Impressive castle tour: Seniors Union enthusiastic about Braunfels!

Impressive castle tour: Seniors Union enthusiastic about Braunfels!

On October 2, 2025, the seniors' union from Herscheid went on an exciting journey of discovery into the historic old town of Braunfels. The day trip was originally supposed to take place on August 13th, but the oppressive heat forced the group to postpone it, which finally took place in mid-September. Braunfels, known as a climatic health resort in the Lahn-Dill district in central Hesse, offered a perfect backdrop for this excursion.

The seniors received an impressive tour of the majestic Braunfels Castle, which is also known as the “Hessian Neuschwanstein” due to its fairytale appearance. It's only understandable that the steep climb to the castle was a real challenge for the participants. After all, the castle sits on a basalt rock and looks back on a long history that dates back to the 13th century.

History and architecture

Braunfels Castle, first documented in 1246, originally served as a defensive fortress and later as the residence of the Counts of Solms-Braunfels. Even today, the castle is still inhabited by the family of the Counts von Oppersdorff zu Solms-Braunfels, who have felt connected to the history of the property for over 800 years. The impressive architecture combines different styles, including Romanesque, Baroque and Historicism, and tells of the extensive renovations and expansions over the centuries.

The magnificent lounges, which could be viewed during the tour, are particularly fascinating. Here visitors came across artistic paintings, magnificent tapestries and interesting sacred art objects. The furniture, which dates from the 15th to 19th centuries, reflects the exciting family history that lies hidden within the walls of the castle.

Cultural experiences

In the afternoon, the focus was on the city's 750-year history. The charming, richly decorated half-timbered houses and the harmonious interaction with modern buildings created a picture that did justice to the historical flair of the city. For the seniors, this day was not only a trip into the past, but also an opportunity to properly conclude the Seniors' Union's calendar of events for 2025. The board will provide information about the newly planned activities for 2026 on November 6th.

Another event will take place on October 1st: a waffle dinner with a lecture on Schade Social Services, which is intended to strengthen the community.

The castle and surrounding area not only offer historical insights, but also numerous cultural events, including open-air opera concerts in summer, which attract visitors of all ages. Braunfels Castle remains a cultural monument that not only tells history, but is also a part of active life in the region. If you would like to find out more about the castle, you can find out about the various offers on the castle's website and discover the fascinating collections in the princely family museum.

For the members of the Senior Citizens' Union, this excursion was not only an educational experience, but also a welcome opportunity to leave everyday life behind and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area. Nothing is better than an afternoon immersed in the history and culture of Braunfels - an experience that will be remembered.

Further information about Braunfels Castle can be found on the pages of come-on.de, Wikipedia and Braunfels Castle.