Schloss Wilhelmsburg
About This Site
Schloss Wilhelmsburg is the Renaissance palace Landgrave Wilhelm IV of Hesse-Kassel built from 1585 and consecrated in 1590, its original room layout, wall paintings and stucco still intact. It now holds the permanent exhibition on Martin Luther's era and the Schmalkaldic League, the alliance whose eight meetings in this town gave it its name.[1]
A Renaissance palace, 1585–1590
Wilhelm IV had the older castle on this site rebuilt as a secondary residence starting in 1585; it was consecrated on 23 May 1590. The palace kept its original room structure, wall paintings and stucco work, along with a reconstructed terrace garden.[1]
The League that met here, 1530–1537
The Schmalkaldic League, the alliance of Protestant princes and cities, convened in this town eight times from December 1530, and the palace's own exhibition sets that history out in the rooms where a share of the meetings themselves took place.[1] Martin Luther's most significant visit, in February 1537, is part of the same story.
Questions visitors ask
- When was Schloss Wilhelmsburg built?
- Landgrave Wilhelm IV of Hesse-Kassel had it built from 1585, and it was consecrated on 23 May 1590.[1]
- What can visitors see inside?
- The palace's original room layout survives, with its wall paintings and stucco, alongside a reconstructed terrace garden and the permanent exhibition on Luther's era and the Schmalkaldic League.[1]
- Why is the palace connected to the Schmalkaldic League?
- The League, the alliance of Protestant princes and cities, held its assemblies in Schmalkalden eight times from December 1530, and the palace now tells that history in rooms a share of the meetings themselves used.[1]
- What are the opening hours?
- April to October, daily 10:00–18:00; November to March, Tuesday to Sunday 10:00–16:00.
- How much does admission cost?
- €8 for adults, €6 reduced (people with disabilities, pupils, students, holders of a social pass), €20 for a family ticket; children up to 6 are free.
Sources
- Schloss Wilhelmsburg — Stadt Schmalkalden, retrieved 30 August 2026
Visit Information
€8 adults; €6 reduced (disabled visitors, pupils, students, social-pass holders); €20 family; children up to 6 free
April–October: daily 10:00–18:00; November–March: Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–16:00
Schlossberg 9, 98574 Schmalkalden