Dornröschenschloss Sababurg - The legendary fairytale castle
The Sababurg, also known as Dörnröschenschloss, is the highlight for guests from near and far. Situated in the middle of the Reinhardswald forest in northern Hesse, it s a real eye-catcher. The magnificent rose garden and the impressive doors of Sababurg Castle are said to have once served as a model for the Grimm fairy tale "Sleeping Beauty". Even today, on selected days, you can experience the fairytale Sleeping Beauty live.An overview of the history of the Sababurg
The Sababurg was built in 1334 from the nearby pilgrimage site of Gottsbüren, then still called Zapfenburg.
After various disputes, the castle was owned by Hesse in 1492. In 1490, Landgrave Wilhelm I had the castle converted into a hunting lodge before it was occupied and severely damaged by Field Marshal Tilly during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648).
Since the dilapidated castle was surrounded by a tall and long hedge of thorns at that time, it may have served as a model for the Grimm fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty and has since been popularly known as "Sleeping Beauty's Castle". In 1760, during the Seven Years' War, the castle was occupied by French soldiers and fell into further disrepair. Later, in the years 1824-1826, the west, east and south wings of the castle were demolished.
By the state of Hesse, the complex was gradually renovated in the 1950s/60s in a "castle hotel" fashion. Since 2018, the State of Hesse has been renovating the Sleeping Beauty Castle Sababurg as the owner.
Current use of the Sababurg
From April to October, on Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm (2:30pm in English), you can meet Sleeping Beauty and her prince for a reception and experience the fairytale-like performance of the Grimm's fairytale "Sleeping Beauty" in short form. Funny and modern, the professional actors from the Kassel Theatre present a 30-minute theatre performance in the legendary Wolf's Gorge, which takes place in the former Knights' Hall under the open sky.
In cooperation with the State of Hesse, the Sleeping Beauty Town of Hofgeismar is endeavouring to ensure that the enchanted castle complex with its courtyard and sun terrace will remain open even during the extensive renovation work. A tip: If you pay a visit to Sleeping Beauty Castle Sababurg, you should take the opportunity to explore the nearby Sababurg Zoo or the Sababurg primeval forest immediately afterwards.
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