View from the Saale Valley to Rudelsburg Castle

Castles, Palaces & Romanesque Architecture

Experience history among medieval walls, residences, and Romanesque architecture

Historical buildings characterize the state of Saxony-Anhalt. Hilltop castles visible from afar, extensive palace complexes and Romanesque testimonies from the Ottonian period stand side by side. Their walls tell of centuries of change, of life under changing rulers and of the transformation of architectural styles.

Between the Harz, Saale and Elbe rivers, you will come across places where history is not only visible, but can also be experienced. Many have been carefully restored, others retain their original state - with visible signs of past eras. Together, they form a network of traces that reaches far back - to the beginnings of the medieval empire.

Important Castles and Palaces in Saxony-Anhalt

Wernigerode Castle at sunrise in summer
Wernigerode Castle at sunrise in summer

Wernigerode Castle

Wernigerode Castle rises above the old town with its towers, bay windows and winding facades. In the 19th century, the castle was extensively redesigned in the neo-Gothic style. Today it conveys a vivid impression of the life of the nobility of the time - with original rooms, paintings and ornate details. Events such as the Wernigerode Castle Festival combine the historical backdrop with contemporary culture. The castle is also a popular film set, especially for children's films and series. Among others, "The Little Ghost" and the "School of Magical Animals" series were filmed here.

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Giebichenstein Castle

A rock above the Saale, a gateway to history: Giebichenstein Castle combines political significance with artistic influence. Formerly a bishop's seat, today part of the Romanesque Road - and a center of learning. The castle is not only a venue for events, but also part of the campus and namesake of Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design Halle.

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Cycle tour in Halle with a view of Giebichenstein Castle
Cycle tour in Halle with a view of Giebichenstein Castle
Querfurt Castle
Querfurt Castle

Querfurt Castle

Querfurt Castle impresses with its size and unity. Three massive towers, double curtain walls, Romanesque chapels - a place that has been developed and preserved over the centuries. The museum documents everyday life, rule and building history. Filming of historical films, concerts, summer cinema and changing exhibitions keep the complex alive.

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Bernburg Castle

Bernburg Castle rises above the River Saale - a building with an eventful history. It was a residence, administrative seat, educational institution and is now a multifaceted museum. 243 million years of history can be discovered and experienced at Bernburg Castle Museum: dinosaur tracks, archaeological finds, the history of the residence and industrial culture lead you through the eras. A special highlight is the Owl Mirror Tower, which houses its own exhibition about the jester and his pranks. Changing special exhibitions and a historical library open to the public make the house a place where history is brought to life.

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View of Bernburg Castle on the Saale from the water
View of Bernburg Castle on the Saale from the water
Neuenburg Castle Freyburg from the air
Neuenburg Castle Freyburg from the air

Neuenburg Castle

Neuenburg Castle lies above Freyburg an der Unstrut. It was the residence of the Thuringian landgraves and now houses a museum. The complex is one of the largest medieval castles in central Germany. Visitors can discover exhibitions on the history of the building, courtly life and wine culture. The "Dicker Wilhelm" keep offers sweeping views of the valley.

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Falkenstein Castle

Falkenstein Castle towers over the Selke Valley in the eastern Harz Mountains. The complex is almost completely preserved. Eike von Repgow is said to have written the Sachsenspiegel here. The museum imparts knowledge about medieval life, the Sachsenspiegel as the most important German law book of the Middle Ages and chivalry. Birds of prey demonstrations in the castle courtyard are particularly appealing to families. The castle is located on the Selketal-Stieg hiking trail.

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Miniature castle at Falkenstein Castle Museum in the Harz Mountains
Miniature castle at Falkenstein Castle Museum in the Harz Mountains

Events and Experiences

Every year on Whit Monday, residences and noble estates across the country open their doors to the public for Open Castle Day. Visitors can explore rooms that are otherwise inaccessible, hear stories firsthand, and immerse themselves in the private histories of the castles. This is followed in September by Open Monument Day, with guided tours, hands-on activities, and special insights into monument preservation and building culture. In addition, many locations offer guided tours, concerts, readings, or medieval markets throughout the year—for example, in historic courtyards, knights' halls, or wine cellars. In addition, many locations offer guided tours, concerts, readings, or medieval markets throughout the year—for example, in historic courtyards, knights' halls, or wine cellars.

Many castles, cathedrals, and palaces open their doors specifically for young guests. Here, history becomes a playground—with treasure hunts, puzzle tours, or guided tours in costume. Wernigerode Castle offers interactive tours for families. And in Bernburg, audio guides specially designed for children complement the family-friendly offerings—for independent discoveries at your own pace. In Querfurt, there is a summer cinema, a holiday program, and even the opportunity to celebrate your birthday as a knight or damsel. And in Naumburg Cathedral, young visitors can get creative in the KinderDomBauhütte.

When things quiet down in the countryside, many castles and palaces show off their bright side. In December, Wernigerode Castle is transformed into a festive winter castle. Advent markets in Bernburg, Falkenstein Castle, and Jerichow Monastery also get visitors in the mood for Christmas. In Merseburg, the castle courtyard opens for Christmas at the castle – with music, crafts, and regional cuisine. Where courtyards and chapels are bathed in light, history feels alive even in winter. The Christmas world at Döbbelin Castle offers a festive atmosphere all year round – with decorations, exhibitions, and a shop in a historic setting.

Aerial view of Pretzsch Castle in Bad Schmiedeberg

More Castles, Palaces and Museums

Further information on all castles, palaces and museums in Saxony-Anhalt is provided by the Saxony-Anhalt Cultural Foundation.

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Discover the Romanesque Road in Saxony-Anhalt

The Romanesque Road connects more than 80 buildings from the period between 950 and 1250. Churches, cathedrals, monasteries, and castles can be found along two routes through Saxony-Anhalt. The buildings bear witness to the influence of the Ottonians and the cultural awakening of an entire region.

They are characterized by round arches, thick walls and calm proportions. Many buildings have remained largely unchanged. A north and south route make the medieval heritage visible - not as a backdrop, but as part of a living memory. Museums, exhibitions and guided tours make history accessible in many places. They show how architecture remains part of today's cultural landscape. The Romanesque Route conveys history through architecture and creates a connection to the present.

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