Sleeping Beauty Castle Sababurg - Dornröschenschloss Sababurg

Dear visitors,

The Sababurg Castle, also known as the Sleeping Beauty Castle, is a popular attraction for guests from near and far. Perched high in the Reinhardswald, it overlooks the beloved Sababurg Wildlife Park. With its magnificent rose garden and towers, the Sababurg is said to have served as the inspiration for the Grimm fairytale "Sleeping Beauty." And even today, you can experience Sleeping Beauty herself on selected days, brought to life right here.

Visitor Information for the Year 2023:

Since 2018, the state of Hessen, as the owner, has been renovating the Sababurg Castle. Extensive restoration work is still required, including the building and the castle garden, before the castle can be fully reopened (expected in 2026). Despite these ongoing construction efforts, the town of Hofgeismar in the Reinhardswald Nature Park is working in collaboration with the state of Hessen to allow the enchanting site with its courtyard and sun terrace to remain open for visitors. At selected times, you can encounter Sleeping Beauty and the Prince strolling through the castle grounds. Take a walk along the old walls and enjoy a breathtaking view of the fairytale-like nature.

Opening Hours from April 7th to October 3rd, 2023:

The outdoor areas are open on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on Hessian public holidays, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, free of charge.

Free Events: Audiences and Open-Air Fairytale Performances

From April 30th to October 3rd, 2023, you can meet Sleeping Beauty and her Prince for an audience every Sunday at 2:00 PM (2:30 PM in English) and experience shortened versions of the Grimm fairytale "Sleeping Beauty." Professional actors will present a witty and modern theater performance in the former Knights' Hall, under the open sky, lasting approximately 30 minutes.

Summer Theater at Sababurg

Until September 2nd, 2023, you can dive even deeper into the world of fairytales: The Sababurg Summer Theater offers beautiful and impressive plays. On many Saturdays during the summer, the Sababurg Castle transforms into a theater stage, inviting you to magical moments. The plays "Das Geheimnis der Märchenwaldes" ("The Secret of the Fairy Tale Forest") and "GRIMMige Geschichten" ("GRIMM Stories") are performed on a weekly rotation. Tickets are available at the Tourist Information in the Reinhardswald Nature Park in Hofgeismar, in the ticket shop, or at the box office. Join us and look forward to an enchanting evening!

A Brief History of the Castle:

The Sababurg was originally built in 1334 to protect pilgrims from the nearby pilgrimage site of Gottsbüren. At that time, it also served as a border fortress, as it bordered the Mainz diocese with the diocese of Paderborn, as well as the Landgraviate of Hessen and the Duchy of Brunswick.

After various conflicts, the castle came into the possession of Hessen in 1462. From 1490, Landgrave Wilhelm I had the structure converted and expanded into a hunting lodge before it was occupied and heavily damaged by Catholic troops led by Field Marshal Tilly during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648). After that, the castle fell into disrepair.

At that time, the castle's dilapidated complex was surrounded by a long and high hedge of thorns, which may have served as the inspiration for the Grimm fairytale of Sleeping Beauty. Since then, it has been known colloquially as the "Dornröschenschloss" ("Sleeping Beauty Castle"). Between 1654 and 1730, Landgrave Karl and others made minor extensions to the Sababurg. In 1760, during the Seven Years' War (1756-1763), the castle was occupied by French soldiers and fell into disrepair. Later, it served as a forestry house. In 1824-1826, the west, east, and south wings of the castle were demolished.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the state of Hessen gradually renovated the complex to resemble a "castle hotel." The Sleeping Beauty Castle became a well-known upscale hotel destination for fine dining and events. In April 2018, extensive restoration work began, leading to the closure of the hotel and restaurant operations until the present day.