• Fortress/Castle

In just six years, the Hessian master builder Simon Louis du Ry created this magnificent Rococo palace. Arranged in a semicircle with a rectangular main building at its center, the side wings extend far around the lavishly landscaped palace gardens with their botanically interesting trees. Only a portion of the old castle tower survived and was incorporated into the new structure. The sight offers a beautiful example of the transformation of a castle into a palace.

To this day, Fürstenberg Palace remains the seat of the Counts of Westphalia and is still their residence. The palace is therefore not open to the public.

Since it is sometimes confused with other locations: It is located in the municipality of Bad Wünnenberg in the district of Paderborn.

On August 19, 1727, a fire destroyed the entire village of Fürstenberg. Afterward, the town experienced its heyday. Magnificent half-timbered farmhouses and stately stone buildings were rebuilt, including the castle. In 1776, Fürstenberg Castle—built in the 15th century—was demolished, and the current castle complex was erected in its place. The castle was intended to serve as the summer residence of Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Westfalen, Prince-Bishop of Hildesheim.

It’s well worth spending some time in the area in front of the palace, around the Kump and the old courthouse. Information panels provide further details on the historical background.

General information

  • Bus stop available

Eligibility

  • Bad Weather Offer

  • Suitable for any weather

  • for Groups

  • for individual guests

Payment methods

Entrance Free
The lively half-timbered town
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© ©Teutoburger Wald / Stadt Höxter / D. Ketz, Dominik Ketz
Excursions in the Mühlenkreis
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© Teutoburger Wald Tourismus, D. Ketz
Historic city at the Weser
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© Teutoburger Wald Tourismus / J. Motzny
© Teutoburger Wald Tourismus / P. Koetters