Hartenfels Castle

Hartenfels Castle is a true masterpiece of the early Renaissance, beautifully hidden in Torgau, one of the German Renaissance's prettiest towns and the Reformation's political center. One of the most modern palace complexes in Europe was erected on the foundations of a castle in the 16th century when the Large Spiral Staircase was built and the Castle Chapel was consecrated by Martin Luther himself.

Hartenfels Castle was fortified on the bank of the Elbe River. The spiral staircase in the courtyard, like a centerpiece of the castle, is breathtaking. In addition, visitors can marvel at the castle church, the first Protestant church, the background in the lower courtyard, and the exhibition "Traces of Unrighteousness" by the Documentation and Information Center (DIZ) Torgau. Besides, the famous residents of the castle are brown bears. During the 16th century, the owner of the castle wanted to hunt bears in his yard.

This is considered to be the world’s first-ever Protestant church. In the late 18th and 19th centuries, the castle became part of the Saxon-Napoleonic fortifications and later served as a barracks for the Prussian Army. The multimedia exhibition at Hartenfels Castle offers precious insights into everyday courtly life in Torgau. You can round off your day with the glorious view from the Hausmann Tower and a pleasant visit to the castle café.

Location: Schloßstraße 27, 04860 Torgau, Saxony, Germany