Spangenberg Castle (Germany)

Spangenberg Castle has a rich and varied history: it has been a fortress, a hunting lodge, a prison, a forestry school and even a hotel. Its history reflects the events that have passed through it over eight centuries. Sold by bandit barons, fortified by the Hessian landgraves and spared from modern conflicts, the castle was nevertheless burned down during the Second World War and subsequently rebuilt.

Situated on a steep hill overlooking the town of Spangenberg in the Schwalm-Eder district of northern Hesse, the castle features a rectangular courtyard surrounded by a narrow 15th-century defensive ring. Despite severe damage, the site has been rebuilt, offering a fascinating example of military architecture in the modern era.

Today, the castle is open to visitors: it houses a hunting museum and a hotel with a country inn. From here, hikers can enjoy beautiful views over the rooftops of Spangenberg and the Pfieffe valley.