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Founded: c. 1100Category: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Salian Dynasty (Germany)
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Freusburg castle is located high above the Sieg Valley. It lies between Mudersbach and Kirchen and has belonged since 1969 to the town of Kirchen. Freusburg was first mentioned in the year 913, under the name Fruodeesbraderofanc (Bifanc of Fruodberg). 'Bifanc' signifies a court holding or lord's headquarters. The first documented citation dates from the year 1048.
The castle itself is believed to have been built around 1100. It was first mentioned by name in connection with the division of an estate in 1247. About 1580, Count Henry IV renovated the castle. In 1896, it came into the possession of the Prussian Forstfiskus, and served for years as a forest house.
The castle and grounds have been used since 1928 as a youth hostel. Over time, modifications to keep up with the times became necessary. On October 23, 1986, after a complete renovation, it was ceremonially reopened by German President Richard von Weizsäcker. At about 60,000 overnight stays a year, it ranks with the most visited youth hostels in Germany.
Freusburg provides an excellent view of the surrounding woods and of the Sieg Valley and Freusburg Mill.
References:Linderhof is the smallest of the three palaces built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and the only one which he lived to see completed.
Ludwig II, who was crowned king in 1864, began his building activities in 1867-1868 by redesigning his rooms in the Munich Residenz and laying the foundation stone of Neuschwanstein Castle. In 1868 he was already making his first plans for Linderhof. However, neither the palace modelled on Versailles that was to be sited on the floor of the valley nor the large Byzantine palace envisaged by Ludwig II were ever built.
Instead, the new building developed around the forester's house belonging to his father Maximilian II, which was located in the open space in front of the present palace and was used by the king when crown prince on hunting expeditions with his father.