Hartenfels Castle

Hartenfels Castle in Torgau is one of the most important Renaissance palaces in Germany and the largest fully preserved palace of the early Renaissance in the country. On the banks of the Elbe in Saxony, it is known for its free-standing spiral staircase, the Great Wendelstein, and for its palace chapel, which Martin Luther consecrated in 1544. Two brown bears live in the moat, and the museum explains how Torgau became a residence of the Reformation. It makes an easy day trip from Leipzig.

Why it is special

After the Wettin lands were divided in 1485, the Ernestine line made Hartenfels its main residence. Construction began in the 15th century and continued in the 16th. The Great Wendelstein was built around 1533 to 1535. The palace chapel was built in 1543 and 1544 and consecrated by Martin Luther in person on October 5, 1544, which the palace administration calls the first church he consecrated. The Albertine line took over in 1547 after the Schmalkaldic War, and the court later moved to Dresden. In 1627 "Dafne", considered the first opera in German, was performed here. Bears have been kept in the moat since 1425, with a gap after 1760.

What to see

Look for the Wendelstein, the chapel, the bear enclosure and the exhibitions in the wings around the courtyard, including a permanent show on Torgau as a residence of the Renaissance and Reformation and a memorial exhibition on Wehrmacht justice. The 53-meter Hausmannsturm tower with its viewing platform is closed until further notice.

Tickets and opening hours

As of October 2026, summer hours apply: the exhibitions are open daily except Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the courtyard and Great Wendelstein daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. From November to March the exhibitions open daily except Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A combined ticket for the permanent and special exhibitions costs 6 euros (reduced 5 euros). Children and teens up to 17, the memorial exhibition and the chapel are free. A public guided tour costs 7 euros, and a guided visit to the bears costs 10 euros for adults and 5 euros for children.

How to get there

The address is Schloßstraße 27, 04860 Torgau. Take the S4 or the RE10 regional train from Leipzig to Torgau, then walk 20 minutes through the town or take bus 759 to Friedrichplatz, followed by a ten-minute walk. By car, follow the B87 to the Elbe bridge. Parking details are on the Torgau tourism site.

Accessibility and dogs

Wing D is fully step-free with a large elevator, while the Wendelstein, the Hausmannsturm and the rose garden can only be reached by stairs. Dogs are allowed on the grounds but not inside. A palace cafe offers refreshments, with outdoor seating in the courtyard in warm weather.