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GERMANY | Lahn Valley, Germany Travel Guide
Thursday, December 26, 2024
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Braunfels
Schloss Braunfels in Braunfels, Germany (cc)
Photo: ArtMechanic
Braunfels
Braunfels is situated a few kilometers inland from the Lahn River, but the distinct profile of the Neo-Gothic Schloss Braunfels can be seen from both the river and the main roads passing through the valley. Braunfels is actually a Luftkurort, a retreat offering clean air, peace and tranquility to the primarily elderly guests. The principal sights here are the castle (Schloss Braunfels) and the lovely half-timbered houses perched on the historic market square.
Schloss Braunfels
Schloss Braunfels has an 800-year history, although the present-day castle dates largely from the mid-19th century. In 1679, a major fire destroyed the castle and most of the town. The count then erected a Baroque residence in its place. However, during the romantic period of the mid-19th century, the count's old residence was transformed into a Neo-Gothic castle and the knight’s hall rebuilt faithfully on the original plans. And in 1880, the towers were finally added, giving the castle its unique silhouette and the accompanying label, "Neuschwanstein of Hesse."
The Best Castles in Germany
- Schloss Neuschwanstein
- Burg Eltz
- Schloss Heidelberg
- The Marksburg
- The Wartburg
- Schloss Braunfels
- The Residenz
Touring Schloss Braunfels
The interior of Schloss Braunfels can only be seen on a guided tour, which includes the knight’s hall, with medieval weaponry, and several other rooms full of porcelain, paintings, and other art works. One famous painting is of a group of deer – no matter from which angle it is viewed, the groups always seem to be storming straight at the viewer. Some of the former counts are described as if you should have read about them in last week’s People magazine, but one former resident actually did play a role in European politics: Amalie, née Countess zu Solms-Braunfels, was the mother of William II of Orange and thus the grandmother of William III, who became King of England in 1688.
[ Related page: Great Castles of Germany ]
Braunfels Market Square
It is a few minutes stroll down the steep road and steps to the Market Square. En route, you pass through three tower gates from the mid-14th century, although the Baroque look was added after the great fire. The half-timbered houses of the Marktplatz (Market Square) show great conformity, which is the result of a regulation after the town fire requiring all new buildings to be 60 feet long and 40 feet wide. The 13 remaining buildings here all date from 1700 to 1720. The “new” fountain was dug in 1727, but the bronze dates from 1572.
The Kurpark is one block down Am Kurpark from the square. It offers the walkways, lawns, trees, fountains, gentle slopes, and kiosks that are deemed necessary to encourage the recovery and well being of visitors to a Kur resort.
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