Berlin impresses us every day – but at some point we have had enough of the same streets, buildings, and impressions that surround us daily. Then we are drawn out of the city: to take a deep breath, to discover, to fill our horizons with new images. Fortunately, this is particularly easy around Berlin. Brandenburg offers an impressive variety of castles – from the oldest Baroque castle in the state to magnificent historicist complexes in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. And the list goes on and on. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time for a short break in a listed neo-baroque palace – ideal for making special moments unforgettable. But there are also some real highlights among the castles. We’re presenting one of them to you today: Eisenhardt Castle in Bad Belzig, just an hour’s drive from Berlin, located in the heart of Brandenburg.
Photo: Getty Images
Eisenhardt Castle is a medieval hilltop castle that towers prominently above the town of Bad Belzig in the Hoher Fläming Nature Park. Due to its location on a spur-like hill, the so-called Bricciusberg in the southwest of the town, it is one of the oldest and most important castles in Brandenburg. Its history dates back around 3,000 years to the first traces of human settlement in this place. First mentioned in documents in 997 AD, the castle was expanded into a fortress by the Electors of Saxony in the 15th century. In 1465, it was given the name “Eisenhardt” – a symbol of strength and defensibility (“hard as iron”). After suffering severe damage during the Thirty Years’ War (1636), extensive renovations were carried out in the 17th century and later under Prussian rule, including on the instructions of King Frederick William IV, who visited the castle in 1849.
With its seven-sided curtain wall and striking defensive towers (rondelles), the castle boasts extraordinary architecture. Inside is the impressive round keep, which was originally built in the 13th century and now serves as a viewing tower (approx. 24–28 meters high). The gatehouse dates from the 15th century and was later remodeled in the Baroque style. In the castle courtyard, visitors can discover a reconstructed cistern, a well, the castle chapel (Briccius Chapel, first mentioned in 1161), and the foundation walls of older buildings, among other things. What may surprise many is that the castle has a medieval underfloor heating system, known as a hypocaust. This heating system was already known in ancient times and was further developed in the Middle Ages. As such systems were extremely rare, it is considered a special feature of this castle.
Photo: @stein.therme (Instagram)
Today, the castle houses a local history museum that presents, among other things, the history of the complex, the Landwehr battle at Hagelberg (1813), and regional topics. The castle tower can be climbed for a small admission fee and rewards visitors with an impressive panoramic view of Bad Belzig and the Fläming landscape. Guided tours, adventure activities —some with a medieval theme—and cultural events make the castle a real place of discovery.
But it’s not just Eisenhardt Castle that is worth a visit: right next door is the SteinTherme spa resort. It offers everything you need for a relaxing break – especially in the cold season. This includes a 34°C warm saltwater pool with underwater music and light projections, as well as the atmospheric “LichtKlangRaum” (light and sound room). If you would like to find out more about the thermal spa, read on here in this article!