 in Kassel, offering tours that include armories and a former chapel; visitors praise its photogenic setting and impressive views, note a free interactive video in the tower that's family-friendly, warn that the interior requires advance reservation and that the castle is smaller than it may appear in photos, and recommend setting aside about three hours for walking the hilly terrain and stairs between nearby sights.

Juan Antonio Estrada Herrera

2 months ago

"It's a small yet beautiful castle. Sadly couldn't get the tour, because the tickets were sold out and didn't knew I had to reserve in advance. Stillit's a beautiful place to visit..."

See More See Less

Ivan Gadalov

10 months ago

"First time in the park, we'll be back in the spring! Stu ing views, terrain. We climbed the stone stairs from Wilhelmshöhe Palace, the castle in thehaze, very impressive. Restrooms are ope The interactive video presentation in the tower is free for everyone and without visiting the museum. Very simple and easy to understand with a child))..."

See More See Less

Ah Sai

2 months ago

"You have to be ready to walk up and down for at least 3 hours. Good for walking"

FAQs for Visiting Löwenburg Castle

Not all areas are accessible, but significant sections, including museums and courtyards, remain open to visitors.

It takes about 30 minutes along scenic park pathways.

Nearby Attractions to Löwenburg Castle

Hercules Monument: The iconic copper statue overlooking the entire park.
Schloss Wilhelmshöhe: A grand neoclassical palace with important art collections.
Grand Cascade: A sweeping water feature flowing down the hillside.
Steinhöfer Waterfall: A dramatic man-made cascade surrounded by forest walks.
Karlsaue Park: A spacious landscape garden with lakes and the Orangery.

The Löwenburg Castle appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Kassel!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!