- Ongoing renovations at Hohenzollern Castle persist
A year after the brutal storm hit Burg Hohenzollern in Bisingen, repairs are still underway. The massive rain and winds led to extensive water damage, specifically infiltrating the historic castle in Zollernalb district, which is around 65 kilometers south of Stuttgart. Anja Hoppe, the castle's operations head, clarified the situation.
The historic floorboards have swollen, and mold has grown on old beams. Water stains are now visible on some walls, and in certain areas, sections of plaster walls have crumbled. Hoppe estimated the total cost of the damage, including the castle and its surroundings, at approximately 300,000 euros.
Approximately 35 out of the 326 rooms in the grand castle have been impacted. Five of these rooms are open to visitors, with signs detailing the storm's damage. Some parquet boards are missing here and there, and they'll need to be replaced soon. The restoration work is set to continue until the end of the year.
Hoppe recalled a heavy thunderstorm that hit the Zollernalb district during the night of August 24-25, 2023. The storm not only caused damage within the castle but also uprooted numerous trees in the forest below the historic walls. The castle was closed to visitors for two consecutive days.
The majestic Burg Hohenzollern stands atop a hill. Scholars believe an early version of the castle might have been constructed as early as the 11th century, with its first mention in the 13th century. After various sieges, partial destructions, and multiple rebuilds, the castle was fully restored between 1850 and 1867, under the reign of King Friedrich Wilhelm IV.
Approximately 250,000 to 300,000 tourists visit this Hohenzollern family's ancestral seat annually, as revealed by the administration. The castle offers a diverse range of historic rooms, including a treasury that houses the Prussian king's crown from 1889, along with other relics.
Learn more about the castle's history
The restoration team is focusing on replacing damaged parquet boards, particularly those that are less than 30 cm wide. The other affected areas include repairing moldy beams and replacing crumbled plaster walls.
