Philippsruhe Castle, Hanau

Museum and Palace in Hanau

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Rainer Lippert

Philippsruhe Castle is one of the top attractions in Hanau, offering visitors a graceful blend of Baroque architecture, landscaped gardens, and cultural heritage. Built between 1700 and 1725 for Count Philipp Reinhard, the palace reflects centuries of stylistic evolution-from Baroque foundations to Wilhelminian-era redesigns that shaped its present appearance. This spot is one of the best places to see in Hanau for travellers who love palaces, history, and beautiful outdoor settings.

The palace is a highlight of any walking tour of Hanau, thanks to its riverfront location, serene parkland, and the Historical Museum housed within the “Bel Etage.” Whether you're drawn to elegant interiors, regional art, or fairy-tale themes, Philippsruhe Castle offers a rich and inviting experience.

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

History and Significance of Philippsruhe Castle

Schloss Philippsruhe was constructed in the early 18th century as a grand Baroque palace near Kesselstadt, embodying the architectural ambitions of Count Philipp Reinhard. Over time, the castle underwent several alterations, with its most defining transformation taking place during the Wilhelminian period. Landgrave Friedrich Wilhelm von Hessen-Rumpenheim lived here briefly-from 1880 to 1884-yet his taste left a lasting imprint on the castle's “Bel Etage.”

The interior of this upper floor reflects a dominant Renaissance-inspired aesthetic, even though much of the original furniture has been lost. These rooms now house the Historical Museum, which captures the cultural and artistic heritage of Hanau through a curated range of exhibits.

Philippsruhe Castle remains one of Hanau's most stately landmarks, embodying a blend of architectural styles and historical layers that narrate the story of the region's aristocratic past.

Things to See and Do in Philippsruhe Castle

Inside the Historical Museum, visitors can explore artworks and handicrafts spanning the 17th to the 20th centuries. Exhibits highlight local traditions such as faience production, silverwork, and other artisan pieces created in Hanau. The museum also honours notable figures from the region, including the Brothers Grimm.

The palace gardens are equally enchanting. Free to enter year-round, the park offers tranquil paths lined with trees, manicured lawns, and scenic views-perfect for leisurely strolls in any weather. The open lawns and river proximity create a peaceful setting that invites relaxation and exploration.

A seasonal highlight is the annual Fairytale Festival held in May and June. Performed in the park’s 1,300-seat amphitheatre, this festival celebrates beloved stories and adds a magical atmosphere to the palace grounds.

How to Get to Philippsruhe Castle

Frankfurt Airport is the nearest major airport, offering excellent national and international connections. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Hanau on Booking.com. Hanau is well served by trains from Frankfurt, and visitors can continue by bus or take a pleasant walk or short taxi ride to the castle in Kesselstadt. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Travelling by car is straightforward, with parking available near the castle grounds for convenient access. 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.

Practical Tips on Visiting Philippsruhe Castle

Suggested tips: Visit both the museum and the park to appreciate the full experience of the castle grounds.
Best time to visit: Spring and summer, especially during the Fairytale Festival.
Entrance fee: adult/concession €4/3
Opening hours: 11am-6pm Tue-Sun
Official website: https://www.museen-hanau.de
How long to spend: 1-2 hours for the museum, longer if enjoying the park.
Accessibility: The park is largely flat; some museum rooms may have stairs or uneven surfaces.
Facilities: Museum shop, restrooms, outdoor seating areas, and café options nearby.
Photography tip: Capture the castle façade from the main lawn for the best symmetry.
Guided tours: Seasonal tours and special events are offered; check schedules online.
Nearby food options: Cafés and restaurants are available in Kesselstadt and Hanau’s centre.

Where to Stay close to Philippsruhe Castle

Hanau offers several convenient accommodation options near the palace. Best Western Premier Hotel Villa Stokkum provides an elegant stay close to major attractions. For boutique charm and comfort, Boutique Hotel Rosengarten is a delightful choice. Another nearby option, Haus Anna an der Stadtmauer, offers cosy rooms within easy reach of the historic centre.

Is Philippsruhe Castle Worth Visiting?

Definitely. Philippsruhe Castle combines history, art, and natural beauty in one elegant setting. Whether exploring the museum's richly curated exhibits or enjoying the surrounding gardens, visitors are treated to a memorable and enriching experience. The annual Fairytale Festival adds even more charm, making the palace a must-visit during the warmer months.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (3,150)

Historisches Museum Hanau Schloss Philippsruhe on Philippsruher Allee 45 is an early 18th‑century Baroque palace with gardens, a restaurant and a museum; visitors praise its well‑laid‑out exhibits on Hanau's history, a dedicated Brothers Grimm area with interactive rooms for children and English translations on main information panels, family‑friendly features like costume play areas and nearby public toilets, and note that the park is free while museum entry requires tickets.

Ka “KEB” Bi

a month ago

"Beautiful place and interesting history."

Mega QA

2 years ago

"I came in soon after opening at 11am and stayed till closing at 6pm. Notable mention must go to their dedicated area to Brothers Grimm. This sectionis targeted to both adults who want to learn about Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm while also including many interactive rooms for children. You do have to walk through many of the castle rooms to reach this section (1min walk if you go there directly). I also enjoyed the extensive history of Hanau on the first floor. It was more educational than most of my classes in school. Very well laid out, without overloading with information. All of the main informational plaques were translated to English (which is a big plus if you want to learn more details about the exhibits). Germany is full of history and I enjoyed learning more about its culture and people...."

See More See Less

Eugeniya Koval

a year ago

"Nice place to visit on a weekendnTickets - 5 euro per person, free for children."

FAQs for Visiting Philippsruhe Castle

Yes, especially when paired with the outdoor park and seasonal events.

Yes, the park grounds are open to the public at no cost.

Policies may vary by exhibition, so check at the entrance.

Nearby Attractions to Philippsruhe Castle

Brothers Grimm National Monument: Celebrating the literary legacy of Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm.
Wilhelmsbad: Beautiful 18th-century gardens with ruins, lakes, and a historic spa.
Großauheim Museum: Industrial and artistic exhibitions in a historic power station.
Hessian Doll Museum: One of Germany's largest collections of dolls and miniatures.
Hanau Old Town: Traditional squares, cafés, and pedestrian streets full of atmosphere.

The Philippsruhe Castle appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Hanau!

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!