Germany, as a country, is one of the best places to visit countless castles. There are about 20 000 castles, palaces, and forts across the country. This is an abnormally large number and you really need time to do research and choose what to visit, especially, if you are in Germany for a limited time!
Time is and always will be limited and that's where good planning can help us! I chose to visit Naturpark Hoher Fläming because it's situated not far away from Berlin and includes 4 castles! As we didn't want to rush, we chose to visit only 3 castles – Eisenhardt, Wiesenburg, and Rabenstein. The plan was actually perfect and we left the Ziesar Castle for the next time!
About Naturpark Hoher Fläming
Naturpark Hoher Fläming is a huge nature park (827 m2) situated between several cities, creating very easy and fast access by car. It's a great one-day trip idea cause this park is only about 100 km from Berlin and Leipzig, 200 km from Dresden and Hanover. You can visit it also by public transport - train or bus from Berlin and Leipzig. Nevertheless, getting there from Dresden and Hanover takes too much time and effort (if I can believe what Google Maps says).
Naturpark Hoher Fläming is a complex of beautiful landscapes, protected areas, medieval castles, and a thermal spa town. You can do there many different activities such as hiking, biking, horse riding, and swimming. The official Naturpark Hoher Fläming website offers a variety of trails and tracks for anyone (yes, also for people with disabilities) who wants to visit this park.
In Naturpark Hoher Fläming everyone can find something for themself, whether it's a peaceful enjoyment of nature or some activity. Our main goal was to visit 3 castles in one day and not get too tired of long walks, so we created our own one-day itinerary!
Our one day trip
As I already mentioned, from the 4 possible castles, we chose to visit only 3 - those that were closer to each other. We also didn't know how long each place would take for us and whether it's possible to see all 3 places without a big rush! Luckily, every place was about a 15-20 minute drive away from each other (with parking it took about 30 minutes). We really wanted to visit all 3 castles in only one day!
Nevertheless, everything went very good and we had enough time for driving, parking, exploring, and doing a picnic. We went a lot (together about 10km), but the day itself felt very relaxed. We weren't rushing and stressing. The weather also was really good and we enjoyed it a lot.
As we came from Berlin, Eisenhardt we visited at first, then came Wiesenburg and Rabenstein. Each place took about one hour on average. Wiesenburg a little bit more because you have there a wonderful park with a lake in the middle.
What I was especially happy about were the parking options! You really don't need to worry about it in any of these places. Already on arrival, you will definitely notice many parking possibilities - free of charge! Everything was very clear, easily accessible, and practical. There was also no need to worry about the toilet availability, just don't forget those magical 50 cents!
Our One-Day Itinerary:
At 9:00 I drove out from my home in Berlin. Firstly, I picked up my brother and a friend. Then we drove straight to our first destination.
At 11:00 we arrived at Eisenhardt Castle. One hour was enough for exploring.
At 12:00 going to the second destination.
At 12:30 we were in Wiesenburg. We explored everything around the castle and had a wonderful picnic in the castle garden.
At 14:00 going to the third destination.
At 14:30 exploring Rabenstein Castle and surrounding.
At 16:00 we went back to the car and were ready to go home.
EISENHARDT CASTLE
IN BAD BELZIG
Despite the good condition of the castle, it has survived very difficult times. Actually, in the 15th century, it was built as a fortress and only later converted into a castle complex, but in 1636 the Eisenhardt was destroyed by Sweden. Until 2008 Eisenhardt Castle has gone through countless reconstructions and repairs to survive to this day.
Nowadays the Eisenhardt Castle houses the local history museum but from the castle tower, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the town and castle itself (unfortunately because of the Corona pandemic we weren't able to visit the tower).
You don't need to pay for entrance into the castle's territory, but you need to pay attention to the opening hours. You can walk around freely by yourself cause everywhere are placed signs with the information about the place or room that you are visiting.
But on the hill near the Eisenhardt Castle, we found a small cemetery with a very nice church in the middle – St. Bricciu's Church. Don't miss it!
P.S. For drivers – park your car at the free parking lot in Wittenberger Str. / Bergholzer Str. 1A. The Eisenhardt Castle you will find by going up to the hill.
WIESENBURG CASTLE
AND THE PARK
The Wiesenburg Castle is firstly mentioned in the 12th century and actually was a medieval castle complex. In the 16th century after a fire, it was rebuilt in Renaissance style and later in the 19th century got the present neo-Renaissance look. The Wiesenburg Castle doesn't remain a lot from medieval times, except for the entrance area of the castle.
Nowadays the castle is in private hands and normally the garden hall and the courtyard aren't accessible. It wasn't for us either. Nevertheless, we were happy to have a walk and do a picnic in Wiesenburg Castle Park!
The Wiesenburg Castle Park was made in the 19th century in the English style and is one of the must-see places in the Hoher Fläming. In the park, there are rare tree species that come from different countries in Europe, many ponds and walking paths, a lake with a swan family, and magnificent views of the castle from every place you go.
P.S. For drivers – you can easily park your car in Goetheplatz. It's free of charge and near you are having a shop, for a case if you want something or decided spontaneously to do a picnic in the Wiesenburg Castle Park.
MEDIEVAL
RABENSTEIN CASTLE
But Rabenstein Castle in the village Raben I recommend for all medieval castle and culture lovers! The castle was built in the 12th century and, because of its location on the hill, 153m above sea level, it's one of the best-preserved castles in the region. You can also take a tour and explore not only the castle's outside and courtyard, but also rooms such as knight's hall, torture chamber, and castle tower.
But that's not all! In the region, Rabenstein Castle is well known for its medieval events and markets. The castle was also used in a few movie sets and there is a possibility for you to stay overnight. This place is still alive and you can feel it!
Before going there, check the castle's opening and closing hours to get inside in the courtyard, and use the toilet if you are in need. The entrance in the courtyard is free.
P.S. For drivers – there is a free parking slot between Wittenberger Str. and Brennereiweg. Walk along with the children's playground (one very big playground) and continue your way up on the hill.
BUT THAT’S ALL FROM ME TODAY!
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