Introducing Marienburg Castle

When King George V of Hannover once presented Marienburg Castle to his wife, Queen Marie, as a gift, he had no idea that this token of his love would one day become one of Germany’s most impressive examples of Neo-Gothic architecture.  Between 1858 and 1867, this neo-Gothic “mountain castle” was built on the legendary Marienberg, which—as the legend went—was inhabited by dwarves. Its owner immediately took it to her heart and called it “my little Eldorado.” But fate had other plans: just as the king, who had been blind since his earliest youth, would never see his gift with his own eyes, so too would his beloved wife Marie never truly live there. Even before the castle was completed, in 1866 the Prussians forced King George V and his son into exile in Austria, and shortly thereafter the queen moved into her castle with her two daughters. As early as 1867, Queen Marie—torn between her homeland, her longing for her husband, and political pressure—followed her king into exile in Austria—and would never see her “Eldorado” again. Awoken from a long slumber, Marienburg Castle has today become what Queen Marie always dreamed of: a cultural hub for music, art, and culture. During the season, daily guided tours of the castle take visitors through the fully furnished and nearly original rooms. Themed and night tours delve into various historical as well as modern aspects. The castle restaurant, located in the former stables and the large inner courtyard, invites guests to linger in a historic atmosphere. The floor-to-ceiling columns, meter-high mirrors, and hand-forged brass chandeliers create an elegant, cozy ambiance. First-class concerts and events for all ages round out the diverse program.

For more information, please visit the castle’s website or call +49 (0)5069-34 80 00