There are many romantic places in Berlin. We mean that in the literal sense: German Romanticism, as a cultural-historical epoch, has left its mark on the city. It was about feelings rather than reason, the unconscious, loneliness, and dreams. The Old National Gallery on Museum Island is the best place to get a glimpse of this bygone era. Or you can take advantage of the spring weather for a day trip to Brandenburg. This is where one of the central places of longing of Romanticism is located. Wiepersdorf Castle, about 50 miles south of Berlin in the Lower Fläming region, is not a typical magnificent castle, but a place of tranquility, literature, and the spirits of the past.
An icon of its time
Photo: Shutterstock
Wiepersdorf Castle was once a knight’s estate. In 1780, it was purchased and rebuilt. It is particularly well known as the former residence of the poet couple Achim and Bettina von Arnim, who lived here in the early 19th century. Bettina von Arnim in particular is considered one of the most fascinating women of her time. She was one of the first women to publicly advocate for the poor and oppressed. In her book “This Book Belongs to the King,” she directly criticized the Prussian king and called for social reforms. Her face even adorned the former five-mark bill!
Architecturally , the castle complex impresses with its unique park, which was redesigned in the Italian style in the late 19th century. In addition to a picturesque orangery, there are various sandstone figures from Greek and Roman mythology. Achim and Bettina von Arnim are also buried in the small family cemetery right next to the castle church – a simple place of pilgrimage for literature enthusiasts.
From the residence of a poet couple to an international artists’ retreat
Wiepersdorf became famous as the setting for one of the most famous “long-distance relationships” in literary history. Unlike her husband, Bettina von Arnim could hardly stand living at Wiepersdorf Castle and spent a great deal of time in Berlin. However, she later came to appreciate what others valued so much about Romanticism:“This wonderful solitude makes me happy,” she wrote in a letter to her sister.
Today, the castle is still famous as an artists’ residence. It serves as a cultural foundation where writers, composers, and visual artists from all over the world work on their projects in the seclusion of the Brandenburg countryside. The Wiepersdorf Castle Museum is open in the summer with free admission.Events are regularly held on the castle grounds: listen to readings on World Poetry Day, drop by for film screenings, or visit the spring festival of the current scholarship holders. At Wiepersdorf Castle, Brandenburg romanticism meets modern art performance.