Waldeck Castle Ruins, Kemnath, Germany

Waldeck Castle was first mentioned in 1124. It was owned by the Landgraves of Leuchtenberg, who sold the castle in 1283 to Duke Ludwig of Bavaria. In the Spanish War of Succession, the castle was besieged by imperial troops , taken in October 1704 and demolished by order of Emperor Joseph I. Although the castle was rebuilt, it was burned down in 1794 and since then has been ruined. Since 1982, the ruins have been excavated and restored.

User Reviews

Laura Rose (8 months ago)
Beautiful views but I think I will be back in the spring/summer as I think would be more stunning with blue skies and clouds. We went in a cold winter day. My kids enjoyed exploring the grounds.

Brian Parker (9 months ago)
Awesome 900 yr old castle fortress ruins atop a volcanic peak that is accessible and is chock full of informational signs in multiple languages (is an example for others, in fact). Ample parking. Path someone rocky on top. Spectacular views. You can tell that this is the pride-n-joy of the nearby little town at its base. Worth a visit.

Chris Piehler (15 months ago)
We had a great time with our boys

Ava Rogers (16 months ago)
This was my absence favorite castle ruins in Bavaria thus far. Great hike, easy for kids, and stunning views!!

Edward (16 months ago)
Nice place to visit.

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Gruyères Castle

The Castle of Gruyères is one of the most famous in Switzerland. It was built between 1270 and 1282, following the typical square plan of the fortifications in Savoy. It was the property of the Counts of Gruyères until the bankruptcy of the Count Michel in 1554. His creditors the cantons of Fribourg and Bern shared his earldom. From 1555 to 1798 the castle became residence to the bailiffs and then to the prefects sent by Fribourg.

In 1849 the castle was sold to the Bovy and Balland families, who used the castle as their summer residency and restored it. The castle was then bought back by the canton of Fribourg in 1938, made into a museum and opened to the public. Since 1993, a foundation ensures the conservation as well as the highlighting of the building and the art collection.

The castle is the home of three capes of the Order of the Golden Fleece. They were part of the war booty captured by the Swiss Confederates (which included troops from Gruyères) at the Battle of Morat against Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy in 1476. As Charles the Bold was celebrating the anniversary of his father's death, one of the capes is a black velvet sacerdotal vestment with Philip the Good's emblem sewn into it.

A collection of landscapes by 19th century artists Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Barthélemy Menn and others are on display in the castle.

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