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Historical places #1 in Ettlingen

Schloss Ettlingen

4.5 · 1,366 reviews
Culturally vibrant and historically dignified
Schloss Ettlingen, 76275 Ettlingen
Interesting facts
1

The Baroque transformation was commissioned by Sibylla Augusta of Saxe-Lauenburg, who served as regent after her husband's death.

2

The Asam Room is one of the few surviving secular interior works by the renowned brothers Cosmas Damian and Egid Quirin Asam.

3

The palace interior survived Allied bombing raids during WWII, preserving original 18th-century ceiling paintings.

4

The regional museum inside holds a significant collection of Roman artifacts unearthed from the surrounding Albgau region.

5

The courtyard features an acoustically engineered design specifically to host summer theater productions.

6

Parts of the eastern wing utilize masonry salvaged from the 12th-century medieval fortress that occupied the site.

7

The palace grounds transition directly into the landscaped paths of the Ettlingen city park.

8

The distinctive 'White Tower' is the oldest architectural element remaining on the palace grounds.

Overview

Schloss Ettlingen is a Baroque palace located on the banks of the Alb river, serving as the cultural heart of the city. The palace foundations date back to a 12th-century medieval castle, which was later converted into a Baroque residential palace by Margrave Ludwig Wilhelm of Baden-Baden between 1727 and 1733. It currently houses the Ettlingen Museum, which focuses on regional history, art, and archaeology. The Asam Room, featuring high-Baroque frescoes by the famous Asam brothers, is the palace's most significant interior space. The site hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including the Schlossfestspiele open-air theater festival in the courtyard. The palace complex includes a preserved medieval tower that survived the destruction of the original castle. Extensive courtyards and administrative wings are currently integrated into the municipal infrastructure of Ettlingen.

Photo spot

From the bridge crossing the Alb river looking back at the main facade.

Insider tips

Combine your museum visit with a walk through the adjacent city park to see the palace exterior from the riverside.

Check the local municipal calendar before visiting to see if your trip coincides with the summer Schlossfestspiele theater festival.

Visit the Ettlingen Museum reception to inquire about guided tours of the Asam Room, as access can sometimes be limited during private events.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to enter private municipal offices located in the side wings; stick to the museum and courtyard areas.

Good to know

Museum typically closed on Mondays.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Summer afternoons, to enjoy the courtyard atmosphere and nearby park gardens.
Address
Schloss Ettlingen, 76275 Ettlingen
48.941, 8.406
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsAsam Room frescoes, Roman archaeological finds from the Albgau region

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Summer afternoons, to enjoy the courtyard atmosphere and nearby park gardens..

From the bridge crossing the Alb river looking back at the main facade.

Close by you'll find Schlossfestspiele Ettlingen, Zoological Gardens Karlsruhe, Herz-Jesu-Kirche.